Welcome to the Ed.D. Educational Leadership Program!

Hybrid, Fully Online, MA-to-EdD, and EdD/Preliminary Administrative Credential Coursework options are available

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Champion Equity in Education

Dismantle barriers to student success with a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership from San José State University. Our hybrid and fully online pathways prepare you to lead transformative change and improve the lived conditions of all constituent groups, especially those from minoritized populations. You’ll learn about education policy, improvement practices, and organizational behavior and change to become a community advocate.

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How to Apply

Admissions take place on a rolling basis, so we recommend that you submit the department application materials as soon as possible. We are currently hosting informational sessions. Please register for a session here.

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#9

Best Value School in the Country

#5

Public University in the Country

#3

The Connie L. Lurie College of Education has been ranked #3 among CSU campuses and #3 in the SF Bay Area in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools Rankings

Across our program formats, the EdD Leadership program covers course work in educational leadership, research methodology, and educational research. Our 60-unit program includes seminars and experiential learning. You’ll evaluate how institutional structures influence behavior and implement solutions that improve lived conditions for constituent groups such as students, families, communities, etc. SJSU’s hybrid or online EdD in Leadership concludes with a dissertation-in-practice to improve educational leadership theory and practice within a particular context.

Review EdD Program Courses

What Careers Can You Pursue With an EdD in Educational Leadership?

As an education leader, you’ll meet the demands and challenges of schools within executive, administrative and policy-focused roles. Your doctorate in educational leadership opens doors to positions such as: Director of Curriculum and Instruction Educational Consultant Professor of Educational Leadership Program Director University and Community College President or Chancellor

Our Educational Leadership Program FAQs

The EdD in Educational Leadership program at SJSU builds on the notion that true leaders are human-centered and equity-minded. Navigate our EdD program alongside a dedicated cohort and pursue your doctoral studies fully online or in a hybrid format at SJSU.

Meet Our Faculty

At San José State University, our educators are dedicated teacher-scholars, researchers and experts. Working within the hybrid or online EdD in Educational Leadership program and beyond, our faculty empowers students to close opportunity gaps and create accessible PK-20 systems.

Apply to the EdD in Educational Leadership

Invest in your future at San José State University and apply to our online or hybrid EdD in Leadership program:

The university-level graduate application is separate from the EdD program application. Visit our graduate admissions page to get started.

Student Experience

Interested in learning more about what it means to be a Spartan? Get to know the current cohorts and discover why they chose to pursue a doctorate in educational leadership at San José State University. Explore a diverse range of academic and personal experiences.

Stay Connected With Our Community

Our biannual newsletter, “Rising,” highlights SJSU’s EdD community and features accomplishments from students, faculty and alumni. You’ll find stories about student research and conference highlights, as well as recent accomplishments. Dive into the latest issue to discover how Spartans are leading meaningful educational reform.

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Student Resources

Graduate students can access support at the university and departmental levels. Receive dissertation guidance and writing assistance from the Lurie College of Education, or check out financial resources from San José State University’s Financial Aid Office. Learn about all the available tools to complete your doctoral studies

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San José State University supports professionals with a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree program offered fully online or in a hybrid format. Solve complex institutional challenges and advance your career in three years while working full time.


Ready to lead transformative change in schools, community colleges, and beyond? Apply to San José State University today, or request information to learn more.