Format
100% online
Time Commitment
Part-time or full-time options
Duration
3-5 years
Program Start
Summer
Credits
60

Program Overview

Endicott’s research-based doctorate in education program prepares students to serve as experts in their field through coursework, mentorship, and Endicott’s signature doctoral apprenticeship. Students will develop their research knowledge and skills to address educational problems in higher education.

This 100% online program uses a blend of synchronous and asynchronous modalities. Students will pursue research and/or teaching opportunities under the mentorship of a faculty member.

The Higher Education concentration will prepare students to better understand the administrative, political, financial, legal, and socio-cultural aspects of higher education. Graduates from this program go on to serve in a variety of roles in higher education.

Doctoral Admission Requirements

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 60

Foundational Coursework - 9 Credits

  • EDL 703 - History of Higher Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 710 - Sociology of Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 730 - Current Issues in Educational Policy (Cr: 3)

Research Methods and Literature Review

  • EDL 715 - Introduction to Qualitative Research (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 716 - Literature Review I (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 735 - Research Methods II: Quantitative (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 736 - Literature Review II (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 752A - Research Methods III: Program Evaluation/Action Research (Cr: 3)
  • EDU 716 - Advanced Qualitative Methods  (Cr: 3)
  • EDU 720 - Narrative Methods, Portraiture, and Autoethnography (Cr: 3)
  • EDU 736 - Advanced Quantitative Methods (Cr: 3)

Electives - 12 Credits

Choose four from the following courses:

  • EDL 708 - Change Leadership in Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 720 - Transformational Leadership in Contemporary Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 738 - Ethical Leadership in Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 746 - Finance, Budget, and Operations (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 760 - Student Development: History and Issues (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 764 - Theories and Practice in Academic Leadership (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 768 - Teaching, Learning & Institutional Culture in Higher Education (Cr: 3)
  • EXM 700 - Comprehensive Paper (Cr: 0)

Research Apprenticeship - 6 Credits

  • EDL 772A/772B - Doctoral Apprenticeship I & II (Cr: 6)

Dissertation Sequence - 9 Credits

  • EDL 755A - Dissertation Study Part I (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 755B - Dissertation Study Part II (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 755C - Dissertation Study Part III (Cr: 3)
  • EDL 782 - Dissertation Continuation (Cr: 0)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will:
  • Develop fluency with significant empirical and theoretical works in the field of education.
  • Locate and synthesize existing research to analyze contemporary problems in the field.
  • Demonstrate mastery of social scientific research processes to conduct research in an ethical manner.
  • Communicate clearly with a scholarly audience via written research and oral presentations.
  • Conduct independent, original research that contributes to their field or area of interest.

View academic catalog and learning outcomes
School of Education

Faculty

Endicott’s professors aren’t just teachers; they are scholars, authors, thought leaders, and experts in their fields, so you learn best practices from experienced practitioners who share insights from their real-world experience. You will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to make an impact and accelerate your career.

Advance Your Career With Endicott

Endicott is known for its excellence in preparing students for their careers. With a small-school environment and personalized guidance, we are focused on your success and provide the tools you need to accelerate your career.

  • Your Studies, Your Way

    We understand the demands of balancing work, life, and grad school. So we’ve made our graduate programs flexible to meet your needs. Classes are available in-person, 100% online, or hybrid, allowing you to find the right fit for your busy life.

  • Academics & Resources

    Our curriculum grounds you in the essentials of an advanced education, our expert, approachable faculty are real-world practitioners who offer direction and guidance, and our modern, state-of-the-art facilities are available to help you pursue your goals.

  • Career Support & Networking

    The knowledgeable, professional staff at Endicott’s Career Center provides personalized career support to help you meet your goals. From career advising and resume help to sharpening your interview skills and connecting with our extensive alumni network, you will receive a lifetime of support to help you with job search strategies at any stage of your career. Once a Gull, always a Gull!

Industry Insights

Get a glimpse of the types of careers you can pursue with this degree, along with estimated salaries and projected growth rates, sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Example Job Titles Median Annual Salary Projected Job Growth (2024-2034)
Education Professor $83,980 7%
Education Researcher/Social Scientist $95,890 4%
Provost/Chief Academic Officer $103,960 2%

Experiential learning is transformative

The Endicott Experiential Edge

At Endicott, learning goes beyond theory. Through real-world case studies, practitioner-led instruction, and applied problem-solving, you’ll gain the skills and experience to make an immediate impact in your field.

Doctoral Apprenticeship 1 & 2

Combine doctoral-level study with paid, hands-on training to gain practical experience while earning your doctorate.

Structured Real-World Learning

Using structured, sequential phases with a focus on foundational knowledge and methodology, learn to navigate complex, professional, or academic environments while establishing research frameworks and engaging in initial employer-based projects.

Program Cost: $67,980
Endicott is committed to fostering lifelong learning, including making all levels of education accessible to students who are motivated to learn and succeed.
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Tuition & Fees
The total cost of attendance reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year and depends on how quickly students complete the program. Please visit the link below for more information on tuition and fees, and read our Financial Aid information for ways to fund your education. You may also reach out to one of our helpful graduate school admission staff with any questions.
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Financial Aid
Investing in an advanced education is a significant financial commitment, but it is an investment in your future. At Endicott College, we believe in supporting our students through financial aid to ensure success, while maintaining financial stability. Financial aid available for graduate students includes federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS loans, as well as additional private loan options. Please visit this page for more information about financial aid for our graduate programs.
Learn more about advancing your career with Endicott.
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