Ed.D. in Leadership and Professional Practice
With an interdisciplinary focus on leadership, research and professional practice, the in-person Ed.D. builds the leadership capacity of professionals in fields such as education, medicine, religion and business so that they can solve real-world problems and bring transformational change to their organizations.
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National Recognition
Trevecca’s Ed.D. is earning elite accolades from respected sources nationwide, including these recent rankings:
- #1 most affordable doctorate in education (Fortune)
- #3 online doctorate in education (Fortune)
- One of the nation’s best online Doctor of Education programs (Princeton Review)
- #9 education doctorate for minorities (EDU Ledger)

Benefits of the in-person doctorate in leadership
- Attend class at our Nashville campus one Saturday per month
- Graduate on an accelerated 24-month timeline, created with flexibility for working professionals
- Complete your program with a supportive cohort of students who are working toward similar goals
- Enjoy a collaborative learning environment made possible by our small class sizes
- Learn from faculty who possess the highest degrees in their fields and have relevant and valuable experience
- Complete your dissertation as you progress through the program, on a topic that addresses relevant problems in your field
What to expect from your doctorate in leadership
As a student in Trevecca’s in-person Ed.D. program, you’ll gain leadership skills and knowledge through a research-based curriculum that moves you from theory to practice. You’ll learn how to solve real-world challenges, initiate transformational change and lead yourself, your team and your organization.
As part of your coursework, you’ll focus on planning for strategic improvement; strengthening organizational culture and performance; understanding the value of intrapersonal effectiveness; communicating with diverse stakeholders; applying research effectively; and ultimately mastering the skills it takes to develop and sustain successful organizations. You’ll dive deeper into these ideas as you work on your dissertation, researching a topic in conjunction with your coursework that pertains to your passions and career. When you complete your degree, you’ll have practical solutions in hand.
Over the course of two years, classes will generally meet one Saturday per month, with two three-day residency requirements each summer. Located in the heart of Nashville, our campus offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. Students benefit from small class sizes and develop personal relationships with faculty members who serve as both professors and mentors.
The cohort model is one of the reasons Trevecca’s Ed.D. has become one of the most successful in the Southeast. It’s a highly successful experience that allows students to complete their degree alongside classmates with similar goals in an atmosphere that cultivates accountability and networking.
Tuition & Costs
Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.
Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.
Cost/Credit Hour$725 |
Hours60 |
Tuition Cost*$43,500 |
*$150 Student Resource Fee assessed per course
Prefer an online format?
Discover the Ed.D. in organizational leadership & innovation, designed for flexibility, career-specific tracks and a dissertation you can complete alongside your coursework.
Here’s a look at the approximate tuition rates you could expect for this program at Trevecca, including the cost per credit hour and the total tuition expense for the full degree program. Please note that rates and fees are subject to change.
Career Opportunities: Ed.D. in Leadership and Professional Practice
The Doctor of Education in leadership and professional practice provides professionals with the tools to be successful agents of change and influence in a variety of industries. Our graduates currently serve in respected leadership roles in fields like these:
- Business
- Technology
- Education
- Ministry
- Government
- Law enforcement
- Healthcare
- Additional Program Information
- Admissions
- Testimonials
- Why Choose Trevecca?
Led by faculty who also serve as highly credentialed experts throughout their respective fields, Trevecca’s Ed.D. takes a research-based, theory-into-practice approach to its curriculum, including the topics of:
- Leadership (how to initiate transformational change and lead oneself, a team and organizations).
- Research (applied research, statistics, research-based technology).
As part of your Ed.D. coursework, you’ll learn how to create effective organizations; ways to plan for strategic improvement; how to build teamwork and foster collaboration; the value of intrapersonal effectiveness and more. Students will receive instruction on cultural influences to consider when building and leading a team in addition to the latest insight on research-based technology.
Dissertation Details
Your applied research dissertation will be a comprehensive study of a significant problem that is important to you in your area of professional work. You will research your proposed topic, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the relevant literature, explain the research methods used to conduct the study and present your research findings and conclusions.
The goal of an applied research dissertation is to provide important evidence for improving the workplace while also adding to the body of knowledge. Our four-chapter dissertation model represents the highest standards for terminal degrees.
Trevecca’s curriculum is unique in that students work on their dissertation in conjunction with their classes. You will be assigned a faculty advisor and reader to work with throughout the process. We provide guidance and encouragement while you are working on your dissertation so that when you complete your courses in as few as 24 months, your dissertation is also complete.
Our highly qualified team of faculty and staff are committed to your success as you complete this doctoral program. We are behind you every step of the way! Throughout the Ed.D. program, you’ll have your own support team. From academic advisors to dissertation advisors, Trevecca is committed to helping you finish your degree and your dissertation at the same time.
- Complete the free online application
Need help applying? Read the step-by-step instructions here! - Fill out FAFSA to be considered for financial aid (Trevecca’s school code: 003526).
- Request official transcripts from your previous graduate institution.
- Submit all additional materials to your dedicated enrollment counselor.
Requirements
- A master's degree from an institution accredited by a CHEA-recognized regional accrediting agency or the Association for Biblical Higher Education. Students who do not meet these degree requirements may be conditionally accepted in accordance with the Conditional Admission Policy.
- A 3.4 cumulative GPA for all prior graduate coursework.
- Official transcript sent directly from graduate institution to Trevecca.
- Two recommendations submitted directly by your professional and/or academic references using our online form.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Writing sample, to be submitted to the program director (After all other application documents are submitted, a link will be sent to applicants where they can complete the writing assessment.)
- A photocopy of government-issued identification (e.g., driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport). This requirement ensures that Trevecca complies with the U.S. Department of Education expectations for student verification.
Emerald Mitchell ’16
Kevin Dyson ‘18
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
Read MoreNext Steps
App Process & Timeline
Our Ed.D. Faculty
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James Agee, Ph.D.
Professor
Read Full BioJames’ specialization is in statistics, research and management, which he teaches in a variety of programs across campus, including the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). He received his Ph.D. from the State University of New York (Albany) ...
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Ronald Barredo
Dean of the School of STEM and Health Sciences
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Melinda Burch
Associate Professor
Read Full BioAfter completing her undergraduate education at Trevecca, Mindy started her career as a middle school math teacher in Clarksville, TN and completed her master's degree at Austin Peay State University. After moving back to Nashville, she worked at ...
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Eda Cako-Moore
Faculty Recruiter, Director of Science in Business Management Program
Read Full BioEda is a full-time instructor in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. She holds a B.S. in intercultural communications and an MBA with a concentration in management and leadership from Trevecca. Eda also serves as program director of ...
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LaMetrius Daniels
Associate Vice President, Dean of the Graduate School
Read Full BioAs dean of online learning & support services at Trevecca, LaMetrius serves as a catalyst for change and innovation in education. She provides strategic leadership for online and blended learning programs and manages a team of instructional ...
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Avery Finch
Adjunct Faculty
Read Full BioDr. Avery Finch is an experienced educational leader who serves as an adjunct professor in the School of Education and the School of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies. With nearly two decades of experience in public education, including ...
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Sam Green
Director, Center for Worship
Read Full BioSamuel is chair of the Department of Worship for the School of Music and Worship Arts. He also serves as the director of Undergraduate Research and the Quality Enhancement Plan at the University. He holds degrees from Tennessee State University ...
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Shataia Gresham Howard
Adjunct Faculty
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Marc Haas
Adjunct Faculty
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Lisa McGrady
Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness
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Alice Patterson
Director, Ed.D. Program
Read Full BioAlice is the director of Trevecca's on-site Ed.D. program and an associate professor of graduate education. Alice served on Trevecca’s Ed.D. development team and teaches courses at the doctoral levels. She holds a bachelor’s, master’s and ...
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Gary Streit
Adjunct Faculty
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Heidi Ventura
Professor, Associate Dean of Academic Research and Innovation
Read Full BioIn her administrative faculty role, Heidi provides leadership for nontraditional undergraduate and graduate programs, faculty and students. In her instructional faculty role, she holds faculty rank as associate professor, teaching doctoral ...
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Jeffrey Wells
Professor, Communication Studies
Read Full BioJeffrey has taught communication and theatre at the collegiate level since 1991. He rejoined the Trevecca community in June of 2016 after serving as chair for the division of communication arts and director of theatre at Oklahoma Baptist ...
Studying at Trevecca has helped me to strengthen and confirm what I already knew about myself, while at the same time allowing me to discover new areas of personal development I was not aware of.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*
Intrapersonal Leadership
EDD 8054
Research-Based Technology
EDD 8603
Research II: Research Design and Measurements
EDD 8602
Leadership 2: Collaborative Teamwork and Team Development
EDD 8055
Applied Statistics
EDD 8604
Leading Transformational Change
EDD 8057
Leadership 3: Creating Effective Organizations
EDD 8056
Applied Leadership
EDD 8058
Dissertation
EDD 8211-8217
Cultural Influences
EDD 8301
Ethical Leadership
EDD 8302
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.
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