Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Ed.D. in Learning and Inquiry in Practice

The Ed.D. in Learning and Inquiry in Practice is designed for leaders and professionals seeking to understand and navigate the complexities of systems that impact learning and discovery.

For example, suppose you are writing a grant to secure funding to promote youth engagement in scientific education. So that your proposal will have the best chance for success, you will want to have a working knowledge of the ways organizations look at funding requests, how they score grants and an understanding of other factors that impact their decisions.

Through this Ed.D. program, you’ll learn what causes organizations to decide if and how they will fund certain projects, and you’ll be in a strong position to acquire the financial support your organization needs.

This program empowers graduates to develop innovative and inclusive strategies that benefit diverse communities in both formal and informal educational settings.

Through rigorous research and real-world application, you'll gain the skills to make meaningful contributions as a leader, advocate and change-maker, driving positive impact in your community.

 

An Ed.D. focuses on practical and problem-solving approaches with coursework that includes leadership, policy and organizational theory. You'll work closely with faculty to address practical issues in education from an advocacy perspective, preparing you to be a leader in a variety of educational contexts." 
Emily Skinner, Ed.D., associate professor of literacy education, director of the Middle Grades and Secondary Education program, College of Charleston
Apply to the Ed.D. Program

Benefits of an Ed.D. at the College of Charleston

The Ed.D. prepares you to analyze and research solutions to complex challenges in education, non-profits, government and business.  
  • Practical Focus

    Unlike more theoretical doctoral programs, the Ed.D. program at College of Charleston helps solve practical challenges through applied research in any educational setting.

    By learning these key skills, you'll connect academic research to real-world solutions.

    • Effective oral and written communication 
    • Demonstrated leadership aptitude and perseverance
    • Personal development 
    • Resilience 
    • Critical thinking
    • Time management 
    You'll make a difference and be competitive for careers in P-12 education, academia, industry, nonprofit sectors or governement.
  • Online Courses & Annual Four Days In Charleston

     

    Beautiful aerial view of Charleston with the Cooper River Bridge in the background.While you'll complete most of your doctoral program online, you'll spend four days in Charleston each year for an on-campus residency to network with other educators, leaders and professionals.

    During this time, we'll meet for in-person learning, collaboration and connection with faculty, advisors, mentors and cohort members.

    It's your chance to connect and reconnect. You'll build professional relationships and understand what resources are available to you.

    During your residency, you'll dive into your Applied Dissertation of Innovation and the guidelines and practices to conduct ethical research. 

    To help make your visit even more enjoyable, we'll provide meals and special discounts for lodging.

    Welcome to Charleston!

  • Express Terms

    This program is built on eight-week classes designed for busy professionals. You'll study one topic during each express course, focusing on one subject at a time while progressing efficiently through the program. You'll stay on track to complete your 60-hour degree in just three years without compromising your career or personal commitments.

    The intense, focused and manageable courses will keep your momentum going throughout the program as you confidently advance toward your Ed.D.

    Need more time to complete your degree? We also offer a part-time option to complete your degree in five and a half years.

  • Expert Faculty

    Learn from expert faculty in education, communication and public administration. The faculty will guide, mentor and empower you as you become a transformative leader in your community.

  • Affordable & Competitive Tuition

    View Tuition & Fees
  • Applied Dissertation of Innovation

    The applied Dissertation of Innovation is a cornerstone of our Ed.D. program. It is designed for bold thinkers who are ready to tackle complex challenges in public service organizations.

    You'll focus on a problem of practice within your field or organization.

    Unlike a traditional dissertation, an applied project is action- and research-oriented. It's something you can immediately apply within your field, or use as a talking point to advance in your career. 

    An example of an applied dissertation might be "Engaging Families and Local Organizations in Education: A Teacher-led Action Research Approach to Fostering Holistic Student Development." 

Careers & Outcomes

Your Ed.D. in Learning and Inquiry opens doors to impactful leadership roles across education, non-profits, government and business.  

Graduates are equipped to drive innovation, solve complex challenges and shape policies that advance learning and development in dynamic environments.

PreK-12 Education

  • District-Level Educational Leader 
  • Teacher-Leader 
  • Instructional Coordinator 
  • Parent Advocate 

Higher Education

  • University Administrator 
  • Adjunct Professor 
  • Lecturer 
  • Director of Community Partnerships 
  • Director of Student Learning/Advising 

Non-Profit, Community & Government

  • Social Services Manager/Director 
  • Public Policy Analyst 
  • Education Lobbyist 
  • Education Consultant 
  • Education Researcher 
  • Teaching Coach 
  • Director of a Research Center 
  • CEO of an Educational Organization or Company 
  • Grant Writer 

Apply to the Ed.D. Program

Applying to the Ed.D. in Learning and Inquiry in Practice program is your first step toward developing skills to address complex challenges in education and beyond. Apply now with no GRE or application fee required.
  • Apply Now

    Whether you are an experienced educator or professional from a related field, we invite you to bring your perspective and commitment to this innovative program.

    Begin Your Application
  • Dates & Deadlines

    The program admits student cohorts for a summer entrance term. Each cohort begins in June. 

    Apply early for consideration for an assistantship/fellowship.

    Application Deadline (Summer start)

    • Priority deadline: April 1
    • Final deadline: May 15
  • Ed.D. Admissions Criteria
    All applicants must possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution.

    Please submit the following documents with your application:
    • Official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions (undergraduate and graduate).
    • Current résumé or curriculum vitae.
    • 1,000-word statement of intent explaining how completing this program will support your professional and personal goals, what skills and aptitudes you bring to the program, and how you plan to use the degree in practice.
    • Either two recommendations from supervisors, colleagues, or former professors who can provide evidence of your capability for doctoral work OR sit for an interview with program faculty.
    • For students whose first language is not English, demonstrate English language proficiency with an official copy of the applicant’s TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. (TOEFL minimum score of 80; IELTS minimum score of 6.5; Duolingo minimum total score of 105).

    The GRE is not required and there is no application fee required. 

    Please note: New cohorts begin each Summer semester.