Education Leadership
Education Leadership, Ed.D.
You’re a curious, collaborative, and committed leader, ready to make meaningful change in your school, district, and community. You’re also seeking more than a credential — you want to deepen your understanding of the complex challenges facing education today.
A&M-Texarkana’s Doctor of Education in Education Leadership (Ed.D.) program equips you to ground your work in research, consider the implications for all stakeholders, and lead school improvement initiatives with integrity.
With an A&M-Texarkana Ed.D., you’ll be prepared to lead ethically, make informed decisions, and create lasting impact in your community.
Program Information
Degree Name: Doctor of Education in Education Leadership (Ed.D.)
Degree Type: Doctorate
Format: 100% online
Credit Hours: 60
Thesis/Non-Thesis: Dissertation
Catalog: Program Requirements
Questions: 903-223-3000
Apply to A&M-Texarkana Today! | Request More Information | Visit Us | Doctoral Program Handbook
Interested in Superintendent Certification?
Many students who enroll in the Ed.D. program choose to pursue superintendent certification along their journey. A&M-Texarkana's Superintendent Certification Program prepares experienced educators for district leadership with a curriculum aligned to Texas standards, practical fieldwork, and structured support for passing the state superintendent exam.
Superintendent Certification Information
Why Get Your Doctor of Education in Education Leadership from A&M-Texarkana?
A&M-Texarkana’s Ed.D. program is designed for you, the busy educational leader, who needs a flexible, high-impact doctoral experience.
With eight-week courses, small cohorts, and side-by-side faculty mentoring, you receive personalized support from start to finish.
What makes A&M-Texarkana unique is its student-driven research model. You’ll study the real problems of practice in your school or district, using the methods that best fit your context.
At Texas A&M University-Texarkana, you earn the credibility of the Texas A&M University System along with the individualized support of a close-knit, practitioner-focused degree program.
Program Highlights
Flexible, You-Focused Format
The eight-week courses are designed for you, the full-time educator and leader. Progress steadily through the program while balancing your work, family, and doctoral studies.
Your Context. Your Questions. Your Research Pathway.
In A&M-Texarkana’s Ed.D. program, you’ll select the problem or practice that matters most and choose the methodology that best fits your goals, whether it’s qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, design-based research (DBR), or improvement-focused designs. Faculty actively listen to you, district partners, and alumni to shape our program, resulting in timely and relevant curriculum that is responsive to the needs of today’s schools.
Where Faculty Don’t Just Teach, but Mentor, Support, and Inspire
You’ll work side-by-side with faculty, offering you individualized guidance on research development, writing, presentation skills, and publication opportunities.
Nationally and Internationally Connected
A&M-Texarkana’s Ed.D. program is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), the International Society for Professors of Education Leadership (IsPEL), and the Southwest Educational Research Association (SERA), ensuring you engage with cutting-edge ideas and benefit from national, international, and regional professional networks. Our students regularly present at SERA, CPED, and IsPEL conferences, mentored by faculty through the proposals, papers, presentations, and even through travel grant applications.
Ed.D. FAQ's
What career opportunities or advancements are available for a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership?
As a graduate, you're prepared to advance into a wide range of leadership roles across K-12 education, higher education, and broader organizational settings.
A few common career paths include:
- K–12 Leadership Roles: Principal, assistant principal, director, coordinator, executive director, or superintendent.
- Higher Education Administration: Program director, department chair, associate dean, dean, or community college vice president.
- Higher Education Faculty: Instructor or professor of education, practitioner-scholar, or research faculty member.
- Organizational and Non-profit Leadership: Leadership roles in educational agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations focused on learning, development, or policy.
- Consulting and Professional Services: Educational consultant, leadership coach, trainer, or specialist supporting school improvement and organizational development.
As a graduate, you’ll be equipped with the skills and credentials to transition into higher-level leadership, move into higher education, expand into research or consulting, or retool for organizational leadership beyond school districts.
What is the learning experience like in the A&M-Texarkana Ed.D. program?
You’ll learn through a highly collaborative and supportive cohort model that fosters strong professional relationships and shared problem-solving. You’ll build a network of peers who encourage, challenge, and support you from the first course through your final dissertation defense.
Coursework is interactive, applied, and grounded in real-world leadership problems. Engage frequently in collaborative inquiry, peer feedback, and reflective dialogue supported by faculty who provide consistent, side-by-side mentorship.
Lastly, you’ll benefit from culturally responsive and experiential learning opportunities that deepen your understanding of the community you serve. Whether you choose local immersion, regional history exploration, or optional travel opportunities, you’ll learn to view leadership through broader cultural and community lenses.
What is the professional experience like in the program?
One of the defining strengths of the A&M-Texarkana Ed.D. program is the opportunity you receive to present your work at academic conferences. Our faculty walk alongside you through the entire process, including the proposal development, paper presentation, and presentation coaching. We also assist you in securing institutional travel grants to support your scholarly experiences.
What are the specific admissions requirements for the Ed.D. program?
Yes, the Ed.D. program has specific admissions requirements. Complete admissions requirements can be found in the University Catalog.
How long does it take to complete the degree?
You can progress together with your cohort and complete the program, including the dissertation, in three years.
Do I need to know my dissertation topic before applying?
No. We will help you identify a meaningful problem of practice early in the program and help guide you step-by-step in development of your research around your topic.
What kind of support will I receive in the online format?
You’ll receive side-by-side faculty mentorship, a supportive cohort, online support, and structured guidance throughout coursework, research development, writing, and the dissertation process.