Doctor of Education (EdD)

Advance Your Education in an EdD Program at BU Wheelock

The Doctor of Education (EdD) at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development is a post-master’s program that combines rigorous academic coursework and practical, field-based experiences. The EdD is designed specifically for students who seek an advanced degree to support their work as practitioners in educational settings. The focus is on preparing leaders to take on important professional challenges in the everyday life of schools and communities.

EdD Degree Overview

BU Wheelock offers two EdD programs: the EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership.

EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

The EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies allows students to engage in a sequenced set of courses that develop the key knowledge and skills that they will need in order to make a real difference in the lives of children, educators, and families. Utilizing scaffolded instruction in research methodology, EdD students will also complete a dissertation that examines a problem of practice drawn from the current education landscape. New cohorts are admitted every other calendar year.

Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership

The Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership is designed for higher education professionals who want to further develop their knowledge and leadership skills. It is ideally suited for for mid-career higher education leaders (7–10 years of leadership experience) who aspire to executive roles or who are already in administrative positions and seek to advance their careers. The first cohort of this new program will begin in fall 2025.

What Is a Doctor of Education Degree?

A Doctor of Education degree is a graduate program that prepares master’s degree holders for advanced positions in the field of education. The rigorous curriculum of an EdD program has students working hands-on in research and teaching positions. The Boston University EdD program allows students to complete six semester-long apprenticeships where they will work alongside BU Wheelock faculty experts.

How Long Is a Doctor of Education Program?

The EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program at BU Wheelock includes 14 core courses and three leadership seminars. Coursework for the program takes place in a two-week summer institute as well as on eight weekends (Friday/Saturday) throughout the academic year. This part-time, executive education format allows students to maintain their regular full-time jobs as they pursue their degree. Most students complete the program in three years; work on the dissertation may extend this period for some students.

The Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership program is a fully online, cohort-based program that includes some optional, in-person experiences. Courses in the Executive EdD are offered intensively online over seven weeks, which includes a weekly live online session. Two-credit courses will be taught through the fall/spring semesters for the first two years, meeting weekly in a virtual classroom. Students may participate in up to three internship opportunities and two optional summer residency experiences. They will complete a capstone project that captures learning on a problem of practice.

What Can You Do with an EdD Degree?

Both EdD programs support graduates in attaining leadership positions in practice. Employers view an EdD degree as a sign that an individual has worked hard to gain experience and expertise in the field.

Graduates of the EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies may hold positions such as superintendent (or assistant superintendent) of schools, principal, assistant principal, dean, head of school, program director, department chair, curriculum leader, DEI administrator, etc. Students who seek administrative licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) can participate in a BU-sponsored practicum that meets state requirements for certification.

Graduates of the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership are prepared for executive leadership roles in higher education. These roles include university president or provost; vice president (such as student affairs, finance, operations, enrollment, and strategic planning); chief of staff; and dean.

Is a Doctor of Education Worth It?

In a word, yes. A BU Wheelock EdD will allow you to compete for the highest level leadership positions in the profession. The return on investment is real—both in terms of the impact graduates make in the field as well as the salaries they are able to earn in advanced administrative positions in educational and other organizational settings.

Discover the EdD Programs at BU Wheelock

Learn more about the EdD Programs

Gain expertise and experience in your field through comprehensive coursework and research opportunities. Learn more about the EdD at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development by requesting more information.