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Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology
Educational Leadership Class

EdD in Educational Leadership Pre-K to 12

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program prepares PreK to 12 leaders in various roles to create and sustain strong learning communities.

Our EdD program is ideal for educational leaders who aspire to serve in dynamic leadership roles at public or private PreK to 12 school sites and district or county offices of education.

Students learn to integrate, synthesize, and apply theories and practices that support research and development of national and global policy, and advance leadership and change initiatives throughout organizations.

This cohort-based doctorate employs the practitioner-scholar model of training in which academics, experience, and research are conjoined. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on learning, students gain advanced knowledge in the theory and practice of leadership, education, policy, and many other concepts. With an emphasis on experiential learning, students have the opportunity to take two trips, one global and one domestic. This program culminates in a doctoral dissertation.

Program Benefits

Reputable Program

The EdD Educational Leadership program is among the highest-ranked in the United States.

Values Centered

Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.

Quick Facts

Format: Online-Hybrid
Term: Fall
Location: West Los Angeles
Length: 3 years / 51 +2 units per term for dissertation
Tuition: $1,900 per unit

 

 

Top Choice

One of the top choices for EdD in Educational Leadership programs in the United States based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics comparing similar programs.

 

Highly-Ranked 

Ranked as one of the best doctorates by the Leadership Excellence and Development Awards in 2018.

 

Comprehensive Curriculum

Incorporates core courses shared between all doctoral offerings, program-specific classes, elective options, and an international immersion experience.

 

Master's-to-Doctorate Pathway

Options for students without a master's degree to earn both a master's and a doctorate.

 

EdD-to-PhD Pathway

Pathway available for EdD students interested in applying for a PhD.

 

Nationally Recognized Faculty

Faculty are scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, professional expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.

 

No GRE or Standardized Tests

We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.

 

Facts by Numbers

12:1

Student:Faculty Ratio

1

International Policy Trip

1

National Policy Trip

$7,000+

Scholarships Available

 

 

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's EdD in Educational Leadership Pre-K to 12 program.

Get in Touch

Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an enrollment officer.

Attend an Info Session

Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.

Start Your Application

Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes fewer than 15 minutes.

 

Program Deadlines

MAR
26

Fall 2024: Early Application Submit - Submit the application form. You may be eligible to receive an additional $4,000 scholarship.

 

female student in class

Curriculum Overview

This doctoral program includes 51 units plus 2 units per term until the completion of the dissertation. You will experience a curriculum focused on preparing professionals in educational and learning technology with well-rounded and unparalleled leadership theory and practice courses, cutting-edge technology, learning theory and design, and many more subjects.

The program places an additional emphasis on hands-on instruction through domestic and international travel experiences. Research design and analysis methods and applications are accomplished through both coursework and a final dissertation.

Pathway Opportunities

  • Options for students without a master's degree to earn both a master's and a doctorate.
  • Pathway for EdD students interested in applying for a PhD.
  • Graduates need only 29 units to complete the PhD in Global Leadership.

Contact your enrollment officer for details and eligibility.


female professor lecturing

Program Details

  • Ideal for full-time students or working professionals with 70% of coursework completed in-person and 30% online. The online portion provides flexibility, while the classroom component offers an enhanced experience, a personalized/hands-on approach, relational interaction with peers, and increased quality of learning.
  • In-person classes are conveniently located on our West Los Angeles Graduate Campus just off the 405 freeway.
  • Cohort model emphasizes leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
  • The small class sizes and low faculty:student ratio provide a collaborative learning environment, meaningful student-faculty interactions, and long-term relationships.

scholarship form

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Pepperdine GSEP generously offers over $6,000,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving financial assistance. There are numerous scholarship opportunities that are both merit and need-based in addition to discounts for meeting application deadlines.

GSEP welcomes federal and state aid eligibility and veteran benefits which may further reduce tuition cost.

The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities.

To help determine your total cost of tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator


students studying outside

International Student Opportunities

  • This program is approved for international students pursuing an F-1 or any other type of visa.
  • A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable with experience in supporting both international and domestic students.
  • Domestic and international students across campuses. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
  • We offer opportunities to participate in university social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events
  • Our cohort model is designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
  • A robust alumni network is available to all students.
  • We provide career advancement opportunities through our partnerships with professional networks and conferences.

african american woman leading a meeting

Expand Your Career Possibilities

The EdD in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine provides a strong opportunity for employment growth and earning potential. As a graduate, you will be prepared to increase your earning potential and help make a lasting difference in a variety of business and organizational roles in both the public and private sectors.

Alumni and Faculty Spotlight

"What led me to Pepperdine was initially the face-to-face. I really enjoyed being able to start off by coming in every week to class and meeting with my peers and my professors, and building a camaraderie. Being able to connect with everybody, knowing that there's such a huge diversity, I think that really exceeded my expectations." - Asia Ghazi (EdD 21'), Alumna

What Our Alumni Are Saying

 

"I was looking for a program that would enhance my personal and professional growth while fitting into my demanding schedule. The online and in-person models offered by Pepperdine University fit my needs perfectly."

—Laurie Michelle St. Gean, EdD in Educational Leadership Pre-K to 12 '10

"Attending the university was a transforming experience in terms of developing as an education leader. It opened the doors for new opportunities for me as an educator. "

—Robert James Boyd, EdD in Educational Leadership Pre-K to 12 '16

Why Pepperdine

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools

U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW

Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities

Forbes

 

Distinguished Faculty

  • GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.

  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.

  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.

  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.

  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. 

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program. 

  Passion and Purpose Driven

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

  Reputable University

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools

U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW

Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities

Forbes

 

  Distinguished Faculty

Distinguished Faculty

  • GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.

  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.

  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

  Alumni Network

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.

  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.

  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.

  Student and Career Support

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.
  Veteran and Military Support

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. 

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program. 

Accreditations and Recognitions

WASC logo

AICCU logo

US News National Universities 2024

US News Best Collages Veterans 2024

Yellow Ribbon Program logo

Contact Us

Inva Lumi Headshot

Inva Lumi
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP

310.568.5532
Email 
Schedule an Appointment

Take The Next Step

Learn more about Pepperdine's EdD in Educational Leadership Pre-K to 12 program.