Lead with conviction. Shape organizations.
The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (EdD) at Northwest University’s Center for Leadership Studies empowers professionals to lead with purpose and impact. In a rapidly evolving educational and organizational landscape, theory alone is not enough. Our EdD combines rigorous scholarship with real-world problem solving—so that what you study, you apply, and what you apply, you transform.
Why this matters for you:
- You want to advance beyond being “just another administrator.”
- You’re committed to making measurable changes—for students, staff, institutions, or communities.
- You need a degree that fits your life: flexible, designed for working professionals, yet academically strong.
At Northwest, your doctoral journey becomes more than a credential. It becomes a catalyst—for your career, your organization, your community.
Program Quick Facts
- 2 annual starts: July and January
- No GRE required
- 60 credits
- $920 per credit (2025–26)
- 3 years to complete
- 2 residencies a year
- Cohort-based classes
Why Our EdD Program Is Different
Bridging Theory and Practice
We emphasize problems of practice—you’ll design your dissertation around a challenge in your own context, not an abstract topic.
Flexible, Professional-friendly Design
Hybrid delivery with online learning and two residencies ensure you never have to pause your career.
Mentorship + Community
From Day 1, you’ll find faculty mentors and join a cohort of peers who will push you forward.
Integrated Faith & Learning
The degrees integrate a Christian perspective drawing simultaneously from scholarship and faith.
Institutional Backing & Connections
Being part of the Center for Leadership Studies gives you access to cross-disciplinary partnerships and professional networks in education, nonprofit, business, and beyond.
Accreditation & Rigor
Northwest University is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The Ed.D. program meets rigorous academic standards and is recognized nationally.
What Our Students Are Saying
“My cohort challenged me to think differently and rise to the occasion. There was a healthy tension among us pushing for a greater expectation of excellence.” —2025 class survey
“The program of study represents the rigor expected from a graduate program. Critical research-based thinking is so important in today’s organizations.” —2025 class survey
Excellence Made Affordable
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
Starting Cost
$55,200
Total tuition for all 3 years
Actual Cost
$32,120
Total tuition for all 3 years
How can you achieve these savings?
- We offer a first-year grant of $1,000.
- We offer a 10% matching tuition discount for non-profit employees.
- Transfer up to 12 credits to reduce the number of classes needed to graduate.
The Value of an EdD
An EdD is not only a leadership credential — it’s a financial investment that pays dividends over time. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, education level strongly correlates with earning power:
| Degree Level | Median Annual Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $74,464 |
| Master’s Degree | $90,602 |
| Doctoral Degree | $108,316 |
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey 2024)
That’s a difference of nearly $18,000 per year between a master’s and doctorate on average — a gap that grows substantially over a 10–20-year career. For professionals in education and organizational leadership, this often translates into higher-level administrative roles and increased long-term earning potential.
Career Pathways & Outcomes
Graduates of our EdD program go on to lead in a variety of sectors. Below are some illustrative roles and their trajectories:
| Sector / Role | Typical Duties & Leverage Points |
|---|---|
| K–12 Leadership | District Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Director of Curriculum & Instruction |
| Higher Education | Dean, VP / Provost, Academic Affairs Director, Student Affairs Executive |
| Nonprofit / NGO / Foundations | Executive Director, Program Designer, Organizational Change Leader |
| Government / Policy | State or federal education agency leadership, policy analysis, program oversight |
| Corporate / Organizational Leadership | Chief Learning Officer, Training & Development Director, Leadership Consultant |
| Academic / Educational Research | Adjunct or full faculty in practitioner-oriented educator preparation programs, researcher, speaker |
The Learning Experience
Your journey begins with an orientation and the first residency on our Kirkland campus, where you’ll meet faculty and fellow cohort members. These residencies are immersive and collaborative—filled with seminars, presentations, and guided dissertation workshops. Between residencies, you’ll participate in dynamic online discussions, applied research projects, and faculty mentorship that help you connect theory to real-world leadership challenges.
The Ed.D. requires a total of 60 credits. Successful completion of the program involves:
- Core courses (33 credits)
- Concentration courses (15 credits)
- Dissertation courses (12 credits)
- Comprehensive examination
- Dissertation completion
Admissions Requirements
Northwest seeks applicants who bring both professional experience and academic readiness to doctoral study. Ideal candidates hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution, demonstrate a strong academic record, and have a clear sense of research purpose.
Application materials include:
- Official transcripts from accredited institutions
- Professional résumé or CV
- Statement of purpose outlining goals and research interests
- Academic writing sample
- Two to three recommendation letters
- Interview (by invitation)
Our admissions team will guide you through each step—from your first inquiry to your program entry in the fall or spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
EdD is oriented to solving real organizational problems; PhD is more research/theory oriented and often geared toward full-time research or tenure-track roles.
If your goal is leadership, systemic change, or high-level administration, an EdD often aligns better with your career.
Yes. The hybrid format, flexible pacing, and scheduled intensives are designed with working professionals in mind.
Yes. As above, leadership roles often see median salaries of $100,000+, with some specialized roles commanding $150,000+ and premium differentials for doctoral credentials.
Many districts, colleges, NGOs, and organizations explicitly require or prefer doctoral credentials for senior leadership. The EdD signals both academic rigor and strategic, practice-based thinking.
Inside the PhD: Stories, Strategies & Success
View Course Descriptions
You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.
Go to the Catalog
Questions about this program?
I would love to answer any questions about the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program that you may have.
Dr. Valerie Rance
Co-Director/Associate Dean of the Center for Leadership Studies
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
425-889-6316