Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure online
Earn the highest degree in your field while preparing for principal licensure through this online program that blends organizational leadership with hands-on clinical experience in real-world settings.
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Program Overview
Prepare for building-level administrative roles with this online Ed.D. in educational leadership
$28,428*
In-State Tuition
As few as 32 months
Program Duration
66
Credit Hours
Advance your ability to strengthen school communities with the online Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure program from Youngstown State University. This CAEP-accredited pathway combines a focus on organizational leadership with principal licensure coursework tailored to transformative, building-level administrative roles.
The online Ed.D. in educational leadership program features an immersive clinical experience where you’ll apply proven leadership practices in real-world school settings. Our flexible online coursework elevates your expertise with legal and ethical issues facing schools, finance, human resources and data-informed decision-making. Upon completion, you’ll be fully prepared to sit for Ohio principal licensure.
The educator preparation programs at Youngstown State University meet rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). For more information, contact CAEP by mail at 1140 19th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 or by phone at 202-223-0077.
- Collaboratively lead, design and implement a district mission, vision and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities
- Promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult by applying ethical decisions and cultivating and enacting professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture
- Evaluate, develop and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, support and assessment
- Engage families, community and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and advocate for district, student and community needs
- Develop, monitor, evaluate and manage data-informed, equitable district systems for operations, resources and human capital management
- Cultivate relationships, lead collaborative decision-making and governance, and represent and advocate for district needs in broader policy conversations
Graduates of this online Doctor of Education program are prepared for roles such as:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Vice Principal
- Building-level Administrator
- Education Administrator
In this online Ed.D. program, you will learn to:
- Collaboratively lead, design and implement a district mission, vision and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities
- Promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult by applying ethical decisions and cultivating and enacting professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture
- Evaluate, develop and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, support and assessment
- Engage families, community and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and advocate for district, student and community needs
- Develop, monitor, evaluate and manage data-informed, equitable district systems for operations, resources and human capital management
- Cultivate relationships, lead collaborative decision-making and governance, and represent and advocate for district needs in broader policy conversations
- Collaboratively lead, design and implement a district mission, vision and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities
- Promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult by applying ethical decisions and cultivating and enacting professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture
- Evaluate, develop and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, support and assessment
- Engage families, community and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and advocate for district, student and community needs
- Develop, monitor, evaluate and manage data-informed, equitable district systems for operations, resources and human capital management
- Cultivate relationships, lead collaborative decision-making and governance, and represent and advocate for district needs in broader policy conversations
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Vice Principal
- Building-level Administrator
- Education Administrator
Nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council
Tuition
Are there flexible payment options for an online Ed.D. program?
YSU offers students the opportunity to earn their online degree with affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
$428*
Per Credit Hour
$28,428*
Total Tuition
*In-state tuition.
Note: No payment plans are available for accelerated online students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | |
| Ed.D. Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure | $428 | $433 | $1,284 | $1,299 | $28,428 | $28,578 |
Additional Fees
Application: $45 (waived if you are an active/veteran military member)
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The first step in applying for financial aid is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). YSU's Federal School Code is 003145.
Contact Us
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships1 Tressel Way
Meshel Hall, 203
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-3505
Fax: 330.941.1659
Email: [email protected]
“Recognizing the constituency that was underserved in that way by the rigid nature of traditional doctoral programming without sacrificing the integrity of the experience and getting over the hurdles that make it accessible to people was far more valuable than the degree at the end of it, it was a great experience.”
Dr. Timothy Freeman 
“Those connections, those relationships that I have with my classmates, as well as those with the instructors, are critical to my success. At any point, I could pick up the phone and reach out to anyone in those circles, and they would be there to support me.”
Holly Schafer 
“Those courses will teach you how to manage an actual school setting or school district. The folks who are teaching those classes have been in the trenches. They understand the process from a practitioner’s lens.”
Jeremy Batchelor 
“The Ed.D. program helped me to understand how to develop research protocols and qualitative or quantitative studies, it gave me the confidence to help students develop their own research protocols and investigations.”
Kelly Colwell 
“I like that the program doesn’t take forever. A lot of doctoral programs take years and years, and I didn’t want to take that long. I wanted to have a clear finish line.”
Lashonda Abdussatar 
“Leadership is leadership, the faculty were phenomenally flexible about allowing you to input your own experiences into the concepts they were teaching.”
Nicholas Cascarelli 
Previous
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Calendar
When can I start my online Ed.D. program?
At YSU, we offer multiple start dates throughout the year so you never have to wait long to begin your educational leadership doctoral program online. View the chart below to find upcoming start dates, along with important deadlines, such as when your application should be submitted and when payments are due.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
12/14/26
Next Application Deadline
1/4/27
Start Classes
| First Starts | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/4/27 | 12/14/26 | 12/21/26 | 12/30/26 | 1/1/27 | 2/21/27 |
| Spring 2 | 3/8/27 | 2/15/27 | 2/22/27 | 3/3/27 | 3/5/27 | 2/21/27 |
Admissions
What GPA do I need to apply to an Ed.D. in educational leadership online program?
YSU's online Ed.D. programs have specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Online application
Master's degree
Minimum 3.25 GPA
GRE Waiver Available
Online application
Master's degree
Minimum 3.25 GPA
GRE Waiver Available
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $45 application fee ($90 International). Waived for active/veteran military members or for applicants who have attended the College of Graduate Studies in the past.
- A master's degree from a college or university certified by a regional accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education
- Minimum 3.25 GPA
- Names and contact information for 2 professional references (in online application) who have supervised the applicant in professional roles or university faculty member knowledgeable regarding the candidate's scholarly abilities
- Submit one 750-word essay (in online application)
- Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from regionally accredited institutions
- Submit official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (waived for applicants who have a graduate GPA of 3.25 or higher)
- Holistic review of work experience including professional roles, achievements, associations, educational background, leadership and service
- Faculty interview may be requested if further assessment is needed
Transcripts must be mailed from the granting institution or sent electronically through a secured server vendor.
Mailing Address:
YSU College of Graduate Studies
1 Tressel Way
Coffelt Hall
Youngstown, OH 44555
Email Address:
[email protected]
Courses
How is the coursework structured in this YSU online Ed.D. education leadership program?
To earn the Ed.D. Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure online, you must complete a total of 66 credit hours. Required coursework is comprised of 24 credit hours of doctoral educational leadership core, nine credit hours of educational research core, 12 credit hours of dissertation studies, three credit hours of clinical experience, 12 credit hours of certification courses and six credit hours of electives relevant to your primary professional discipline.
Leadership Core
EDAD 8122: Leadership in Education
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In this course students will critically analyze contemporary ways of thinking about leadership. As students examine their present paradigm of leadership, they will also analyze a reconfiguration of leadership that reflects developments in the new sciences and other fields.
EDAD 8102: Perspectives on Leadership Among Diverse Populations
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An explorative study of constructs and concepts of cultural diversity within groups based on notions of class, race, gender, sexual orientation, educational status, mental and physical ability, religion, ethnicity, class. Consideration for expectations and organizational practices as informed by diversity issues.
EDAD 8155: Seminar in Current Issues
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This doctoral-level course explores the intersection of economics and education, focusing on the financial, policy, and leadership aspects that shape educational institutions. Through an analysis of economic theories, funding structures, and policy decisions, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how economic factors influence educational access, quality, and outcomes. The course will also examine the role of leadership in navigating these economic challenges, with a special emphasis on integrating technology and aligning educational policies with best economic practices.
EDAD 8135: Building Organizational Culture & Community Partnerships
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Building Organizational Culture and Community Partnerships is designed in accordance with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) District Level Program Standards, Standard 5. Candidates in this educational leadership preparation course will learn to apply new knowledge and skills to engage families, communities, and related business partnerships to meet student and community cultural and environmental needs. An examination of the school and community culture will contribute to the essential objectives of the course.
EDAD 8142: Educational Decision-Making & Ethical Problem Solving
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will teach students how to make competent leadership decisions by applying and enforcing ethical standards with followers. Ethics is at the heart of leadership. Leaders must make every effort to make ethical decisions and foster ethical behavior among followers. In this course students will explore the ethical demands of leadership. We draw from many fields of research to help students make ethical decisions, lead with integrity, and create an ethical culture. This course is designed to increase students’ ethical competence and leadership abilities
EDAD 8125: Educational Politics & Policymaking in the US
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Reviews professional literature on politics and policy making at the local, state, and federal level, including the values, institutional actors, processes, and interest groups that shape educational policy. Explores means of identifying problems, analyzing policy alternatives, and measuring policy outcomes.
EDAD 8140: Seminar in Administrative Theory
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Extension of the administrator's abilities to analyze professional problems, develop leadership strategies, and exercise sound decision making. Nontraditional (nonfunctionalist) theories are stressed, with emphasis on deconstructing and purposefully framing educational issues. Case studies strengthen the application of the theories.
EDAD 8130: Learning Processes & The Instructional Leader
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of current theories and research in the areas of cognition and learning, development, and motivation that underlay approaches to teaching in any context. Primary topics will include social cognition, interpersonal relationships, group processes, and intergroup relations, as well as applied issues.
Educational Research Core
FOUN 8104: Research Strategies in Educational Administration
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of major research methodologies and a preview of the different paradigms and assumptions that underlie controlled disciplined inquiries. Techniques associated with particular methodologies in educational administration will be introduced, and their strengths and weaknesses will be analyzed.
FOUN 8111: Advanced Research Design & Statistics
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth treatment of the major correlational, experimental, and quasi-experimental research designs and associated statistical analyses, including the design and analysis of surveys and factor analytic techniques. Experience in data analysis using SPSS or other statistical packages.
FOUN 8112: Qualitative Research for Educators
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Consideration of evolving and qualitative methods and literature that apply to doctoral study of problems in teaching, school leadership, and school change.
Dissertation Study
EDAD 8191: Seminar in Educational Research - Dissertation: Review of Literature
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Students will build knowledge and skills in conducting a literature review to complete Chapter 2 of their dissertation. Writing will be broken down into manageable milestones, following the guidelines set forth by the YSU Educational Leadership Dissertation Guidelines and template.
EDAD 8192: Seminar in Educational Research - Dissertation: Introduction & Proposal Defense
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
This course is the for Doctoral Candidates who are in the process of developing and completing Chapter 1 of their dissertation, which includes the background to the problem, problem statement, purpose statement, theoretical frame, limitation, operational definitions, methods, etc. relevant to the proposed research study. Finally, candidates will develop a presentation and defend their proposal to their committee.
EDAD 8193: Seminar in Educational Research - Dissertation: Methodology
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Students will build knowledge and skills in developing Chapter 3 of their dissertation. Writing of Chapter 3 will be broken down into manageable milestones, following the guidelines set forth in the YSU Educational Leadership Dissertation Guidelines and template.
EDAD 8194: Seminar in Educational Research - Dissertation: Data Collection & Analysis
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Students will build candidate knowledge and skills in developing Chapter 4 of their dissertation, which includes collecting data, completing the data analysis, and writing up their findings. Writing will be broken down into manageable milestones, following the guidelines set forth in the YSU Educational Leadership Dissertation Guidelines and template.
EDAD 8195: Seminar in Educational Research - Dissertation: Results & Discussion
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Students will gain knowledge and skills in developing Chapter 5 of their dissertation, which will discuss the findings and their implications. Writing of the chapter will be broken down into manageable milestones, following the guidelines set forth by the YSU Educational Leadership Dissertation Guidelines and template.
EDAD 8196: Seminar in Educational Research - Dissertation: Defense
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Doctoral candidates, nearing the end of the dissertation process, will prepare and defend their dissertation proposal to their committee. Finally, they will prepare the final version of their dissertation for submission to the Graduate school.
Principal Licensure Specialization
EDAD 6915: Learning, Teaching, and Instructional Leadership
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of instructional leadership behaviors and expectations intended to build coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment that will support student learning and social-emotional well-being of students. They will learn to monitor student progress and improve instruction through a system of assessment and databased decision-making.
EDAD 6949: Legal and Ethical Issues in Public Administration
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Reviews the legal foundations of schools and educational policy through cases, statutes and constitutional provisions affecting elementary and secondary education. Students examine the relationship among legal, ethical and political issues and learn to identify, evaluate and model sound legal and ethical decision-making.
EDAD 6952: School Finance and Budget Planning Processes
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines school funding at the state and local levels, with attention to budgeting, site-based management and school business practices. Students also complete an action-research project related to school finance or budgeting.
EDAD 7018: School Discipline and Student Support Services: Policies, Programs and Prevention Strategies
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines student discipline and youth-related issues that may affect student health, safety and well-being. Emphasis is placed on the school leader’s role in developing comprehensive policies, prevention strategies and research-supported student service programs.
EDAD 7019: Special Education Law and Policy
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Reviews the rights of pre and elementary and secondary students with disabilities to a free and appropriate education through an examination of state and federal laws, regulations, guidance documents and judicial interpretations of the Individual with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Explores issues of eligibility and evaluation; IEP development and student placement in LRE settings; related, assistive technology, and transition services; student discipline and behavior management; means of conflict or dispute resolution including mediation and due process hearings; as well as remedies available to parents for non-compliance under IDEIA.
EDAD 7020: Human Resource Leadership
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In-depth examination of policies and practices designed to reconcile the interests of schools and the people who make them up. Topics include professional and staff development,equal employment, position description, recruitment, selection, performance appraisal, removal, compensation, and collective bargaining. Course will cover how to develop workplace conditions that promote employee leadership, well-being, and professional growth as well as collective accountability.
EDAD 7022: Clinical Experience: The Principalship
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Completed in a school covered by teaching certificate or license. The principal administration clinical experience. To earn principal licensure this course must be repeated four times. The administrative clinical experience is designed to highlight tasks. May be repeated for credit to fulfill program requirement. Clinical course completed in a school covered by teaching certificate or license. Administrative clinical experience designed to highlight tasks. This is a 7-week course that must be repeated four times to fulfill program requirements.
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