Become a Change Leader in Higher Education
American International College (AIC) Online EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration program’s Higher Education specialization focuses on preparing students to become leaders in higher education who enact positive change while celebrating the principles of diversity and inclusion.
Is Higher Education right for you?
This concentration is ideal for students who are looking to move into administrative and leadership positions at the college/university level, such as a program director, dean or provost. Students in this program will hone their expertise in areas such as higher education policy development, management, adult education and student development theories.
- Complete in just over two years
- Nationally ranked and academically recognized
- 100% online courses
Flexible Learning, Endless Possibilities
Apply for Spring 2025
New England Commission of Higher Education
Top National College
U.S. News & World Report
A+ in Diversity from Niche
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Students will have the credentials to qualify for leadership or university faculty roles, and develop their expertise in areas such as:
- Student development
- Leadership
- Managing higher education
- Supporting student success
- Educational policies and systems
Additionally, AIC’s Online EdD Higher Education specialization provides dissertation writing courses woven throughout the program. This allows students to stay connected to their research while refining their skills and studying theories of student development, leadership, managing higher education, supporting student success, and educational policies and systems.
- Graduate in just over two years (seven terms) while studying full-time
- Study 100% online
- Learn from doctorally-prepared faculty who are educators themselves
- Benefit from a cohort-style learning model, allowing you to build key connections with peers within and outside of your role
- Receive dedicated student advisor support from application to graduation
AIC has a long-standing history of making education more accessible for people of all backgrounds, with a legacy centered around diversity, access, and inclusion. Founded in July 1885, AIC still stands more than 125 years later as a leader in education and continues to foster community more effectively than any other time in its history.
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Students will have the credentials to qualify for leadership or university faculty roles, and develop their expertise in areas such as:
- Student development
- Leadership
- Managing higher education
- Supporting student success
- Educational policies and systems
Additionally, AIC’s Online EdD Higher Education specialization provides dissertation writing courses woven throughout the program. This allows students to stay connected to their research while refining their skills and studying theories of student development, leadership, managing higher education, supporting student success, and educational policies and systems.
- Graduate in just over two years (seven terms) while studying full-time
- Study 100% online
- Learn from doctorally-prepared faculty who are educators themselves
- Benefit from a cohort-style learning model, allowing you to build key connections with peers within and outside of your role
- Receive dedicated student advisor support from application to graduation
AIC has a long-standing history of making education more accessible for people of all backgrounds, with a legacy centered around diversity, access, and inclusion. Founded in July 1885, AIC still stands more than 125 years later as a leader in education and continues to foster community more effectively than any other time in its history.
Why Choose AIC?
This course focuses on an introduction to the selection and construction of research design and choice of appropriate research methods for the educational inquiry to be undertaken. A variety of research methods will be reviewed. The design and collection of data, data analysis, and ethical issues related to research with human subjects will be explored.
This course provides advanced study and analysis of leadership theories, practices, and challenges within the higher education context. Students will explore the unique dynamics of leading in colleges and universities, including the complexities of governance structures, organizational culture, and stakeholder relationships. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective and transformative leaders in higher education. By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the theories, models, and practices of leadership in higher education. They will develop the ability to critically analyze leadership challenges, formulate effective strategies, and lead with integrity and vision in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
This course explores the foundational theories and frameworks that shape our understanding of how students grow, develop, and learn in the higher education environment. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will examine psychological, sociological, and cognitive theories that inform student development and the factors influencing their experiences. This course provides a solid theoretical foundation for professionals working in student affairs, counseling, and higher education administration. Upon completion of this course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the major theories of college student development and their implications for practice. They will be able to apply these theories to assess student needs, design inclusive programs and interventions, and promote holistic student success in the higher education context.
Dissertation 1 is the first in a three-course block of final required dissertation writing. It yields the first two chapters of the dissertation: Introduction and literature Review. Credit is awarded when the student submits the fully edited and approved version of these two chapters to his/her Dissertation Committee.
FAST FACTS
3 intakes per year
Full-time
Classes are 100% online
Career Salary Trends
| Education Administrators (Kindergarten through secondary) | $101,320 |
|---|---|
| Education Administrators (Postsecondary) | $99,940 |
| Post Secondary Teachers | $80,840 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,000 |
| Chief Executives | $189,520 |
Online EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration
American International College’s Online EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration program is a supportive online doctoral degree intended to facilitate transformative change, delivered with a connective, tailored curriculum. The EdD Higher Education specialization is tailored to students interested in earning the credentials necessary to qualify for leadership or university faculty roles and become a change agent in higher education.
Join an Inclusive and Diverse Community
Designed for engaged leaders
Fully online with no campus immersions or travel requirements
Legacy of Diversity, Access & Inclusion
A history of making education more accessible for persons of all backgrounds
Expert Support and Guidance
Study under thought leaders committed towards training the educators and leaders of tomorrow
Affordable Tuition
Competitively priced tuition compared to similar programs
American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
This program can be completed in two years and three months (seven semesters).
The tuition for this program is $960 per credit hour, totaling $48,960
*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees.
In this program, you will study under an engaged, doctorally-prepared faculty of prolific scholars, practitioners, and leaders who are committed to your success.
Highlighting the unique features of the EdD Organizational Leadership track are the dissertation writing courses. Typically, dissertation research and composition fall at the end of a degree program and can take years to complete. Our process is different. Interwoven throughout the EdD program are four dissertation writing courses, where the daunting aspects of a dissertation project are broken down into clear, manageable tasks. This structure allows students to start their dissertations as early as the third term, stay connected to their research, and complete their degrees on time.
While all the courses are fully online, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with classmates and faculty. Under a cohort-based model, you will complete your courses alongside the same group of students throughout the program. This model will help you develop those critical relationships and further build a professional network.
Students also experience a mix of asynchronous online courses (meaning there are no mandated log-in times for classes), as well as optional live classes on a week-by-week basis. Students can join live Zoom sessions which provide the opportunity to connect with peers and faculty in real time.
Nicole Esposito
MS ’09, EdD ’12
"My professors at AIC changed how I viewed myself, my abilities, and what I could offer my community."
