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, Spring |
| 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
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 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
Priority Application - Submit application form. You may be eligible to receive an additional $3,000 scholarship.
Application Form Submit - Submit the application form. Supplemental materials are not yet required.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
"Consider Pepperdine highly because you are not going to get this wealth of information, global trips, or the experience of knowing people and creating a family unless you are at Pepperdine."
-Asia Ghazi '21
"The international trip was an incredible experience. I would encourage any prospective student to think about the fact that they would have an entire global opportunity open to them."
-Jeannette Pugh '21
Why Pepperdine
Accreditations and Recognitions
Contact Us
Ernesto Santiago Elizondo
Enrollment Officer
6100 Center Drive, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90045