University of Sioux Falls

Earn Your Doctorate in Leadership
(Ed.D.) Online

You're already the person people count on when things need fixing. USF's Doctorate in Leadership shapes practitioners into transformational leaders, ready to lead positive change within their respective fields. Designed for working professionals, the program is completed 100% online, with just two two-week, in-person classroom residencies. Request information today, and a USF admissions counselor will walk you through program details, tuition, financial aid options and your enrollment timeline.

Next Term
Start Date

May 27, 2027

Anticipated
Graduation

In 39 months

Application
Deadline

May 26, 2027

No Cost
to Apply

Submit your application for free

Your Dissertation Isn't Theoretical.
It's Already on Your Desk.

Instead of researching a hypothetical issue, you'll dedicate classroom time and USF's Dissertation in Practice to solving a real problem from your own workplace, alongside classmates from education, healthcare, banking, ministry and government backgrounds who are doing the same. Two one-week residencies in Sioux Falls bring cohorts closer together, provide additional support and allow for dedicated time to focus on your dissertation.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

Hear directly from Brittany, a Doctorate in Leadership graduate who says the program pushed her past what she thought she was capable of.

Program Details

Admission Requirements

Master's or equivalent professional degree
Minimum 3.0 GPA (most recent degree)
Completed online application
Leadership Description (500 words or fewer) describing your experience as a leader and the scope of your influence
Personal Statement (500 words or fewer) reflecting on why doctoral study fits your professional goals
Interview
No GRE required
No application fee

Curriculum

You'll complete 60 credits split between leadership classes and your Dissertation in Practice. Courses include:

Data Analysis in Decision Making
Finance and Fundraising
International and Intercultural Perspectives
Historical Leadership
Public Relations and Social Media
And more

Tuition

USF charges graduate tuition by the credit hour, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

60 total program credits
$545 per credit for 26-27

Financial Aid

Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three credit hours per semester in courses required to complete the Doctorate in Leadership degree in order to qualify for federal loans. USF also offers students access to private alternative loans and an interest-free payment plan.

Be sure to check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement.

Ready To Make It Real?

Request information today, and a USF admissions counselor will help you map out tuition, financial aid and enrollment timelines for your Ed.D.

get program info

Already decided? Apply now.