Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Doctor of Education in Learning & Inquiry

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Lead, Advocate and Create Meaningful Change

The Ed.D. in Learning and Inquiry prepares you to examine complex issues with creative, thoughtful evidence-based solutions. With flexible online coursework and focused four-day summer residencies, the program supports your growth as a leader committed to impact.

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How to Apply


Start your path to new skills and opportunities. Review the application requirements, process and deadlines to begin building the skills to move your career forward.
  • Application Requirements

    Before applying to the Doctor of Education in Learning & Inquiry program, ensure you meet the following criteria:

    • Hold a master's degree from an accredited institution. 

  • Application Process

    To apply, complete the online application and submit the following materials:

    • Online Graduate Admission Application and application fee.
    • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
    • Current résumé or CV
    • Statement of Intent: A 1,000-word statement explaining how completion of the 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. 
    • Two Recommentation Letters demonstrating your capacity for doctoral work OR sit for an interview with program faculty.
    • English Proficiency: 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.
    Apply Now
  • Application Deadlines

    The program admits student cohorts for a summer entrance term. Each cohort begins in June.
    Admission is competitive, and seats may fill before the final review period. For the best chance of securing a place in the cohort, please apply early.

    • February 1, Priority
      For Summer (June) Cohort

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Curriculum & Courses


The Ed.D. in Learning and Inquiry follws a structured, cohort-based pathway esigned to build knowledge, reasearch skills and applied practice over three years.
  • Year 1: Foundations of inquiry and Research

    Develop core knowledge in learning, research methods and community engagement while building connections within your cohort.

    EDDL 901 — Inquiry and Practice
    Builds a foundation for doctoral study through community-building, academic support and cohort engagement.

    EDDL 902 — Introduction to Learning and Inquiry in Practice
    Explores the core principles of learning, inquiry, and practice through theory, systems thinking, and community engagement.

    EDDL 910 — Home, School, and Community Relationships
    Examines strategies for strengthening partnerships across families, schools, and communities with an emphasis on advocacy and diversity.

    EDFS 635 — Educational Research
    Introduces research design, implementation, and evaluation across multiple approaches in education.

    EDDL 912 — Quantitative Research Methods
    Covers statistical methods and data analysis techniques used in educational research.

    EDDL 915 — Qualitative Research Methods
    Develops skills in qualitative data collection, analysis, and research design.

    PUBA 550 — Nonprofit Leadership and Governance
    Explores leadership, governance, and collaboration within nonprofit and community-based organizations.

    EDDL 920 — Grant Writing
    Provides practical experience in developing and evaluating effective grant proposals.

  • Year 2: Applied Learning and Systems Change

    Expand your focus to systems thinking, prgram evaluation and real-world applciation as you begin shaping your dissertation.

    EDDL 930 — Inquiry and Learning
    Guides the development of a Dissertation of Applied Innovation (DAI) proposal and problem of practice.

    EDDL 934 — Program Evaluation
    Focuses on methods for evaluating programs and policies to support continuous improvement.

    COMM 510 — Communication Theory
    Examines key theoretical approaches to understanding human and mediated communication.

    EDDL 936 — Contemporary Systems and Change
    Analyzes current trends and issues impacting organizational systems and change.

    EDDL 938 — High Impact Practices in Contemporary Systems and Change
    Applies theory to practice through internship experiences focused on systems change and stakeholder engagement.

    EDDL 940 — Trends and Issues in Education and Community
    Explores emerging issues shaping education, policy, and community contexts.

    EDDL 945 — Creativity and Inquiry
    Investigates creativity as a tool for innovation and problem-solving across educational settings.

  • Year 3: Dissertation and Innovation

    Complete your Dissertation of Applied Innvoation while refining your research and contributing solutions to real-world challenges.

    EDDL 950 — Inquiry and Innovation
    Finalizes the DAI proposal and prepares students for comprehensive examinations.

    EDDL 952 — Research Development Intensive I
    Supports preparation for comprehensive exams through critical analysis of key program concepts.

    EDDL 960 — Research Development Intensive II
    Provides guided development of the dissertation proposal, including research design and methodology.

    EDDL 999 — Dissertation
    Focuses on developing and implementing a research-based solution to a problem of practice within a professional setting. (Taken across multiple terms in Year 3.)

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Tuition & Finances


The Ed.D. in Learning and Inquiry offers affordable, competitive tuition designed to support working professionals. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same rate, and South Carolina educators also qualify for a reduced tuition rate.
  • SC Educator Tuition & Fees

    Hours Enrolled TuitionLibrary FeeTechnology Fee Total
    1$499.00$5.00$14.00$533.00
    2$998.00$10.00$28.00$1,051.00
    3$1,497.00$15.00$42.00$1,569.00
    4$1,996.00$20.00$56.00$2,087.00
    5$2,495.00$25.00$70.00$2,605.00
    6$2,994.00$30.00$84.00$3,123.00
    7$3,493.00$35.00$98.00$3,641.00
    8$3,992.00$40.00$112.00$4,159.00
    9$4,491.00$45.00$126.00$4,677.00
    10$4,990.00$50.00$140.00$5,195.00
    11$5,489.00$55.00$154.00$5,713.00
    12$5,988.00$60.00$168.00$6,231.00

  • Non-Educator Tuition & Fees

    Hours EnrolledTuitionLibrary FeeTechnology Fee Total
    1$570.00$5.00$14.00$604.00
    2$1,140.00$10.00$28.00$1,193.00
    3$1,710.00$15.00$42.00$1,782.00
    4$2,280.00$20.00$56.00$2,371.00
    5$2,850.00$25.00$70.00$2,960.00
    6$3,420.00$30.00$84.00$3,549.00
    7$3,990.00$35.00$98.00$4,138.00
    8$4,560.00$40.00$112.00$4,727.00
    9$5,130.00$45.00$126.00$5,316.00
    10$5,700.00$50.00$140.00$5,905.00
    11$6,270.00$55.00$154.00$6,494.00
    12$6,840.00$60.00$168.00$7,083.00

  • Financial Aid

    Online students may be eligible for a variety of financial aid options to help make earning your degree more affordable. Start by completing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility, then explore funding sources to find the best fit for your goals and budget.

    Ways to Pay for Your Online Program:

    • Federal & State Aid: Grants and student loans may be available based on your FAFSA results.
    • Military Assistance: Active-duty service members, veterans and eligible dependents may qualify for education benefits.
    • Employer Tuition Benefits: Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs to support your education. Talk to your employer to find out if they offer any benefits to help support your education costs.