Learn to address an array of complex issues faced by many higher education leaders through Boston University’s Executive Doctor of Education (EdD) in Higher Education Leadership. This program 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.
As a student in the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership at Boston University, you’ll develop interpersonal skills and explore organizational complexities as you enhance your understanding of the higher education enterprise. Through course work and program activities, you will deepen your knowledge in areas such as agile strategic planning, higher education trends, and creating equitable organizations. In addition, you will have the opportunity to practice and master critical skills such as conflict management, leading innovation, and creative and collaborative problem solving.
Program features
Expand your professional networks, advocacy skills, and ability to engage stakeholders through the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership. This unique program features:
- Fully online, cohort-based program with optional in-person experiences
- Relevant activities and assignments that directly apply to higher education challenges
- Capstone project that captures learning on a higher education problem of practice
- Four electives with up to three internship opportunities
- Two optional summer residency experiences (offered in person or virtually)
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.
Dates & Deadlines
Fall 2025 Semester
Aug 15, 2024
Application Open
Fall 2025 Semester
Feb 15, 2025
Priority Deadline
Fall 2025 Semester
April 15, 2025
Final Application Deadline
Note: The Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership program at Boston University admits new cohorts for the fall semester every other year. The next cohort will launch in September 2025.
Featured Faculty
The faculty in BU’s Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership have leadership experience across several higher education sectors and are accomplished scholars in diversity, equity and inclusion; higher education policy; student learning and success; leadership; and organizational development. They embody evidenced based practice in their teaching and their work with institutions.
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Mary L. Churchill
Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives & Community Engagement
Program Director, Higher Education Administration
Professor of the Practice -
Raul Fernandez
Senior Lecturer
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Jay Halfond
Professor of the Practice Emeritus
Part-Time Instructor -
Sherri Hughes
Program Director, Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership
Senior Lecturer -
Lisa Ijiri
Clinical Professor
Senior Advisor to the Dean -
Anthony Abraham Jack
Faculty Director, Newbury Center
Associate Professor -
Louise Michelle Vital
Senior Lecturer
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Jerry Whitmore, Jr.
Assistant Professor
Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership, you will be able to pursue executive leadership roles confident that you have the knowledge, skills, and mindsets you need to thrive. Advance your career in a variety of leadership roles in higher education, such as:
- University president
- Provost
- Vice president, student affairs
- VP, finance
- VP, operations
- VP, enrollment
- VP, strategic planning
- Chief of staff
- Dean
Related information
Field-Based Experiences
Students in the Executive EdD program have the opportunity to complete up to three internships. In addition, they will complete a capstone project that requires them to identify a problem of practice and develop an evidence-based response.
Graduate Admissions
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership. Hear about application requirements, deadlines, financial assistance, and more.
Master’s Degree Programs
BU Wheelock offers several options for those seeking degrees in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. Explore our master’s degrees, which include both licensure and non-licensure options.
Faculty Spotlight

Sherri Hughes
Program Director Sherri Hughes talks about what students can expect from the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership.

Raul Fernandez
Lecturer and alum Raul Fernandez (COM’00, Wheelock’16) researches school segregation talks about the impact of racial imbalance on students and learning.

Anthony Jack
Anthony Abraham Jack discusses his book, Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price, and what colleges can do to better support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.