At a glance
Delivery
Online
Finish in as few as
2.5 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
Supportive faculty
Your professors are scholars and experienced practitioners who understand the real-life challenges of K-12 education. They bring relevant knowledge and evidence-based practices into your learning and are committed to your success.
Flexibility learning
Designed for working educators, the program offers a flexible online format with yearly intensives, which can be completed online or in-person. You’ll also be able to apply your learning immediately in your current role. Courses begin every eight weeks, giving you consistent opportunities to move forward and start the program throughout the year.
Licensure preparation
The program aligns with Minnesota requirements for K-12 administrative licensure, and the licensure programs are accredited by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators. You can pursue pathways for principal, superintendent, and/or director of special education roles through coursework and field experiences that meet state competencies and internship expectations. Students who are not seeking licensure complete an individualized directed study that supports their goals.
Values-based leadership
Faculty model a values-informed approach to educational leadership and invite you to reflect on how your beliefs and ethical commitments shape your work. Coursework encourages you to create respectful and supportive school environments and to lead with service and care for students and staff.
Dissertation research
Faculty advisors and committee members will guide you through each stage of your research and help you make consistent progress toward completing a high-quality dissertation.
Authentic leadership. Positive change.
The work of K-12 administrators requires self-awareness, ethical decision-making, and the ability to lead in diverse school communities. Our Ed.D. in K-12 Administration provides an interactive online learning environment for educators who serve or plan to serve in leadership roles. You will study real-world administrative practices through case studies, small-group work, and discussion with experienced educational leaders. The program prepares you to foster a culturally responsive school environment where staff and students can thrive.
Career Outcomes
Outcomes
Our Ed.D. in K-12 administration will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to lead with confidence and support the growth of your school community.
Skills
Enhance your ability to:
- Demonstrate leadership in areas of diversity, inclusion, and equity
- Engage in reflective practices and sustained personal formation
- Apply strategic and collaborative thinking to issues and problems
- Demonstrate strong academic writing and research abilities
- Integrate faith, values, and ethics in your leadership of educational institutions
- Display proficiency in the Minnesota administrative license competencies
Careers
Our graduates work as:
- Principals
- Superintendents
- Special education directors
- Deans and assistant principals
- Instructional coaches
- Equity directors
- Charter school executive directors and leaders
- Administrators in international and private schools
- School and teacher leaders
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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Bethel’s Ed.D. in K-12 administration prepares you for the complex work of school and district leadership. Graduates are equipped to guide teams, support student success, and strengthen school communities. Graduates serve in roles such as principal, superintendent, director of special education, and other administrative positions across K-12 settings. The program is designed to ensure graduates meet Minnesota administrative license competencies.
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Bethel’s K-12 administration doctoral program includes 61 semester credits and can be completed in as few as two and a half years, plus time for the dissertation.
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The program can be completed completely online. You can choose between two flexible formats: a fully online option with no in-person requirements, or an online format with yearly one-week intensives. The intensives are offered in a HyFlex model, meaning you can participate either on campus or remotely. Both formats are designed to support full-time educators and offer the flexibility to fit your schedule.
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Yes. The program is designed for working professionals who balance teaching, leadership roles, and personal commitments. Courses are delivered online, and new classes begin every eight weeks so you can move through the program at a steady pace.
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Applicants must hold a master’s or higher degree from an accredited institution and have a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Required materials include a résumé or CV, two professional references, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts. An interview with the program director may be required. Applicants must also confirm acceptance of Bethel’s Community Expectations. Those who don’t meet the GPA requirement may still be eligible for provisional admission.
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Yes. Bethel’s online Ed.D. in K-12 administration program offers pathways to Minnesota licensure as a principal, superintendent, or director of special education. It is accredited by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators, and coursework is designed to align with state licensing standards. Licensure-seeking students complete the required field experiences as part of the degree. Those not seeking licensure complete a directed study.
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Graduates step into a wide range of educational leadership roles, including:
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Director of special education
- Dean or assistant principal
- Instructional coach
- Equity director
- Charter school executive director
- Administrator in private or international schools
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Bethel’s Ed.D. program stands out for its integration of values-informed leadership, flexible licensure pathways, and strong support for working educators. Students examine how their beliefs and ethical commitments shape their leadership, and faculty model this through their own practice as current and former administrators. The program allows you to pursue licensure within a single 61 credit degree, with coursework aligned to Minnesota administrative standards. Courses start every eight weeks and are taught by experienced K-12 leaders who bring real insight into the daily realities of school administration. The program’s flexible online structure, combined with yearly intensives offered in a HyFlex model, gives you multiple ways to stay connected to faculty and your cohort while balancing your professional responsibilities.
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You can find the price of Bethel’s Ed.D. in K-12 administration on our tuition and cost of attendance page. Like many students, you can also explore financial aid options, including employer tuition benefits, scholarships, and federal aid to lower your out-of-pocket costs.