At a glance
Delivery
Online
Finish in as few as
3 years (plus dissertation)
Estimated tuition
$49,776
Contact us
Request information
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They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Program highlights
Experienced professors
You’ll learn from experienced faculty and working professionals who bring relevant knowledge, faith, and real-world insight into every course to help you grow as a confident, transformational leader. They are committed to your success in the classroom and your career.
Leadership formation
Personal formation and leadership development are at the heart of our program. Through self-assessment, coaching, and reflection, you’ll strengthen your character and refine your leadership effectiveness.
Dissertation support
You’ll build research expertise through a sequence of courses designed to prepare you for each stage of your dissertation, with support from experienced advisors and committee members. It’ll guide you through the completion of a high-quality dissertation.
Faith-driven learning
Though faith isn’t required, professors integrate their faith into their teaching, modeling the importance of ethical, faith-informed leadership and encouraging you to integrate your ethical commitments into your leadership as well.
Collaborative learning community
You’ll connect with peers and professors through online discussions, collaborative projects, and required residencies—experiences that foster networking, professional growth, and purpose-driven leadership.
Support for students
You’ll be supported throughout your doctoral journey by a student success advisor and academic resources that provide guidance, skill development, and encouragement from admission to graduation.
Flexibility
Our programs are primarily completed online—along with periodic intensives—and are designed for working adults with families and other commitments. Courses start every eight weeks, allowing you to start your program at any time throughout the year and finish in as little as three years, plus a dissertation.
Authentic leadership. Positive change.
Our Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership program provides an interactive online learning environment for working professionals who want to advance their careers to serve in leadership roles in higher education. You’ll have opportunities to meet your classmates and professors during intensives that immerse you in topics that are vital to your growth as a higher education leader. Alongside your classmates and respected, inspirational professors, you’ll work through topics that are vital to your growth as a higher education leader. You’ll learn to integrate proven practices into your leadership style through coaching, case studies, discussions, presentations, and more.
Career Outcomes
Outcomes
Our graduates serve in a variety of public and private universities and colleges, as well as in non-profit organizations.
Skills
Learn how to:
- Analyze higher education systems from historical, cultural, and philosophical perspectives
- Engage in reflective practices and sustained personal formation
- Integrate faith, values, and ethics into your leadership of educational institutions
- Demonstrate leadership in areas of diversity, inclusion, and equity
- Apply strategic and adaptive leadership practices to drive innovation and manage organizational change
- Manage the tactical day-to-day operations of a college or university
- Develop effective budgeting strategies and apply nonprofit accounting principles
- Analyze complex legal challenges and manage relationships with external regulatory bodies
- Design, implement, and evaluate institutional assessment plans for academic and student life programs
Careers
Our graduates work in senior leadership roles such as vice president of student affairs, dean of academic affairs, director of enrollment management, and college president or provost. They serve in the following areas of leadership:
- Academics
- Advising
- Business affairs
- Campus ministries
- Career services
- Development and institutional advancement
- Diversity and inclusion
- Enrollment
- Executive administration
- Financial aid
- Human resources
- Leadership positions at nonprofit organizations
- Registrar
- Student development
- Teaching and learning technology
Start your journey
Apply now
You're called to accomplish incredible things. Take the next step in your career and fill out our simple, straightforward application today.
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Frequently asked questions
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An Ed.D. in higher education leadership is a Doctor of Education degree designed to prepare authentic, values-driven leaders like you who can guide change in today’s colleges and universities. Bethel’s program equips you with high-level skills in strategic leadership, organizational development, and institutional decision-making—all taught from a Christian perspective. You’ll be prepared to lead both day-to-day operations and long-term transformation in complex educational environments.
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A doctorate in higher education leadership prepares you for senior-level roles at colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations. You’ll be equipped to lead departments such as academics, student development, advising, financial aid, diversity and inclusion, campus ministries, business affairs, and enrollment. The program also develops the skills needed for executive positions like dean, vice president, or program director.
You’ll gain the tools to lead with cultural intelligence, navigate complex systems, and make ethical, strategic decisions that shape the future of higher education.
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Bethel’s Ed.D. is primarily online, offering flexibility for working professionals. In addition to online coursework, you'll complete one week of "HyFlex" residencies—meaning you can choose to attend online or at Bethel's Twin Cities campus—each year. These build community, network, and allow you to engage in face-to-face learning.
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The program can be completed in as few as three years, plus time to complete your dissertation. Courses are delivered in eight-week sessions, allowing you to make steady progress throughout the year.
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A Ph.D. focuses on generating original research and preparing scholars for academic or research-intensive careers. An Ed.D., like Bethel’s, is a practitioner-focused degree that emphasizes applying research to real-world challenges in higher education. It’s designed for leaders who want to make an immediate impact in their institutions.
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Yes. All Bethel’s graduate programs are grounded in a Christian perspective that emphasizes faith-informed, relational leadership. Professors integrate their faith into teaching and model ethical, purpose-driven leadership. While students don’t need to be Christian to enroll, the program encourages all learners to integrate their own values and ethical commitments into their leadership practice. Faith and ethics are also woven into coursework on strategic planning, finance, legal issues, and institutional assessment.
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Yes. The Ed.D. includes an embedded dissertation process structured across three courses. You’ll receive ongoing support from experienced advisors as you design and complete a practical research project that addresses a real challenge in higher education.
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Bethel’s program blends academic rigor with faith-informed leadership development and applied research. Highlights include:
- Faith-based learning. Courses are taught from a Christian perspective, helping you lead with ethics and purpose.
- Leadership formation. You’ll complete self-assessments, receive professional coaching, and reflect on your leadership strengths.
- Embedded dissertation. The research process is integrated throughout your coursework, with step-by-step support from experienced advisors.
- Practical preparation. Courses cover strategy, assessment, finance, legal issues, and managing diverse teams.
- Flexible format. Online coursework and annual in-person intensives support your professional and personal commitments.
- Scholarship partnerships. Eligible students may qualify for tuition discounts through partner organizations like AACRAO, Geneva College, Messiah University, and others.
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Yes. The Ed.D. is designed for professionals who work full-time and have family or community commitments. Its flexible format and supportive faculty make it possible to balance academic and professional responsibilities.
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Applicants need a master’s or higher degree from an accredited institution and a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. You’ll submit official transcripts, a résumé or CV, a statement of purpose, and two professional references. An interview with the program director may also be part of the process. International students must meet additional requirements, including English proficiency and transcript evaluation.
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Yes. Ed.D. students may be eligible for federal student loans, private loans, and scholarships. Scholarship options include the Business Partnership Scholarship, Bethel Military Scholarship, and scholarships for students affiliated with partner institutions like the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and several CCCU schools.