Doctor of Education

The George Fox University doctor of education (EdD) in educational leadership is designed to prepare educators to be leaders in their chosen specialties. The program focuses on qualities of cultural, moral, and organizational leadership as the basis for leading complex educational organizations.

This program assumes that leadership is: (1) a conceptual art, building on the power of theory and ideas; (2) a moral art, depending upon core values; and (3) a performing art, perfecting the integration of theory and values in practice and experience. This curriculum provides a comprehensive framework from ethical, legal, social, political, and historical perspectives within a Christian worldview.

Earn your doctorate while you work

The design of the George Fox University doctor of education program offers flexibility to students. By participating in modular, online and intensive summer courses, EdD students are normally able to complete their coursework in three or four academic years.

Designed to maximize accessibility for full-time educators, this professionally oriented program is offered in a cohort model which begins every July. Fall and spring semester coursework is offered in an online format, while a three-week face-to-face session (for the first three years of the program) is offered on our Newberg campus in July.

The EdD program requires 63 semester hours of course work. Students who have successfully completed appropriate course work beyond the master's degree may be able to finish the program at a faster pace. Of the total hours required for the program, 36 are in educational perspectives courses, 19 hours of electives including those in an area of specialty, and 8 hours of dissertation.

Administrative Licenses and Endorsements

Students also may earn any of the following licenses or endorsements while in the EdD program:

A focus on the future

Educators today need more than the basics. Our program offers a curriculum that engages students with a broad spectrum of educational, psychological, and sociological issues. Advanced graduate study is as much about preparing to lead into the future as it is serving in the present. Current leadership theory, the latest classroom management theory, and technology are linked to problem solving, strategies for innovation, and effective educational practice for the future.

Exceptional faculty

Throughout your studies, you will receive guidance and support from PhD-level master educators. Their academic credentials, decades of collective teaching and administrative experience, and commitment to students have earned George Fox University a national reputation for teaching excellence.

Regional and National Accreditation

The George Fox University School of Education is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities, including employment, on the basis of age, sex, handicap/disability, race, color, national or ethnic origin, or other statuses protected by applicable nondiscrimination laws. The School of Education is also approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) for the preparation of early childhood and elementary teachers and PreK-12 music teachers at the undergraduate and graduate levels and for the preparation of middle and high school level teachers in specific fields at the graduate level. TSPC has also approved the School of Education for the preparation of principals, superintendents, and other administrators as well as school counselors and school psychologists. Get more information on our accredited education degree programs in Oregon.

Program Contact:
Dr. Gary Tiffin
Director, Doctor of Education Program
Telephone: 503-554-2874
Email: gtiffin@georgefox.edu