Educational Administration (EDD)
Elevate your educational leadership platform with an online Ed.D., preparing you to innovate and excel in K-12 public school administration.
- Offered 100% Online.
- 4 years
- 60 credit hours
- Dissertation required
- No foreign language credits required
Lead the Change in K-12 Education
An Ed.D. in Educational Administration at East Texas A&M University is designed to develop transformative leaders capable of driving impactful change in K-12 education. Whether improving student achievement, streamlining school operations or creating welcoming learning environments, you'll prepare to take on leadership roles as a principal, superintendent or district administrator. Learn how you can help shape policy, influence educational practices and lead with vision and purpose across all levels of education.
Spring 2026 Graduate Flex Term.
What Are My Job Opportunities?
An Ed.D. in Educational Administration can help pave the way for leadership roles such as principal, superintendent or district-level administrator, with additional opportunities in educational policy development and consulting.
Careers and Salaries
Current Median Salaries from US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Program Details
Our Ed.D. in Educational Administration program is designed to prepare you to lead educational transformation through strategic leadership, effective management and policy development.
What Might I Learn?
You will have the opportunity to gain experience in a number of key areas.
Strategic Leadership
Develop the skills to lead with vision, inspire your team and create lasting change through effective strategic planning and organizational leadership.
Staff and Team Management
Gain the ability to recruit, support and manage different teams of educators and staff, fostering collaboration and driving high performance across your school or district.
Using Data for Decision-Making
Master the use of data to make informed decisions that address educational challenges, improve student outcomes and guide school-wide initiatives.
Welcoming Leadership
Equip yourself with the tools to create a welcoming educational environment, ensuring all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Taking Classes
Our Ed.D. in Educational Administration is designed for current and aspiring principals, superintendents and education leaders. Our program aims to prepare you to address the challenges of modern education, make data-driven decisions and implement strategies to improve student outcomes and institutional effectiveness.
Online
Offered fully online, this program combines flexible learning with a comprehensive curriculum focused on enhancing instructional programs, human resources and organizational development. Through collaboration with cohorts, faculty and ongoing professional development, you can hone the skills and knowledge needed to lead and transform educational systems.
For an up to date list of course offerings, please check the schedule of classes, which is subject to change.
Curriculum
This program builds on prior education with a 36-hour major course of study, 12 hours of research tools courses and the completion of a dissertation.
Each student is assigned a curriculum advisor from the doctoral faculty to guide course selection and develop a residency plan. After completing 12 credit hours, you’ll choose a dissertation advisor (chair) and begin crafting your research proposal. A dissertation committee, comprising three faculty members—two from the department and one external—provides oversight and support throughout the dissertation process.
Our program emphasizes proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies through its research tools courses. Students progress through the program as part of a cohort, fostering collaboration and a structured approach to completing core and research courses.
Adding Value with Certificates
Boost your credentials. Earning a graduate certificate in a related field can enhance your Ed.D. and help you stand out.
Educational Diagnostician Professional Certification
Principal Certification
The Principal Certification program is designed for potential principals, assistant principals, administrators of curriculum and instruction, and all school administrators holding a position below that of superintendent.
Superintendent Certification
The Superintendent Certification program will equip you for key administrative roles. The program includes a practicum where you will put theory into practice as you work closely with your mentor/site supervisor in active leadership situations.
Finding My Community
We believe that education thrives in an environment where collaboration, support and mutual respect flourish. Our community of students and professors embodies these values, creating an enriching and dynamic atmosphere for learning and growth. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of experiences and perspectives to the table. Our professors are not only experts in their respective fields but also dedicated mentors who are committed to guiding and nurturing the next generation of scholars.
Teresa J. Farler, Ed.D.
Faculty
Peter Williams, Ph.D.
Faculty
Melissa Guerrero Arrambide EDD
Alum Faculty
Sharon Ross, Ed.D.
Faculty
Student Organizations
Our campus has many ways to engage and get involved. You can enhance your experience by joining a key student organization, such as:
- Student Leadership Association (SLA),
- Educational Administration Student Association (EASA),
- Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA),
- National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP),
- Phi Delta Kappa (PDK).
These organizations strive to offer valuable networking, leadership development, professional growth and mentorship opportunities.
What’s more, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) also provides support through funding, social events and a platform for graduate student advocacy and involvement in university decision-making.
I’m Looking For Something Different
Is this program close, but still not right for you? Check out our related degrees!
Financing My Future
Financial Aid
Financial aid includes a variety of programs, like scholarships, federal and state grants, and federal and state work-study programs. Find out how you may be eligible for scholarships, grants, loans and/or a graduate assistantship. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Back to menuOn-Campus Employment Opportunities
Enhance your expertise through on-campus employment opportunities.
Graduate Assistant/Research/Teaching
Graduate assistant teaching (GAT), graduate assistant research (GAR), and graduate assistant non-teaching (GANT) assistantships at East Texas A&M offer financial support and professional development for graduate students. Assistantships are available in academic and non-academic departments.
Back to menuCost Before Financial Aid
East Texas A&M is one of the most affordable colleges around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Our tuition rates are some of the most competitive in Texas.
$3,669
for Texas residents
/
$7,341
For non-residents
Tuition and fees for graduate students taking nine credit hours are $3,669 for Texas residents and $7,341 for non-residents. But don’t worry: there are
Back to menuAdditional Fees May Apply
- Online Courses ($50 per hour)
- Remote Locations ($20 per hour)
- Lab Fees ($5 – $30 per course)
How Do I Get Started?
If you have not already done so, complete the Request Information form. You’ll be connected with your enrollment specialist, who can answer your questions. When you’re ready, go ahead and follow the steps below to apply.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission, you must first meet the following criteria.
- GPA minimum 3.4
- Master's degree from an accredited University
Admission Process
Note: This program is not available to international students.
Deadlines
Fall admission consideration: July 15
Spring admission consideration: November 15
- Create an account or login if you already have one
- Complete your profile section first once you log into your account
- Select “School Search” and select East Texas A&M
- Choose the semester you wish to begin
- Select “Educational Administration, EDD” as your “Program.”
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Wait to receive an application confirmation email before proceeding to the next step.
- Within two business days of your application, the Graduate School will send a confirmation email to the personal email account you used for ApplyTexas.
Submit the following documents after you receive an application confirmation email.
- Upload your documents at myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores or email your documents to your graduate coordinator unless otherwise specified below.
Your Graduate Coordinator
Contact your previous institution(s) and request that they send your official transcripts to your graduate coordinator.
- We recommend that you request transcripts for all of your academic work.
All international transcripts must be evaluated and the evaluation submitted to the Graduate School.
We accepts evaluations sent directly from the following Agencies.
- If a normal evaluation is submitted, official original transcripts with all marksheets will still need to be submitted.
- If a WES ICAP or equivalent is submitted, we will not need the official transcripts to be submitted separately.
To be considered for admission, one of the following is required
- a bachelor's degree with an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher, or
- a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 hours, or
- an awarded master's degree with an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher.
If your institution is unable to submit a digital copy, hard copies may be mailed to:
East Texas A&M University
Attn: Graduate School
PO Box 3011
Commerce, Texas 75429-3011
We will need official/original documents. If those documents are the only copies you have, the Graduate School can mail them back to you upon request. Contact your graduate coordinator for more information.
Submit the Statement of Goals Form found in the Application Packet. An additional page can be added.
Submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) which includes your academic and professional history and achievements.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
Request two signed letters of recommendation, on letterhead, from professionals who can attest to your goals and ability to succeed in the program. Those individuals should:
- Email the letter to your graduate coordinator or
- Send the letter to you. Then, you will utilize the upload system: myLeo > Apps > Check Admissions Application Status & Test Scores
One or both of the references should hold a doctoral degree.
Review the Application Packet for more information.
Look for application updates in myLeo > Apps > Check Application Status
- Once an admission decision has been made, you will receive an email to your student email account at myLeo > Apps > Leomail.
- Apply for scholarships and graduate assistantships once you are admitted.
- Apply for financial aid by submitting a FAFSA and sending it to school code 003565.
- Contact your financial aid advisor with any questions.
Once registration opens and you are eligible to enroll, your graduate enrollment specialist will contact you to complete registration.
- View your degree plan in DegreeWorks.
- To register for classes, go to myLeo > Student Resources > Registration Menu.
Contact your graduate enrollment specialist if you have any questions regarding your degree plan and registration.
Your Graduate Enrollment Specialist
I Still Have Questions
We are here to help! Send us an email. We can answer your questions and assist you in the application process.
Contact the Department
- Department of Educational Leadership
- 903.886.5520
- [email protected]
- Frank Young Education North Building, 113
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429