Rockhurst University’s Ed.D. in Education and Leadership program

College of Arts and Sciences

Rockhurst University’s transformative Ed.D. in Education and Leadership program is grounded in a Jesuit education tradition that prepares graduates for careers as leaders in education who are committed to action for and with others.

Our School of Education is currently accepting applications for the next Ed.D. cohort that will begin June 2022. The priority deadline for applications is February 1.

Rockhurst’s Ed.D. program is a two-year doctoral program with evening and online classes offered to accommodate work or teaching schedules. This is also a cohort-based program that provides students a unique and social experience as members of a supportive community of learners.

There are four areas of concentration in the Ed.D. program: Higher Education, K-12 Leadership, Health Care Education, and Athletic Training. More information about each of these programs is available on the Rockhurst University website: https://www.rockhurst.edu/education-doctorate

The doctoral capstone research experience involves an individual research project within your concentration area that leads to the completion of a scholarly research article and a formal presentation of your project. The Ed.D. program at Rockhurst does not require a dissertation.

Students in the inaugural Ed.D. cohort will be completing their degrees in Summer 2022. Jennine Wilson, a nursing faculty, shared: “My experience in the Ed.D. program has been extremely positive. I feel supported by the faculty, and by my peers. I appreciate being in a cohort, it creates a supportive environment”. 

Christopher Johnson, a student in the Ed.D. program completing the Health Care Education concentration said, ""Having a family and being a business owner, I was looking for a program that would have an excellent support structure while continuing my education. I was lucky to find the Ed.D. program at Rockhurst University. The faculty have been excellent to work with while navigating the program and life outside of class."

Annie Hart, an elementary teacher, describes her experience: “The Ed.D. program at Rockhurst University has helped me grow professionally and personally as an educator. Through a diverse cohort experience, we have learned alongside fellow educators and practitioners who are driven to make a difference for students, patients, and people in our world today. The Ed.D. program at Rockhurst is mission-focused and values-driven, challenging and serving students to be their best selves at a Catholic, Jesuit, institution of higher education”.

Students who are employed by Catholic Schools will be eligible for a tuition discount of $50 per credit hour.

Please contact our admissions staff with any questions about Rockhurst’s Ed.D. program or the application process. We look forward to welcoming our newest companions in June!