The purpose of the Dallas Baptist University Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program is to provide Christ-centered, quality, research-based doctoral studies in the area of educational leadership to adult practitioner-learners in order to produce servant leaders who have the ability to integrate faith and learning for the purpose of school improvement.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership emphasizes a practical approach to leadership development that accentuates the servant-leadership model. This degree program is for individuals who intend to put their skills into practice through positions of leadership in higher education institutions and K-12 school systems. DBU's purpose is to provide a transforming Christ-centered quality education. Our desire is to produce servant-leaders who are trained to develop other leaders through the knowledge and skills gained in this doctoral program. The program offers two tracks of study.

• Higher education leadership - Cognate studies in community college leadership, higher education administration and leadership, and student affairs leadership.
• K-12 leadership - Equip leaders who intend to serve in K-12 school systems and includes Texas superintendent's certification for qualified students.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program is a sixty (60) credit hour program consisting of 21 hours of core studies in educational leadership, 9 hours of research studies, 12 hours of cognate studies, 6 hours of concentrated study in an academic discipline or independent study, 6 hours of internship, and 6 hours of dissertation research and writing. The program is designed to provide an opportunity for students to begin writing their dissertation proposal in the second year of study and provides an opportunity for students to graduate within three years. The program is academically rigorous yet practical in design. Students from other countries, diverse cultures, different higher education institutions, and various school systems will enrich this doctoral program. This is an exciting and stimulating educational experience for everyone involved. Classes are offered each fall, spring, and summer term. Accepted applicants may begin the program at the start of any of these three terms. Students who enroll in six hours during each term will be able to complete their coursework in less than three years and will be eligible to graduate upon defense of their dissertation at the end of the third year. Some students may choose to take additional time to complete their dissertation studies.