Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this program for?

Azusa Pacific’s EdD in Educational Leadership is for educators in a K-12 environment who seek to expand and deepen their knowledge while enhancing their capacity to lead, inspire, and educate. Students in our program are typically principals or other school-site administrators, teachers, district personnel, superintendents, and counselors.

Is there a PhD option?

We do not currently offer a PhD in educational leadership, as the EdD is a better fit for practitioners who wish to earn a doctorate. The PhD has a long history within academia and has traditionally been pursued by those who wish to enter research-based professorial roles. The EdD is a newer designation for doctorally prepared scholars and is appropriate for those who wish to engage in research and scholarship while continuing to focus on their practice as an educational leader. Individuals holding an EdD in Educational Leadership can also engage in research and join the professoriate as well, particularly in programs that prepare students for practice in education.

When and where are classes held?

The doctoral program is primarily face-to-face, with additional online components provided to enhance learning opportunities. Students attend intensive Saturday classes at the Azusa campus six times during the fall and spring 16-week sessions and four times during the summer 12-week session. For a full schedule of class meetings times, please contact the program director.

What does the Saturday class schedule look like?

Classes are scheduled to run from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays. Each semester, the schedule changes based on the classes and units enrolled.

As an example, here is a sample schedule of classes for the first semester:

Sample Schedule of Classes

Time	Course
8-9:30 a.m.	EDUC 702 Proseminar
9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.	EDUC 710 Developing the Leader Within
12:45-3:15 p.m.	EDUC 760 Dissertation Milestone: Proposal A - Nature of Inquiry and Chapter 1
3:30-6 p.m.	EDUC 761 Introduction to Educational Research

When do I start on my dissertation?

As a student, you will begin crafting your research question and will form your dissertation committee in your first semester of the program. Students continue to work on each chapter of the dissertation in a “dissertation milestone” course every semester until the completion of the program in three years.

What is the cost, and are scholarships available?

View current information on tuition and fees.

The Educational Leadership EdD program offers competitive scholarship support to doctoral candidates in our program who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities or leadership potential in K–12 education and who are committed to serving under-resourced schools and districts. Priority is given to current practitioners who are leading their schools and districts toward improved performance. Scholarship decisions are made based on admission materials, and no separate application is required. Applications received by May 1 also receive priority consideration for the scholarships.

The School of Education also offers two additional scholarships to which students can apply after admission. These require a separate application; information about these scholarships is given to students upon request after admission.