Key Highlights
Fully Online (Global Access) | Full-Time | Part-Time
For Higher Education Leaders, Policymakers, & Scholars
1:1 Dissertation Mentorship with U.S. Faculty
Focused on Applied Research, Not Theoretical Rhetoric
Choose Electives Relevant to Your Leadership Domain
Personalized Mentorship from Research Faculty
About Ed.D. Program
The Doctorate of Education Leadership (Ed.D.) at Florida Coastal University is tailored for experienced higher education leaders seeking to improve learner outcomes, institutional policies, and governance practices through doctoral-level inquiry
With a curriculum rooted in educational theory, strategic leadership, and applied research, this degree prepares professionals to influence systems, policies, and cultures in colleges and universities globally.
Program Introduction
Discover how this doctoral program equips higher education professionals to become visionary leaders and scholars.
Program Preview Section
The Doctorate of Education Leadership (Ed.D.) at Florida Coastal University is a 60-credit, 100% online terminal degree designed to cultivate transformative leadership in higher education. Whether you’re an academic administrator, policy advocate, or institutional change agent, this practice-focused program prepares you to lead with vision, data, and purpose.
This 3-year flexible program allows professionals to work full-time while completing an advanced curriculum that emphasizes leadership theory, strategic planning, educational policy, and applied research.
The program includes:
- 30 credit hours of Core Courses
- 18 credit hours of Elective Courses
- 12 credit hours of Dissertation Research
Why Choose This Program?
- Focused on Higher Education Leadership
- 100% Online and Designed for Working Professionals
- Personalized Research Mentorship
- Aligned with Real-World Educational Challenges
- Practical Curriculum with Policy, Leadership & Innovation Focus
What are the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)?
Graduates of the Ed.D. in Education Leadership will be able to:
- Lead transformational change in higher education systems
- Conduct and apply data-driven, evidence-based research
- Develop ethical and inclusive institutional leadership practices
- Formulate policy and strategy for learner success and innovation
- Present and publish findings in academic and practitioner venues
- Design and lead strategic initiatives to improve higher education outcomes
Program Snapshot
- Mode: Fully Online (Global Access)
- Study Your Way: Full-Time | Part-Time
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions - Apply Anytime
- Classes: Online, with research supervision
- Level: Professional Doctorate
Program Snapshot
- Credits: 60 Credit Hours
- Tuition per Credit Hour: USD 540
- Total Estimated Tuition: USD 32,400
- Enrollment Intakes: September, January, May
- Scholarships:: Institutional scholarships (merit-based and need-based), Deferred tuition payment plans
Meet the Academic Coaches
Dr. Wes Rangel is a USC graduate and PMP-certified educator with 10+ years of experience. A U.S. Marine veteran, he designs leadership and HR courses, focusing on ethics, workforce planning, and learner-centered instruction.
Dr. Wes Rangel is a USC graduate and PMP-certified educator with 10+ years of experience. A U.S. Marine veteran, he designs leadership and HR courses, focusing on ethics, workforce planning, and learner-centered instruction.
Dr. Joseph Marquette is a psychologist and academic with a Ph.D. from Capella University and a strong background in counseling and criminal justice. He brings research-driven insights into educational leadership and psychology.
Dr. Joseph Marquette is a psychologist and academic with a Ph.D. from Capella University and a strong background in counseling and criminal justice. He brings research-driven insights into educational leadership and psychology.
Mr. Anthony Wallace has 20+ years in higher education leadership and instruction. With degrees in Management and Leadership and a doctoral pursuit in progress, he focuses on inclusive education, learner support, and institutional growth.
Mr. Anthony Wallace has 20+ years in higher education leadership and instruction. With degrees in Management and Leadership and a doctoral pursuit in progress, he focuses on inclusive education, learner support, and institutional growth.
Ed.D. Course Curriculum Structure
Curriculum Structure
- Core Courses: 30 Credits
- Specialization Courses: 18 Credits
- Dissertation Research: 12 Credits
- Total: 60 Credits
Dissertation Journey
- Proposal Development: Identify a critical issue in higher education
- Seminar Series: Peer feedback & expert mentorship
- Dissertation: Focused on solving domain-specific, real-world tech challenges
- Publication: Submission to a peer-reviewed academic or industry journal
Why Florida Coastal University?
Provisionally by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE), Florida
Designed for ambitious professionals, without financial burden
Learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world
Built for practical impact and career transformation
Connect with peers, alumni, and faculty across industries
Career Pathways
| Career Domain | Sample Roles |
| Institutional Leadership | Provost, Dean, Department Chair |
| Educational Policy | Director of Academic Affairs, Policy Analyst |
| Curriculum Innovation | Director of Academic Programs, Instructional Leader |
| Research & Strategy | Institutional Research Director, Assessment Coordinator |
| Learner Services | Director of Learner Success, VP of Enrollment Management |
| Higher Education Consulting | Accreditation Specialist, Strategy Consultant |
Skills You’ll Master
Academic Governance & Policy Strategy
Data-Driven Institutional Decision Making
Educational Innovation & Change Management
Strategic Planning & Institutional Effectiveness
Research Ethics & Dissemination
Data-Driven Institutional Leadership
Research & Technical Communication
Innovation & Design Thinking
Ed.D. Tools Covered
FAQs
Q1: Is this Ed.D. program 100% online?
- Yes, designed for working professionals with global access.
Q2: Are specializations available?
- No. Instead, you choose elective courses aligned to your goals.
Q3: Is prior teaching experience required?
- Not mandatory, but higher ed or administrative experience is preferred.
Q4: Do I need a GRE/GMAT?
- No. Standardized tests are not required.
Q5: Will I receive support for my dissertation?
- Yes, every learner is matched with a faculty mentor for research guidance.
Apply Now
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