Global Ed.D Program
Global Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Innovation
Geotech University & Partner Institutions
Program Overview
This section introduces the vision for the Global Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Innovation, a partnership between Geotech University, the International Institute for Education Policy (IIEP), and the National Leadership Practice Network (NLPN). The program is designed to develop transformative, tech-savvy, and equity-focused leaders prepared to navigate and reshape complex global education systems.
Our practitioner-focused Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) is built for working professionals. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping you with advanced research skills to address a specific "problem of practice" within your organization or field.
Who This Program Is For
This program is designed for mid-to-senior level educational professionals with a demonstrated capacity for leadership. Ideal candidates include:
- School Principals and District Administrators
- Superintendents and system-level leaders
- Higher Education Administrators
- Ed-Tech innovators and entrepreneurs
- Policy-makers and non-profit leaders
Program Structure & Modality
This section breaks down the program's components, from credit distribution to the learning format. You can explore the balance of core studies, specialized concentration, and dissertation research in the chart, and review the typical student journey in the timeline.
Credit Distribution (60 Total)
Typical Program Journey
Foundational Core (Leadership, Equity) & Introduction to Research Methods.
Advanced Core (Org. Change, Policy), Concentration Courses, & Advanced Research Methods.
Final Concentration Courses, Dissertation Proposal Development, & Dissertation Research.
Dissertation Completion, Final Defense, and Graduation.
Learning Modality
90% Online: The majority of coursework is delivered through Geotech's advanced learning platform, blending asynchronous modules with synchronous weekly seminars for deep cohort engagement.
10% In-Person: A mandatory one-week "Leadership Intensive" is held annually. This immersive experience rotates between partner locations, offering high-impact networking, workshops, and cohort-building activities.
Curriculum & Concentrations
Our 60-credit curriculum is built on three pillars: a foundational core, a specialized concentration, and an applied dissertation. Use the buttons below to explore the core courses and the three available concentration paths.
Foundational Core (24 Credits)
This sequence provides all students with a common foundation in leadership, equity, and research.
- EDL 700: Leadership Theory & Practice
- EDL 705: Ethics & Educational Leadership
- EDL 710: Equity, Diversity, & Social Justice in Education
- EDL 715: Organizational Change & Systems Thinking
- EDL 720: Introduction to Research Methods (Qual & Quant)
- EDL 725: Advanced Qualitative Research
- EDL 730: Advanced Quantitative Analysis
- EDL 735: The Dissertation in Practice: Framing a Problem
Concentration: Learning, Technology & Design (18 Credits)
Focus on the intersection of learning science, instructional design, and emerging technologies. Led by Geotech University faculty.
- EDT 800: Theories of Learning & Cognition
- EDT 805: Instructional Design & Learning Experience (LX)
- EDT 810: Data Analytics & Learning Engineering
- EDT 815: Leading Innovation in Ed-Tech
- EDT 820: AI in Education: Ethics & Application
- EDT 825: Design Thinking for Educational Challenges
Concentration: Policy & Global Systems (18 Credits)
Analyze and influence educational policy at local, national, and global levels. Co-taught with faculty from the International Institute for Education Policy (IIEP).
- EDP 800: Educational Policy Analysis & Formulation
- EDP 805: The Economics of Education
- EDP 810: Law, Policy, & Education
- EDP 815: Comparative Global Education Systems
- EDP 820: Politics of Education & Advocacy
- EDP 825: Global Policy & Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Concentration: Organizational Leadership & Change (18 Credits)
Develop skills to lead complex organizations, manage talent, and implement large-scale change initiatives. Features practitioners from the National Leadership Practice Network (NLPN).
- EDO 800: Human Capital & Talent Management
- EDO 805: Strategic Finance & Resource Allocation
- EDO 810: Leading in Crisis & Complexity
- EDO 815: School District & University Leadership
- EDO 820: Performance Management & Program Evaluation
- EDO 825: The Superintendent & Board Relations
Our Partnership Model
This program is a unique consortium, leveraging the strengths of three distinct organizations to provide an unparalleled academic and practical experience. Our model ensures you learn from top researchers, global policy experts, and current practitioners.
Geotech University (Lead)
As the degree-granting institution, Geotech provides the core faculty, advanced technology platform, and leadership in research methods and the Learning & Technology concentration.
Intl. Institute for Education Policy (IIEP)
The IIEP provides faculty expertise for the Policy & Global Systems concentration, offering global case studies and an international perspective on educational challenges.
National Leadership Practice Network (NLPN)
The NLPN provides practitioner faculty, access to real-world problems of practice for dissertation research, and a nationwide mentorship network for students.
Admissions Requirements
We seek a diverse cohort of experienced and passionate leaders. This section outlines the materials and qualifications necessary to apply for the Global Ed.D. program.
- Master's Degree: From an accredited institution.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of significant leadership experience in an educational or related setting.
- Statement of Purpose: A 1500-word essay detailing your leadership journey, career goals, and a description of a "problem of practice" you wish to investigate.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters, with at least one from a direct supervisor and one from an academic reference.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
- Resume/CV: A current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
- GRE Scores: The GRE is not required for admission.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of this program are prepared to lead at the highest levels of education systems. The chart below shows the projected 5-year career placements for our alumni, demonstrating the program's focus on advancing leaders into roles of significant impact.

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