Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure online
Earn your terminal degree and prepare for superintendency in one affordable online program.
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Program Overview
Experience what this online doctoral program can do for you.
$24,900*
In-State Tuition
As few as 32 months
Program Duration
60
Credit Hours
Equip yourself to meet the growing demand for more effective leaders in administrative positions serving public school systems. The Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure online program builds on your capacity to apply research-driven best practices in order to support the success of diversified students and staff in a variety of organizational settings.
Designed to develop your expertise in educational policy, organizational management, and instructional leadership, our rigorous curriculum is aligned with state and national standards ( ELCC, NELP, OPS, and OSS). In this online Ed.D. program, you will grow your understanding of current issues affecting learning organizations, including instructional use of technology, human resources policy, and the role and limits of law in promoting educational reform.
Learn from dedicated faculty who provide a practitioner-focused approach, featuring collaborative learning strategies, clinical experience, and an embedded dissertation. Through integrated 100 percent online coursework and practical application, you will gain the advanced skills and qualifications that open doors to elevated roles such as Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, or Professional Development Director. Join our respected Youngstown State University alum and reach new milestones as an influential leader in education by completing your doctoral studies and preparing for superintendency with this flexible online program!
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.
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 cultivate and enact professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture
- Engage families, community, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and to advocate for district, student and community needs
- Develop, monitor, evaluate and manage data-informed and 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
- Synthesize and apply the above outcomes through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real district settings
- 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 cultivate and enact professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture
- Engage families, community, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and to advocate for district, student and community needs
- Develop, monitor, evaluate and manage data-informed and 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
- Synthesize and apply the above outcomes through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real district settings
- 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 cultivate and enact professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture
- Engage families, community, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and to advocate for district, student and community needs
- Develop, monitor, evaluate and manage data-informed and 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
- Synthesize and apply the above outcomes through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real district settings
Graduate our online Ed.D. program prepared for a variety of elevated roles, including:
- School District Superintendent
- Associate Superintendent
- Assistant Superintendent
- Superintendent of Educational Service Center
- University Faculty
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 cultivate and enact professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture
- Engage families, community, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and to advocate for district, student and community needs
- Develop, monitor, evaluate and manage data-informed and 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
- Synthesize and apply the above outcomes through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real district settings
- 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 cultivate and enact professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive district culture
- Engage families, community, and other constituents in the work of schools and the district and to advocate for district, student and community needs
- Develop, monitor, evaluate and manage data-informed and 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
- Synthesize and apply the above outcomes through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real district settings
- School District Superintendent
- Associate Superintendent
- Assistant Superintendent
- Superintendent of Educational Service Center
- University Faculty
Tuition
Find out more about our affordable tuition.
YSU offers students the opportunity to earn their online degree with affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
$415*
Per Credit Hour
$24,900*
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 w/ Superintendent Licensure | $415 | $420 | $1,245 | $1,260 | $24,900 | $25,200 |
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]
Calendar
Stay on track with our convenient online schedule.
At YSU, we offer multiple start dates throughout the year so you never have to wait long to get started on your online degree program. 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:
2/17/25
Next Application Deadline
3/10/25
Start Classes
| First Starts | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/6/25 | 12/16/24 | 12/23/24 | 1/1/25 | 1/3/25 | 2/16/25 |
| Spring 2 | 3/10/25 | 2/17/25 | 2/24/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/7/25 | 4/20/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 4/21/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/7/25 | 5/9/25 | 6/22/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/9/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/25/25 | 6/27/25 | 8/9/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/25/25 | 8/4/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/20/25 | 8/22/25 | 10/12/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/20/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/6/25 | 10/15/25 | 10/17/25 | 12/7/25 |
Admissions
Check the admissions criteria as you prepare to apply.
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
Online application
Master's degree
Minimum 3.25 GPA
- 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.
- 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 evaluation of work experience including professional roles, achievements, and associations, educational background, leadership, and service
- Faculty interview may be requested if further assessment is needed
- Valid principal licensure
Transcripts must be mailed from the granting institution or sent electronically through a secured server vendor.
Mailing Address:
YSU College of Graduate Studies1 Tressel Way
Coffelt Hall
Youngstown, OH 44555
Email Address:
[email protected]
Courses
Discover what you'll study in our online educational leadership classes.
For the Doctor of Education – Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure online program, you are required to complete a total of 63 credit hours. Required coursework is comprised of 24 credit hours of educational leadership core, 9 credit hours of educational research core, 12 credit hours of dissertation studies, 3 credit hours of clinical experience, and 12 credit hours of superintendent certification courses.
EDAD 8122: Leadership in Education
Duration: 7 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.
FOUN 8102: Perspectives on Leadership Among Diverse Populations
Duration: 7 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: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Informing educational leaders about contextual issues of schools is necessary in order to understand and recognize that school reform, both at the time of its proposal and during the developmental stages of its implementation, is intended to ameliorate educational problems.
EDAD 8135: Building Organizational Culture & Community Partnerships
Duration: 7 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: 7 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: 7 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: 7 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: 7 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.
FOUN 8104: Research Strategies in Educational Administration
Duration: 7 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 8112: Qualitative Research for Educators
Duration: 7 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.
FOUN 8111: Advanced Research Design & Statistics
Duration: 7 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.
EDAD 7050: Clinical Experience: Superintendency
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Candidates for the superintendency license are required to complete four tasks from the master syllabus at the district-wide level, supervised by a school superintendent. Major components are the complete analysis of the financial structure of the candidate's school district and a system-level integrated project.
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.
EDAD 7035: The Superintendency and Evolving Ways of Looking at Leadership
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the role of superintendent in the administration of schools. Students will study leadership in complex social organizations so that they can apply current theory and research to their roles in complex, chaotic, educational environments.
EDAD 7026: Technology and Facilities for Learning Organizations
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Due to increasing demands upon the educational facilities by the instructional use of technology and the need to prepare students for the world of work, facility management and integration of technology into the facility are examined.
EDAD 7025: Educational Governance: Advanced Law & Policy Seminar
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores emergent legal developments affecting P-12 education systems and the role and limits of the law in promoting educational emergent reform. Reviews social science literature on governance issues and factors that affect the nature, degree, and rate of organizational compliance.
EDAD 7024: Collective Bargaining & Systems Issues in Human Resource Administration
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Human resources issues from the central office perspective. Statutory, regulatory, and political contexts for public sector collective bargaining. Conceptual and experiential treatment of traditional and interest-based bargaining. Approaches to human resources policy development. Grievances and management of written agreements.
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