Ed.D. Program Overview

Mission

Appalachian State University’s Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership fosters the development of educators who embrace just and sustainable practices. We support and nurture a wide variety of research methodologies that enhance collaborative learning to create positive individual, social, cultural, and institutional change. We consistently engage in a critical analysis of biases including race, gender, poverty, and all other identities that shape our lives. Across a variety of disciplines, our inclusive and challenging program inspires a diversity of critical thought and unique transformative experiences.

Goals

Introduce students to the methodologies of critical analysis of educational theories and practices
Engage students in disciplined inquiry in the field of education
Prepare students for making contributions to educational theory and practice
Prepare students to become leaders and change agents in diverse educational settings

Curriculum

The Ed.D. degree has a minimum 60 credit hour requirement. The core curriculum is 36 credit hours. Additionally, the program requires 18 elective credit hours and 6 dissertation credit hours. 48 hours of coursework must be at the 6000 or 7000 levels.

For students entering the program with an Ed.S. earned from Appalachian State University, up to 30 credit hours may be waived toward the required 60 credit course hours.

Visit the App State Bulletin for course information.

Concentrations

Students in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership can choose from five concentrations.

The Doctoral Academic Advisor will support incoming and current students with individual meetings, semesterly cohort meetings, and ongoing individual consultations.

Offered Concentrations

Educational Administration (Dual-degree only)
Higher Education
Instructional Technology Leadership
Interdisciplinary Studies
Literacy in Exceptionalities

Concentrations Available for the 2027 Admissions Cycle

The deadline to apply is February 1 to begin Fall 2027.

Educational Administration – Designed for school leaders seeking Superintendent Licensure. Principal Licensure is required.
Dr. Jason LaFrance | lafranceja@appstate.edu
Higher Education – Intended for change-oriented professionals working in 4-year, 2-year, and university settings.
Dr. Jason Lynch | lynchrj@appstate.edu
Instructional Technology Leadership – Focuses on instructional uses of technology in K-12 and higher education.
Dr. Patrick O’Shea | osheapm@appstate.edu
Interdisciplinary Studies – Intended for professionals with an earned Ed.S. degree from App State or cross-disciplinary interests in educational leadership, inquiry, and innovative practice.
Dr. Drew Lail | lailaj@appstate.edu
Literacy in Exceptionalities – For professional educators in the fields of early reading, literacy, and special education who are in cutting-edge theory and practice.
Dr. Beth Buchholz (literacy education) | buchholzba@appstate.edu
Dr. Debra Prykanowski (special education) | prykanowskida@appstate.edu

Cohort Structure

The cohort model is central to the Ed.D. Program. Working in concentration-based cohorts, students acquire skills in using research to understand organizational and social issues, with a growing capacity for leading adaptive, sustainable, and just change. This model allows for the integration of educational scholarship and practice in a supportive, collegial environment.

All cohorts are delivered fully online, providing flexibility while maintaining a strong sense of connection and collaboration.

Course Delivery Method

To accommodate the needs of working professionals, curriculum courses are offered in the evenings two nights per week over the course of three academic years, including summer sessions.

Online courses include a blend of synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (flexible, self-paced) learning experiences to support active engagement and collaboration.

The scheduling of elective courses varies by individual plan of study and concentration area.

Information Sessions

To learn more about the program, join us for an online informational session offered by the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies.

Additional Graduate Certificate

Gain a competitive edge for positions in academia, policy institutes, community organizations, research firms, government agencies, and other professional fields by adding a graduate certificate in Applied Educational Research to your program.