- Augusta University
- COEHD
- Teaching & Leading
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education
Ready To Navigate Higher Ed Leadership? Here’s the Map
Augusta University Online's Doctor of Education {EdD) in Educational Innovation is a rigorous, cohort-based program designed for working professionals who want to lead transformative change in education.
Students choose from two tracks - Educational Leadership or Higher Education - then progress together as a small cohort through a lock-step curriculum focused on real-world problem solving, policy analysis and research-based innovation culminating in an applied dissertation project. Higher Ed Leadership: Students in the Higher Education concentration will take courses that cover the past, present and future of higher education and learn to think critically and innovatively, ensuring they're prepared to lead in a dynamic, competitive landscape.
The online format expands access to working professionals through flexible coursework with optional synchronous sessions to deepen learning, allowing educators to work together to find solutions to today's most pressing challenges.
Dare to imagine a new world in education. Then make it happen.
Next Application Deadline: September 15 for a Spring 2027 start”
What You’ll Learn
Grounded in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) model, the three-year program emphasizes practitioner-driven research, culturally responsive leadership and social justice.
- Practice-Based Research: Rooted in the CPED model, the program empowers educators to tackle real challenges in their own schools and communities through collaborative, practitioner-driven research.
- Flexible for Working Professionals: Designed for full-time educators and professionals, the program offers a mostly asynchronous format with optional high-touch synchronous sessions - allowing students to maintain work-life balance while earning a rigorous, respected doctoral degree.
- Built for Practice: Unlike traditional PhD programs, this EdD is specifically designed for professionals who want to remain in practice- whether in K-12, higher ed or nonprofit leadership - while scaling their impact through innovation and reform.
- High-Engagement Learning: Students progress together through a three-year, cohort-based model, forming learning communities that foster peer support, group dissertation work and lasting professional networks.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to the online EdD program, the following materials must be submitted with your application:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended showing that you’ve earned a master’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the graduate level. Overall graduate GPAs are calculated using a standard formula which includes all work attempted. Competitive applicants will have a minimum 3.5 GPA at the graduate level.
- Three formal letters of recommendation. At least one reference should be from an instructor of a course taken by the applicant.
- A completed interview
- Proof of Lawful Presence: In accordance with Board of Regents Policy 4.1.6, all applicants for admission to Augusta University are required to provide validation of lawful presence in the United States.
- Acceptance to Augusta University is conditional until lawful presence is verified.
- ALL applicants who are U.S. citizens must submit documentation that verifies their lawful presence in the United States at the time of application to admissions@augusta.edu.
- Please review the verification process for international transcripts and the English proficiency requirement.