Skip to main content

PhD in Education Leadership

Shape Education Scholarship, Practice and Policy by Earning a PhD in Education Leadership

Continue making an impact in education when you earn a PhD in Education Leadership at Southern New Hampshire University. You’ll have the opportunity to explore topics in the areas of social justice, equity and leadership within the field of education, develop a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies and methods, and conduct original research.

This cohort-based program provides the opportunity for you to connect and network as part of a rich scholarly community that supports your learning, scholarship, and academic and professional pursuits.

Program Overview

This low-residency doctoral program is designed with career-focused individuals in mind. Students meet approximately once a month during the fall and spring academic terms. Monthly residencies are facilitated through our Manchester campus, and they allow local or virtual attendance. All students also attend a one-week summer residency that brings together a community of doctoral scholars.

SNHU’s PhD in Education Leadership program supports those who wish to work beyond the confines of conventional leadership and use their scholarship to develop innovative ways of contributing to the field of education. Participants are encouraged to develop their understanding of socially just and equitable leadership theory and practice within the cohort learning environment.

Students also regularly engage in critical reflection throughout the program. They use deductive and inductive reasoning to critically examine education and social theory and associated predictive, causal and paradigmatic assumptions through published scholarship and original research.

Note: This program is currently paused for new enrollments. Please consider our Doctoral of Educational Leadership (EDD) program.

See Yourself Succeed in Educational Leadership

SNHU's PhD in Education Leadership strives to meet the needs of all students while accommodating those with demanding schedules and careers. The program is tailored to those who wish to develop their scholarly knowledge in pursuit of future professional and academic goals.

Graduates of this program are in a position to influence the ideas and actions of others through a wide variety of leadership roles, scholarship and advocacy opportunities. Practitioners within educational institutions, academics, leaders of learning organizations, community leaders and leaders within nonprofit and government organizations are welcome to apply for program admission.

As a private, nonprofit university, SNHU has one mission - to help you see yourself succeed. The benefits of earning a PhD in Education Leadership at SNHU include:

  • Supportive community. Join the SNHU community of learners who are closely connected with faculty and staff dedicated to your success.
  • Affordability. SNHU is one of the most affordable private, nonprofit universities in the Northeast. Scholarships may be available for those who qualify.
  • Accessible faculty. Learn from highly credentialed faculty members who are experts in their fields and conduct extensive research.
  • Opportunity. Tap into our international network of alumni and strong connections with global organizations.

Cohort Model

The cohort learning environment offers a collaborative experience for individuals with diverse career experiences and backgrounds. All members contribute their unique perspectives to the cohort learning experiences. Each individual’s dissertation will be based on his or her interests but is developed with the support of a cohort model.

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates demonstrate doctoral-level scholarship skills, as well as an ability to analyze and synthesize both theory and research to design and create socially just and equitable communities within the field of education. SNHU’s program helps you identify and understand complex leadership scenarios in order to support positive impacts that advance organizations, communities and education knowledge and practice.

Graduates should be able to demonstrate proactive sociocultural leadership skills through the construction of equitable learning opportunities. They are expected to display the habits of mind necessary to engage in ethical, moral and socially just leadership practices.

Curriculum

The PhD in Education Leadership program is a 54-credit program. The first two years of the program are designed to focus on coursework and scholar development for conducting independent research. This is followed by a focus on an individual dissertation that stems from previous coursework and scholarly development.

For specific curriculum and course information, visit the SNHU on campus academic catalog.

Graduate Tuition

Earning your degree is a smart choice to advance your career, and investing in an affordable program increases your ROI. We keep our costs low to remove barriers between you and your goals.

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

Related Articles

Clad in graduation regalia and standing in front of an SNHU bus, Lorenzo Mateo '19, holds up a framed diploma after earning a BS in Information Technology.

How to Be Successful in College: Advice for College Freshmen & Beyond

Education
Whether you’re fresh out of high school or it’s been a while since you’ve taken a class, transitioning into college can feel like uncharted territory. Looking for some advice? Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) academic advisors, students and alumni shared what's worked for them.
A master’s student sitting on the couch with a laptop and books, considering how long it will take her to finish her degree program.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's Degree?

Education
If you’re mapping out your career goals, a master’s degree may be a critical step to help you get where you want to be. You’ll want to consider how and when the credential can help you, how long it'll take to obtain and what to expect.
A student laying on the ground while working on a budget with a laptop and calculator

Why is a Budget Important as a College Student?

Education
Budgeting in college helps you manage expenses, avoid unnecessary debt and plan for your future. By setting healthy habits and using tools like budgeting apps you can track spending, adjust habits and set financial goals, preparing you for financial success both during college and after graduation.