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Quick Facts

  • Modality: Hybrid
  • Degree Offered: Doctor of Education, Ed.D.
  • Credits: 54
  • Length of Program: 3 years (new students start in May of each year)
  • Application Deadline: Priority deadline of March 15. Early applications are encouraged. Applications are reviewed as they are submitted.

Program Overview

The School of Education at Iowa State University offers a Doctor in Education (Ed.D.) with an emphasis in Community College Leadership. The program is designed to prepare transformational community college leaders. This program prepares students to become leaders in community colleges, state departments of education, and other community college-related educational organizations.  

New students are admitted to start every summer (mid-May).

The program includes two years of cohort-based coursework, followed by a dissertation in practice. This dissertation involves empirical inquiry to address complex problems in the field. Students also gain a deep understanding of the position of the community college within the P-20 schooling continuum through a core curriculum that explores the foundations and inter-relationships of the education spectrum. 

Designed for working professionals, the program offers a hybrid format with limited in-person classes combined with synchronous and asynchronous online learning. The cohort model encourages the development of professional networks and dialogue among emerging leaders. The hybrid format ensures that students can balance their professional commitments with their academic pursuits. Students will convene with their cohort and faculty on campus twice a semester for a Friday-Saturday course session (6 times per year). 

  Curriculum

The Ed.D. program requires 54 total credits, including 48 credits of Ed.D. coursework completed at ISU. Up to 6 credits may be transferred from prior graduate-level coursework, subject to faculty approval. The 54-credit curriculum is designed to culminate in a dissertation in practice. This dissertation addresses a persistent, contextualized, and specific issue embedded in the work of a professional practitioner, aiming to enhance understanding, experience, and outcomes. 

  • ELPS 6510: Social Foundations of Education (3 credits)
  • ELPS 6520: Organizational Theory in P-20 Systems (3 credits)
  • ELPS 6530: Contemporary Issues of Equity and Diversity (3 credits)
  • ELPS 6540: Scholar-Practitioner Inquiry (3 credits)
  • ELPS 6550: Qualitative Inquiry in P-20 Education (3 credits)
  • ELPS 6560: Statistics for P-20 Education (3 credits)

  • HGED 6150E: Seminars in Higher Education: Federal and State Affairs (3 credits)
  • HGED 6580: Program Evaluation and Decision-Making in Community Colleges (3 credits)
  • HGED 6630: Community College Students (3 credits)
  • HGED 6650: Financing Higher Education (3 credits)
  • HGED 6660: Academic Issues and Cultures (3 credits)
  • HGED 6670: Leadership and Change in Community College (3 credits)
  • HGED 6680: Workforce, Economic, & Community Development in Community Colleges (3 credits)

  • ELPS 6570: Dissertation in Practice Seminar (3 credits)
  • HGED 6990: Dissertation Research (6 credits, independent with advisor)

Transfer Credits

Up to 6 credits may be transferred from a previously earned master’s degree, subject to faculty approval.

Delivery Format

The Community College Leadership Ed.D. program is offered in a hybrid format, combining limited in-person class time (twice per semester, six times a year) with both synchronous and asynchronous online delivery. 

Students enroll in 6 credits each term (summer, fall, spring) and focus on one hybrid 3-credit course at a time, allowing for concentrated study of specific concepts within each 6 to 8-week period. Each hybrid course includes one on-campus weekend session. 

Sample course format:

  • Weekly Zoom sessions (once a week 5:30 PM-7:30 PM) 
  • One weekend in Ames (Friday 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM & Saturday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM) 
  • Ongoing asynchronous learning activities in the online learning platform 

Many employing colleges and universities offer education tuition benefits. We encourage you to check with your employer’s Human Resources Department about any available benefits if you currently work at a higher education institution. 

Affiliated Faculty

Doug Smith

Associate Professor

Department: School of Education

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Zoe Thornton

Associate Professor of Practice

Department: School of Education

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Joseph Romero-Reyes

Assistant Professor

Department: School of Education

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Jonathan Turk

Assistant Professor

Department: School of Education

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Application Information

This program has the following application deadlines:   

  • March 15, for entry the following Summer (mid-May) term; Applications accepted every year

Complete the online graduate application. Applications require:    

  • Statement of Purpose   (In the application, attach a 2-3 page document rather than use the provided text box)
  • Resume/CV   
  • Two reference who will provide letters of support   
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended  

For more information, visit our Graduate Application Information and Frequently Asked Questions page.