EdD in Educational Leadership | Pepperdine University GSEP
The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy (ELAP) program prepares PreK-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-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.
Curriculum Overview
Our ELAP program includes 51 units of coursework and a dissertation. Students experience a dynamic curriculum focused on preparing leaders with well-rounded and unparalleled leadership theory and practice courses, community engagement, policy development and implementation, and many others. There is an additional emphasis on hands-on instruction through domestic and international policy trips. Research methods and applications are accomplished through both coursework and a final dissertation. Graduates are prepared to:
- Design and conduct research, collect and analyze data and report research findings.
- Assess needs, develop, deliver and assess learning experiences and apply tools of appropriate technology.
- Integrate and synthesize personal, organizational, and societal values to advance leadership and change initiatives throughout organizations.
- Integrate, synthesize and apply theories and practices that support research and development of National and Global policy.
- Apply Participatory Action Research (PAR) to synthesize and integrate advanced theories and practices in leading K-12 Learning Environments.
Program Benefits
Reputable Program
This Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy program and Pepperdine University as an institution are 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: | $1,795 per unit |
Immersion Experiences and Cohort Model
Provide opportunities to engage in meaningful community-building with peers and program leaders.
No GRE or Standardized Tests Required
We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.
Convenient Format
Classes are completed through in-person intensives and online sessions.
Nationally-Recognized Faculty
Faculty are scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, professional expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
Recognized as a Top Program
Consistently a top choice for Doctorates in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy in the US according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Incorporates core courses shared between all doctoral offerings, program-specific classes, and elective options to customize your learning experience.
Facts By Numbers
Student:Faculty Ratio
International Policy Trip
National Policy Trip
Scholarships Available
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's EdD in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy (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 less than 15 minutes.
Program Deadlines
Application Form Submit : Submit the application form. Supplemental materials are not yet required.
International Student Deadline: Submitted application and supplemental materials required.
Program Details
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This doctorate is ideal for full-time students or working professionals to take advantage of the best features of both face-to-face and online modalities. 60% of coursework is completed in-person and 40% is completed 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.
- Robust online modules feature engaging synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences.
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Face-to-Face classes are conveniently located on our West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, close to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and just off the 405 freeway.
- Cohort model designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
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Small class sizes and a low faculty:student ratio provides a supportive learning environment, meaningful student-faculty interactions, and long-term professional and personal relationships.
International Student Opportunities
- This program is approved for international students perusing 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.
- Integration of domestic and international students across campuses. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
- Opportunities to participate in university social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events
- Cohort model designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
- Robust alumni network.
- Partnerships with professional networks and conferences.
Expand Your Career Possibilities
This EdD 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.
Tuition and Scholarships
Pepperdine GSEP generously offers $5,500,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving some form of financial assistance. ncoming GSEP students may be eligible for approximately $10,000 in Pepperdine scholarships.*
| Total tuition | $105,905 |
| GSEP scholarships available | -$10,000 |
| Total tuition after GSEP scholarships | $95,905 |
*GSEP scholarship amount is based on data from the 2021-2022 academic year and only includes new incoming students who received aid from Pepperdine within GSEP programs. Does not include other external forms of financial aid
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." - Dr. Asia Ghazi, Alumni
Why Pepperdine
Contact Us
Gary Younger
Enrollment Officer
6100 Center Drive, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045