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Become a Decision-Maker in Education

Advance your career and transform education with our online Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership.

Tell us about yourself.

Bachelorā€™s degree required.

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted via email, phone, or text to learn more about the programs at American University.

Accreditation

The SOE is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the highest standard of accreditation.

3 Years

Earn your degree in less than three years,1 and start making an impact in education right away.

Connection

 Join an active and supportive alumni network upon graduation. 

Residencies

Complete three residencies that enable you to interface with peers and faculty.

Transform Education in the United States

American Universityā€™s School of Education believes education shouldnā€™t just focus on what students learnā€”it should provide students with an opportunity to reach their full potential and be a force for positive social change. Education should give students hope. Antiquated policies and structures have made hope hard to find in modern education, and the United States needs a new approach to education leadership and policy to bring hope and action to its schools.

The online Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership is a response to this need, empowering leaders in education who have the practical experience and theoretical knowledge to effect widespread, progressive change in education. Whether they pursue opportunities in educational instruction, organizational leadership, or policymaking, our graduates will be better prepared to change education, for every student.

Are You Ready to Transform Societies through Education?

REQUEST INFORMATION

I chose American Universityā€™s doctorate in education policy and leadership program because I want to apply my understanding of how to influence and change systems to produce research that highlights the steps for enacting policy changes that produce equitable outcomes for young children and the educators within this system. I want to continue to foster my skills in policy and research to be able to evaluate progress toward systems change.

Shayna Cook
Senior manager at an education policy firm from Washington, DC
Professional headshot of Shayna Cook
Brian Reilly

I was drawn to the program at AU because of the location, the emphasis on policy and leadership, and the entire application process from the first information sessions to the individual and group interviews. I like how we meet as a cohort for virtual face-to-face sessions in addition to the asynchronous content we work on.

Brian Reilly
Special education administrator from Massachusetts

Why American University

Two women stand outside a building and wave.

American University is a top-ranked university with award-winning faculty and a political and social legacy.

A group of students in a doctoral program in education sit at a table in a library with their hands raised.

You’ll have access to American Universityā€™s cutting-edge research, coursework, and partnerships with academic institutions throughout Washington, DC.

Two family members stand outside in front of a columned building.

Bringing the essence of the DC culture right to your home, the doctoral program in education curriculum emphasizes cultural competence and diverse perspectives.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Fall 2025
Application Deadline
January 13, 2025
Deposit Deadline
April 21, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

You will receive a Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership.

Students in the EdD program are required to take 15 courses and three residencies (40 credit hours). On average, students can earn their degree in three years. This timeline may vary depending on how many credits are taken each semester.

Yes. Students have a variety of options to fund their education. Most students in our programs are eligible for a merit-based scholarship that can range from $5,000 to $20,000 upon an admittance decision. No additional application items are required. We encourage you to consult with the Office of Financial Aid or a financial advisor when determining the best way to fund your education.

Connecting with an enrollment advisor will help you:

  • Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply
  • Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application
  • Know what to expect in your online classroom, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes, and more
  • Have an immediate line of support in the event you have questions or need clarification about the online EdD program

Learn more about the online Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership program.

REQUEST INFORMATION

1 Time to completion may vary depending on the number of credits taken per semester.