Doctor of Education (EdD):

Innovation in Leadership and Learning

 

 

Transformative Change is Coming in Fall 2026.

Are You Ready?

 

Southern Adventist University is pleased to introduce its new Doctor of Education (EdD) program with a focus on Innovation in Leadership and Learning. Take the next step in your career and become a leader equipped to address today’s educational challenges with creativity and purpose.

Why Choose This EdD?

  • Innovative Scholar-Practitioner Program:
    Grounded in leadership, innovation, learning science, and applied research for K-12, higher education, non-profit, business, ministry, and public sectors
  • Flexible & Online:
    Designed for working professionals, with core and elective options to tailor your coursework to your interests and goals
  • Christ-Centered & Service-Minded:
    Ethical leadership, service-oriented projects, and a commitment to excellence—aligning with Southern’s mission
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Program Highlights

  • Core Competencies:
    Leadership, innovation, organizational change, communication, and research methods
  • Customizable Electives:
    Educational leadership, technology, resource management, data literacy, strategic planning, healthcare policy, and more
  • Real-World Application:
    Doctoral project focuses on an authentic problem of practice in your setting
  • Supportive Faculty:
    Learn from experienced thought leaders across education, business, healthcare, and ministry

Quick Facts

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  • Program Length: 60 credit hours (2 to 3 years)
  • Delivery Format: 100% online
  • Admission Requirements: Master's degree, 3.0 GPA, 3 references, transcripts, statement of purpose, statistics course completion
  • Leadership Emphasis: Superintendent, academic dean, organizational leader, education director, non-profit executive, corporate trainer, pastor, consultant

 

What Sets This Degree Apart?

  • Doctoral-level preparation for innovation and adaptive leadership in any organizational context
  • Hands-on research and collaborative project development
  • Multi-disciplinary approach
  • Vibrant, diverse, mission-driven community

Application Deadlines

All application steps are to be fully completed by the dates listed.

Scroll Horizontally ->

Term

U.S. Residents

International

Fall

July 1

May 1 (Instructional Leadership emphasis only)

Winter

October 1

September 1 (Instructional Leadership emphasis only)

Summer

April 1

Not applicable

How to Apply

Submit an application (with non-refundable fee of $40.)

 

Request More Information

Want to learn more about the education programs at Southern? Just fill out the form to receive additional program resources and insights
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I’ve Been Admitted to the DNP! Next Steps: 

Before you enroll, we need acceptable documentation of these items. Email all documents to jlthompson@southern.edu.

  • Personal health assessment and physical exam Download Form
  • Criminal background check Download Form
  • Medical-information disclosure and drug-screen consent Download Form
  • Current health information and immunizations Download Form
  • CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association

 

Resources for Getting Your M.S. in Education at Southern

M.S. in Education

Choose your area of interest.

M.S. Education Course Guides

Instructional Leadership

See the course list

2025.MSEd-InstructionalLeadership

M.S. Education Course Guides

Literacy Education

See the course list

2025.MSEd-Literacy

M.S. Education Course Guides

Outdoor Education

See the course list

2025.MSEd-Outdoor

Stay Tuned for More Information Coming Soon!

Tammy Overstreet, PhD headshot

Tammy Overstreet, PhD

Dean


423.236.2444
toverstreet@southern.edu

Krystal Bishop, EdD headshot

Krystal Bishop, EdD

Adjunct Professor


423.236.2774
kbishop@southern.edu

Gary Bradley, PhD headshot

Gary Bradley, PhD

Professor


423.236.2519
gbradley@southern.edu

Monty Murdoch, PhD headshot

Monty Murdoch, PhD

Professor



mmurdoch@southern.edu

 

Mikhaile Spence

Mikhaile Spence

Graduate Program Manager
maspence@southern.edu
423.236.2496

Let's Talk About You

Welcome! I’m here to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re exploring program options or have questions about application deadlines, feel free to call or email. I’m happy to assist. Let’s take the next step in your journey together.

Apply Now
Email Mikhaile

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