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Apply By: August 01, 2025
Next Start Date: August 18, 2025

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - School District Administrative Leadership Specialization Overview

At the University of Southern Indiana, our online Doctorate in Educational Leadership prepares you to effectively solve problems, manage school policy issues, cultivate curriculum planning, and demonstrate ethical and legal leadership skills. Specifically, the School District Administrative Leadership Specialization is a track that leads to school district-level licensure.

As an educator, you know that classrooms and educational delivery continue changing and transforming. To keep pace with an ever-evolving world and build a strong future, schools and universities need innovative leaders. Join the ranks of change-makers shaping the next chapter of American education by completing an online Doctor of Education program.

At the University of Southern Indiana, our 100% online Doctorate in Educational Leadership is designed for working professionals like you — dedicated educators who have earned a master’s degree from an accredited university.

Our online Doctor of Education program consists of just two classes each semester and one in the summer. Whichever specialty path you choose, USI’s program provides an exemplary education that puts you in control. Our program provides some synchronous learning (meets Wednesday's 5:30-8:30pm CST) opportunities that are a personalized, interactive experience for each student. The program is cohort-based, with fall-only admission.


Online Learning

USI faculty and staff are dedicated to giving you the support you need no matter the modality for which you're taking classes. Check out our robust resources for online students including what online learning is, technology requirements and frequently asked questions.

Online Student Resources

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100% Online
60 Credit Hours
Complete in 4 Academic Years

Credits Breakdowns

Doctoral Credit
Requirements

18
Credits

Specialization and Dissertation

42
Credits

Total Credits

60
Credits

Courses within the EdD are offered entirely online using a learning management system and videoconferencing. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. CST. Access to a reliable computer with internet access, microphone, speakers and a camera are required. 

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Southern Indiana is a cohort program based on a practitioner-scholar, community-based model. The purpose of the program is to transform leaders, organizations, and communities through focused, flexible study addressing real-world problems and issues. A unique characteristic of the program is a curriculum in which each course is community-based, i.e. course content is connected to the graduate student's community. Academic study is connected to concepts, issues, and content that are familiar, understandable, accessible, and personally relevant to each student. In each course, students will apply learning in practical real-life settings. The program of study includes an 18-hour leadership core, a 12-hour research sequence, the choice of a 15-hour concentration in administrative leadership or pedagogical leadership, and a 15-hour dissertation sequence. Both concentration areas include an internship.

  1. Submit an online application, $40 application fee, and a list of 3 references (names, relation to you and email address). One must be an employment supervisor and the other two must be professional references.
  2. Upload the following to your application account:
    1. A current resume/curriculum vitae. The file should be a PDF and use the following naming convention: First Name Last Name EdD resume.pdf (example: Joe Smith EdD resume.pdf).
    2. A second PDF answering the following questions:
      • How do you foresee this program positively impacting your community?
      • What do you perceive as a major social justice issue in your field? How do you hope to address it?
      • How will your work contribute to equitable outcomes in education?
      • Imagine yourself in 5 years from now/after you graduate, what do you see yourself doing professionally and with whom will you be working with?
  3. Submit transcripts to Graduate Studies. 
    • Official transcripts are required only from the institution at which your highest degree was earned. Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be emailed from the previous institution to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu 
    • Unofficial transcripts from other institutions attended can be submitted via email by the applicant to Graduate.Studies@usi.edu 
    • Applicants who wish to seek transfer credit for graduate coursework must submit an official transcript from the institution where that work was completed. 
    • Mailed transcripts can be sent to this address:Graduate Studies
      University of Southern Indiana 
      8600 University Blvd. 
      Evansville, IN 47712
  4. Read the full transcript policy by clicking here.
  5. International applicants may be required to submit additional information.

Incoming Students

  • Start Date:
    August 18, 2025
    Application Deadline:
    August 01, 2025
    Document Deadline:
    August 08, 2025
    Registration Deadline:
    August 15, 2025

College & Department Contacts

Dr. Elizabeth M. Wilkins
Assistant Professor of Education
Director of Doctoral Program in Education

Career Outlook

Evansville Regional Data

A Doctor of Education in Leadership provides the credential you need to enter the highest-paying positions in educational leadership.

At USI, our online doctorate in educational leadership features diverse courses taught by exceptional faculty members. Our challenging online educational leadership doctoral program sets you up for success.

As you pursue your Doctor of Education in Leadership, you’ll gain a solid educational foundation that includes knowledge of the law, policy, finance and diversity.

Our online educational leadership doctoral program prepares you to become an effective and thoughtful educational leader. Along with your cohort, you’ll study:

  • Legal and Ethical Issues for Educational Leaders
  • Analyzing Race, Class, and Gender Dynamics in American Education
  • Creating Community-Based Curricular Change
  • Orchestrating a Community-Based Educational Vision
Evansville Regional Data

Top Regional Occupations by Income

*income information provided by O*NET Online. Occupation opportunities vary by region and experience.

The University of Southern Indiana is committed to making college accessible to those wishing to further their education by providing numerous scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students in managing tuition expenses.

Teacher preparation programs are approved by the Indiana Department of Education and are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. The University of Southern Indiana’s Master of Science Education online program has earned approval and accreditation through these institutions.


Out-of-State Licensure Information

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