Education leaders choose the Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership (EdD) at American University for its focus on antiracism and the skills education leaders need to be effective, including strategic budgeting, collaborative inquiry, talent management, partnership building, learning science, and program evaluation. They also appreciate its DC connections, which help students learn how senior leaders can use federal and state policies, educational research, and organizational leadership to impact the field.
With a curriculum anchored in four core competencies, faculty experts invested in student success, a diverse cohort of like-minded peers, and the flexibility of learning online, AU’s EdD program trains education leaders in the skills and expertise they need to effect widespread, progressive change in schools and their communities.
This unique program draws applicants from across the education spectrum and worldwide looking to advance to leadership and policy-making roles. Are you ready to join a cohort of teachers and administrators committed to ensuring every student’s success? Continue reading to learn about the AU Online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership experience.
Make an Impact With a Doctorate in Education
Earn Your EdD in Education Policy and Leadership Online from AU
Who Earns the Online EdD at American University?
AU’s EdD degree is designed to advance the careers of those working in K-12 education leadership. On average, these professionals enter the program with seven to ten years of work experience. This unique program draws applicants from across the education spectrum and nationwide looking to advance to leadership and policy-making roles. They seek the skills and expertise to lead social change.
Each cohort is carefully selected to assemble a diversity of thought and profession. Applicants come from school districts (like teachers and school administrators) and beyond the classroom (from advocacy groups, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and the like).
Online program delivery means geography poses no barrier to attending (although students are required to attend three in-person residencies in Washington, DC, over three years). The dynamic mix of professional experiences and locations introduces different perspectives to class activities, providing unique insights into the challenges facing education across the nation and the globe.
How Online EdD Students Connect at American University
The AU Online EdD program is cohort-based, meaning students progress through the curriculum as part of a single peer group. Small cohorts—each is limited to 35 students—foster engagement and networking and enable students to build stronger relationships with faculty. Online classroom engagement, joint-project collaboration, and networking opportunities create a strong sense of community within the Online EdD program.
All students participate in three four-day residencies over the three-year program. Residencies, which convene on American University’s Washington, DC, campus, allow cohort members to meet, network, and collaborate on projects and challenges.
Application Requirements: Who Can Apply to the EdD Program
Admission to the Online EdD at American University is competitive. Review these requirements before applying to confirm your eligibility.
- Previous teaching experience is not required to participate in the program but is strongly recommended
- A master’s degree is required
- Students whose primary language is not English must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score
International students are eligible, provided they have:
- Proof of successful completion of a US master’s degree or equivalent
- Appropriate diplomas or satisfactory results on transcripts
- Official scores from the TOEFL, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the Duolingo English Test
The admissions committee carefully reviews every application, factoring in professional and personal experience when evaluating a candidate’s ability to succeed in the program. Applicants may be invited to participate in an interview with EdD program faculty as part of the application process. Be sure to contact an enrollment advisor with any questions about eligibility, application requirements, or program specifics.
Why Choose the Online EdD at American University?
The Online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership at American University leverages system thinking, personal leadership, social justice and antiracism, and policy and research to equip and empower tomorrow’s education leaders. Students form deep connections with like-minded cohort peers, network with expert faculty, and explore the combined online and residency learning experience. What to learn more? Enrollment advisors are available to answer your questions. If you’re ready, you can start your application online today.
