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Leadership, Ed.D.
Two doctoral paths. One purpose. Leadership that creates change.
Lead meaningful change in education, organizations, and communities through a fully online doctoral program designed for experienced professionals.
The Leadership, Ed.D. program at Saint Mary’s prepares ethical, strategic leaders to address complex challenges, improve organizational effectiveness, and create lasting impact. Choose between two pathways: A rigorous Traditional Research Pathway and an innovative executive pathway. No matter which pathway you choose, you’ll develop advanced leadership, inquiry, and problem-solving skills through rigorous doctoral study.
Inspired by the Lasallian Catholic tradition, the program emphasizes leadership, service, and the responsible use of knowledge to advance the common good. Students are challenged to think critically, lead purposefully, and apply what they learn to improve organizations, communities, and systems.
Throughout the program, students work closely with experienced faculty and peers while pursuing a pathway aligned with their professional goals, ultimately earning an Ed.D. degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
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Choose your pathway
Doctorate Leadership Programs at a Glance
Choose a curricular pathway that best aligns with your professional goals and desired learning experience to achieve a singular outcome: leading with integrity, vision, and purpose. Use the chart below to compare the Traditional Research Pathway and the — including credentials earned, licensure area, start dates, cost, and field experience requirements.
| Traditional Research Pathway (Dissertation) | Executive Pathway
(Capstone Project) |
|
| Degree earned | Ed.D., Leadership | Executive Ed.D., Leadership |
| Faculty | Shared | Shared |
| Cohort experience | Shared | Shared |
| Total credits | 55 | 39 |
| Cost per credit | $895 | $1,570 |
| Culminating experience | Traditional dissertation | Capstone project |
| Focus | Research, inquiry, and scholarly contribution | Leadership, implementation, and organizational impact |
| Outcome | Generate new knowledge and contribute to the scholarly literature | Create solutions for real organizational challenges |
| Best fit for | Leaders interested in research, university teaching, consulting, policy development, or advancing knowledge in the field. | Leaders seeking to drive change, improve outcomes, and create measurable impact within organizations and communities. |
What You’ll Learn in the Ed.D. Program
The Leadership, Ed.D program at Saint Mary’s prepares leaders to address complex challenges, improve organizational performance, and create meaningful change across industries, organizations, and communities.
Through a rigorous doctoral curriculum, you will strengthen your ability to:
- Analyze complex issues using research and evidence-based decision making
- Design and implement strategies for organizational improvement
- Evaluate programs, policies, and initiatives to drive positive outcomes
- Manage resources and lead strategically in complex environments
- Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Apply ethical leadership principles in professional practice
- Translate research and inquiry into actionable solutions
- Lead change across organizations, communities, and systems
Meet our program faculty
Dr. Michael Hahn, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
mhahn@smumn.edu
mhahn@smumn.edu
Katie McGowan, Ed.D.
Program Director
kmcgowan@smumn.edu
kmcgowan@smumn.edu
Rustin Wolfe, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
rwolfe@smumn.edu
rwolfe@smumn.edu
Ruben Chiza, Ed.D.
Catherine Ford, Ed.D.
Burl Haar, Ph.D.
Paul Kotz, Ph.D.
Jack McClure, Ph.D.
Michael McMahon, Ed.D.
Bryant Montalvo, Ed.D.
Yvette Pye, Ph.D.
Amanuel Teklemariam, Ed.D.
Steven Torres, Ed.D.
Sandra Wieser-Matthews, Ed.D.
FAQs about the Ed.D. in Leadership
Which Ed.D. pathway is right for me?
Both pathways lead to the same Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership degree and are delivered in a fully online cohort model. The primary difference is the culminating experience.
The Traditional Research Pathway is designed for students interested in conducting original research, contributing to academic scholarship, pursuing teaching opportunities, or exploring complex leadership questions in depth. Students complete a traditional dissertation.
The Executive Pathway is designed for experienced professionals who want to address significant organizational challenges, drive organizational change, and apply research directly to practice. Students complete an applied doctoral project rather than a traditional dissertation.
Both pathways develop advanced leadership knowledge and skills while preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions in their organizations and communities.
Can I switch pathways after I begin the program?
Students should select the pathway that best aligns with their professional goals when they apply. In some cases, a pathway change may be possible after enrollment. Students interested in exploring a change should consult with their advisor and program director to discuss options, financial implications, timing, and any impact on their degree plan.
How long does it take to earn the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)?
Completion time varies based on your chosen pathway, pace of study, transfer credits, and progress on your dissertation or applied doctoral project.
The Executive Pathway can be completed in as little as two years while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.The Traditional Research Pathway requires two years of coursework and at least two additional years to complete the dissertation. Students must complete the program within eight years.
Is the Ed.D., Leadership program fully online?
Yes. The Doctor of Education in Leadership is delivered fully online no matter if students select the Traditional Research Pathway or the Executive Pathway. Students learn within a cohort model that fosters collaboration, networking, and support from faculty and peers throughout the program. Opportunities to connect with the cohort synchronously are encouraged, but not required.
What are the admission requirements for the Ed.D. program?
Applicants for the Doctor of Education in Leadership program must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and have a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. The application process also includes submission of official transcripts, a professional résumé or curriculum vitae, and an interview with program faculty.
Additional requirements may apply depending on an applicant’s academic and professional background.
Do I need leadership experience to apply to the Ed.D. program?
Leadership experience is valuable for success in the program. Applicants to the Executive Leadership, Ed.D. should have at least five years of professional leadership experience, as coursework and project work build upon real-world leadership responsibilities.
Prospective students considering the Traditional Research Pathway are encouraged to discuss their academic and professional background with an admissions counselor to determine the best fit.
What is a Capstone Project?
An applied doctoral capstone is a practice-based experience that allows students to address a significant challenge within an organization, profession, or community. Using research-informed strategies, students identify a problem, develop solutions, implement recommendations, and evaluate outcomes.
The project is designed to create measurable impact while demonstrating doctoral-level leadership and inquiry skills.
What is a dissertation?
A dissertation is an original scholarly research study that contributes new knowledge to the field of leadership. Students investigate a significant research question, collect and analyze data, and present findings through a formal written dissertation.
Faculty mentors guide students through each stage of the research process, from proposal development through final defense.
Is this program F1 Visa-eligible?
No, this program is fully online and as a result, is not eligible for an F1 visa.
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