EdD Executive Leadership (Online) at Columbia University

Programme overview

A 75-point online Doctor of Education for experienced leaders, delivered as a full-time cohort. Students are admitted to one of two pathways, Global and Independent Education Leadership or Organization Transformation, and finish with a Dissertation in Practice.

Faculty: Teachers College | Department: Organization and Leadership | Duration: 3 years (designed to finish within three years) | Intake: Summer 2027 (odd-year cohorts only); priority and final deadline 15 January 2027 | Study mode: online | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Seven core courses over three years cover leadership theory, research design, research-to-practice and technology and leadership, alongside pathway-specific courses and required in-person immersives. The programme ends with a Dissertation in Practice.

Career pathways

Global and Independent Education Leadership: heads of school, executive directors, deans, department chairs, nonprofit and foundation leaders, education consultants. Organization Transformation: senior executives, chief learning or talent officers, executive coaches, OD consultants.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Master's degree, or 30 graduate-level credits with a grade of B or better; 10 or more years of experience in a relevant organization or role; online application with statement of purpose and resume; transcripts or course-by-course evaluations; two letters of recommendation; a work product with cover letter and a 500-800-word context statement; supplemental application; Zoom interview for finalists; $75 application fee. International applicants whose native language is not English submit TOEFL iBT (minimum 100 if taken before 21 January 2026, 5.0 on the new scale if taken on or after that date), IELTS 7.0 or Duolingo 130, unless exempt (for example by a graduate degree taught in English).

Intake: Summer 2027 (odd-year cohorts only); priority and final deadline 15 January 2027

Duration: 3 years (designed to finish within three years)

Apply through the official page: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/admissions/

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