Educational Leadership (PhD)

Keiser University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership degree prepares reflective scholars and capable professionals who apply theory, method, and research to dynamically improve schools under their leadership and, ultimately, the communities they serve. The program fosters lifelong learning and values leadership, ethical and informed decision-making, assessment, program evaluation, effective communication, and technology.

• Students will integrate leadership theory, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking to build safe and effective learning environments.
• Students will develop skills to meaningfully communicate and lead in a variety of educational learning environments
• Students will implement and evaluate best practices for sound educational leadership in school and instructional management.
• Students will contribute as scholar-researchers in the field of educational leadership to advance the body of knowledge.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

Credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcript directly from the previous institution by the end of a student’s first semester. Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum one third of a program at any time through the University. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from all former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Keiser University does not make any blanket assurances or guarantees regarding the acceptance or transferability of credits from other institutions. Each credit evaluation is conducted on a caseby-case basis in accordance with university policy.

Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.

Qualified, accepted doctoral degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 18 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.

Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements. Courses represented with a Pass or Satisfactory grade may be transferable at the discretion of the program chair and/or appropriate program Dean.

Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. Each semester is 16 weeks. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Graduate School, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

An education fee of $750.00 per semester is charged for all graduate-level programs. One-time charges on enrolment are an application fee of $55.00 and a registration fee of $145.00.

Doctoral Residency 1 On-campus training: $1,000.00. Doctoral Residency 2 On-campus training: $1,000.00 (the PhD requires two residencies prior to RSM820). Students are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with their residencies.

Keiser University’s doctoral programs in education prepare experienced educators for advanced leadership through rigorous research and practical application. With flexible online options, our programs align with your professional goals and support your transition into higher-level roles. Whether you seek to influence education policy, lead organizational change at the university level, or contribute to scholarly research, Keiser provides the doctoral education and practical insight needed to make lasting impact across the education sector.