Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

Leadership in Educational Administration Specialization

School of Education

The leadership in educational administration specialization is aligned with nationally recognized school leadership standards including the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC). Throughout your course work and research, you will develop leadership and problem-solving skills that will help you become a confident, innovative, and successful administrative leader. This PhD specialization is state-approved in Minnesota and may lead to principal or superintendent licensure depending on the requirements in your home state.

You may be eligible for transfer credits of up to 48 credits.

Residency Requirements: As a doctoral learner you will attend residential colloquia in addition to your online courses. At specific milestones in your program, you will attend three colloquia, each one week in length. See residential colloquia details

ENROLL NOW FOR CLASSES BEGINNING: Program starting soon! COST PER QUARTER: $4,176 (pricing is subject to periodic adjustment) TOTAL QUARTER CREDITS: 120

Capella University is one of the only regionally accredited online universities in the nation to achieve state approval for this PhD specialization. Completing a state-approved program at an accredited institution may qualify you for licensure examination depending on requirements in your home state.

Core Courses:

• ED8007 - Leading Innovation - 4 credits
• ED8113 - Advanced Study in Research Methods - 4 credits

Specialization courses:

• ED820 - Principles of Educational Administration - 4 credits
• ED822 - The Funding of Educational Institutions - 4 credits
• ED823 - Education and the Law - 4 credits
• ED853 - Elementary School Administration - 4 credits OR
• ED854 - Secondary School Administration - 4 credits
• ED7541 - Teacher Supervision and Evaluation - 4 credits
• ED7542 - The Politics of Pre-K–12 Education - 4 credits
• ED7545 - Special Education Administration - 4 credits
• ED8111 - The Historical and Social Foundations of Education - 4 credits
• ED9984 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination I - 4 credits
• ED9985 - Doctoral Comprehensive Examination II - 4 credits
• ED9996 - Dissertation Research I - 4 credits
• ED9997 - Dissertation Research II - 4 credits
• ED9998 - Dissertation Research III - 4 credits
• ED9999 - Dissertation Research IV - 4 credits

Choose one internship sequence:

• ED7901 - Internship in Educational Administration - 4 credits AND
• ED7902 - Internship for Educational Administration II - 4 credits
• OR
• ED7903 - Internship for the Superintendency - 4 credits AND
• ED7904 - Internship for the Superintendency II - 4 credits

Twelve Elective Courses (Recommended Elective Courses):

• ED812 - The Governance of Educational Institutions - 4 credits
• ED814 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Educational Process - 4 credits
• ED815 - The Future of Educational Institutions: Topics and Trends - 4 credits
• ED818 - The Future of Teaching and Learning: Issues for the Educational Leader - 4 credits
• ED825 - Curriculum Development - 4 credits
• ED8115 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods - 4 credits
• ED8117 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods - 4 credits
• ED8119 - Advanced Practicum in Research Design - 4 credits
• ED853 - Elementary School Administration - 4 credits OR
• ED854 - Secondary School Administration - 4 credits
• ED857 - Personnel Administration - 4 credits
• ED7543 - The Superintendency (required for those seeking superintendent license) - 4 credits
• ED7544 - Introduction to School Business Administration - 4 credits
• ED7560 - Innovative Leadership - 4 credits
• ED8910 - The Minnesota Superintendency - 4 credits
• ED8911 - The Minnesota K–12 Principalship - 4 credits OR
• Choose any graduate courses.

Admission to the leadership in educational administration specialization requires learners to complete and submit the Capella University School of Education Certification of Teaching Experience form. The Pre-assessment form is included in the application process.

Learners seeking licensure in Arizona after August 2006 must secure a Structured English Immersion endorsement (SEI). Capella University has entered into an alliance with Rio Salado College regarding course work for the SEI endorsement. Learners who need this endorsement are encouraged to contact academicadvisement@mail.riosalado.edu to discuss the necessary courses and the application process at Rio Salado College.

Learners who have already taken an internship and who have the principal or superintendent license/certificate may petition the faculty chair to replace the internship with electives.

Learners seeking endorsement for Minnesota superintendency must take ED8910. Learners seeking endorsement for the Minnesota principalship must take ED8911.

Learners seeking principal licensure in Minnesota must take ED8911.

Learners seeking endorsement for Minnesota superintendency must take ED8910.

Learners seeking licensure in states not requiring an internship may petition the faculty director for permission to replace the internship with electives.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360-725-6320 or profed@ospi.wednet.edu to determine whether this education program is approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district to learn whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Register now for a course, or call 1-888-227-2736.