EdD

Contact Information

Lauren Mealey

4701 North Charles Street

Baltimore, MD 21210

410-532-5131

lmealey@ndm.edu

ndm.edu

Program Summary

Advance your career as an education leader with our flexible, online Ed.D. program designed for working professionals. This 48-credit, practitioner-focused doctorate prepares you to tackle real-world challenges in K–12 and higher education through an equity-driven lens.

With tracks in Higher Education Leadership and K–12 Leadership, you’ll gain expertise in policy design, data analysis, cultural and linguistic diversity, and strategic planning.

Program highlights include:

• Online course delivery for maximum flexibility

• 4-day on-campus residency focused on research, ethics, and advocacy

• Hands-on practicum in policy development and implementation

• Capstone project addressing real educational issues

Be part of a program that empowers leaders to drive meaningful, equitable change in diverse educational settings.

The School of Education at NDMU develops educators committed to creating and inspiring future leaders. Our programs place equal emphasis on professional training and cultivating a sense of social responsibility.

• Innovative Programs & Professional Development

• Small Class Sizes & Personal Attention

• Online

• Supportive Cohort Model

Admissions Requirements

• Completed Doctoral Application

• Completion of a Master’s Degree

• Cumulative Graduate GPA of 3.5 or Higher (4-point scale)

• Official Transcript(s) from Undergraduate and Graduate Coursework

• Personal Statement

• Two Letters of Recommendation

Ed.D. Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Where can I find information about what courses I need to take and course policies?

You can find all of this information in the SoE Ed.D. Handbook. It was revised in 2025. You will adhere to your program of study for all coursework sections. Reach out to your advisor with any questions.

How do I know which order to take courses?

Individual courses do not have a specific sequence, but you must adhere to the following sequence.

1.     Core Courses

2.     Specialization Tracks (Higher Education or K-12 Leadership) & Electives

3.     Practicum Sequence

4.     Four-day On Campus Summer Residency – can take after Practicum I

What grade do I need to receive in courses to stay in the program?

You must earn a B or better in all Ed.D. coursework to remain in the program. If you receive a grade lower than a B, you must retake the course.

Are classes held virtually?

All classes are asynchronous online, except for the Four-day On-Campus Summer Residency. This Summer Residency will be held in July. 

What can I expect during the Practicum Sequence?

You will be writing a three-chapter policy paper rectifying an issue in your organization. While students are encouraged to create a working policy in their organization, this can be hypothetical. The first chapter (Practicum I) is an organizational analysis, the second chapter (Practicum II) is the actual policy and the third chapter (Practicum III) is the implementation plan. You will have two years (four full term semesters) to complete the paper. You will present your paper during Practicum IV to a panel of faculty members.

When do I apply for graduation?

You must apply for graduation by adhering to the timelines below. You will not be able to graduate unless you have applied. If necessary, once you apply for graduation, the graduation date can be moved to a later semester without incurring additional fees. 

Application Deadlines

May Completion: October 15th deadline

August Completion: April 15th deadline

December Completion: June 15th deadline

When do I need to present my policy paper to the faculty in order to graduate?

December Graduation: December 1st

May Graduation: May 1st

August Graduation: August 1st

See the Ed.D. handbook for more details.

Required Courses

Core Course (18 credits)

EDU 702E-Introduction to Data-Based Decision-Making for Doctoral Students (3)

EDU 624-Dialects in American Schools (3)

EDU 698-Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (3)

EDUC 511-Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (3)

EDUC 515-Coaching for Equity Supporting Change (3)

EDU 772-Changing School Populations in Historical Perspectives (3)

Specialization Tracks (Candidate will select one)

Higher Education Leadership (9 credits)

EDU 802-Organization and Governance in Higher Education (3)

EDU 803-Assessment, Accreditation, and the Strategic Planning Process (3)

EDU 722-Education and Policy Analysis for Changing Populations (3)

K-12 Leadership (9 credits)

EDU 715-Educator as a Change Agent (3)

EDU 760-Legislative and Legal Decisions Affecting Changing School Populations (3)

EDU 722-Education and Policy Analysis for Changing Populations (3) 

Electives (6 credits)

Options include, but are not limited to, the following courses.

EDU 815-Innovations in Educational Technology (3)

EDU 830-Policy and Finance in Educational Systems (3)

EDU 845-Advanced Data Analytics for Educational Leaders (3)

Practicum Sequence (12 credits)

Practicum I-Field Analysis of Policy Contexts (3)

Practicum II-Policy Design and Proposal Development (3)

Practicum III-Policy Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement (3)

Practicum IV-Capstone Practicum (3)

Four-day On-Campus Summer Residency (3 credits)

Workshop 1-Policy Advocacy and Persuasive Communication: Covers effective communication and advocacy techniques.

Workshop 2-Advanced Research Skills for Policy Analysis: Teaches advanced research methodologies for rigorous policy analysis.

Workshop 3-Ethics and Equity in Policy Leadership: Examines ethical considerations and equity in

policymaking.

Workshop 4-Networking and Professional Development: Offers guidance on career advancement and professional connections.

This comprehensive curriculum equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to address pressing educational challenges, advocate for equity, and implement meaningful policy changes across diverse educational contexts.

Accreditation

The School of Education at NDMU is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education and nationally accredited by CAEP.

NDMU is accredited by the Middle States Commission for Higher Education.