College of Human Development, Culture, and Media
Seton Hall University’s Executive Ed.D. in PreK-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy is a nationally respected doctoral program for school leaders committed to driving transformational change.
Designed for experienced education professionals — including principals, superintendents, curriculum supervisors, and Catholic school administrators — this cohort-based, 54-credit program blends online learning with weekend, in-person classes to accommodate working professionals.
Students begin developing their dissertation early and receive personalized faculty mentorship throughout. With a strong focus on educational leadership, policy, and equity, this executive doctorate helps educators solve complex problems and improve outcomes across diverse school settings.
Graduates of the Executive Ed.D. program go on to lead districts, shape policy and influence systemic reform.
Accreditation & Awards
"The strength of our program lies in the diversity of our cohort members, spanning primary to high school educators, with aspirations to be dynamic leaders."
Admissions Requirements
Admission will be open to holders of master’s degrees from accredited colleges or universities. In addition, candidates for the Executive Ed.D. program must hold positions of school leadership at the time of application.
The faculty will evaluate each applicant based on the following criteria and materials:
- Statement of purpose
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (with a GPA in the last degree of at least 2.50)
- Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references
- Current résumé
- Personal interview
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Deadlines
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Deadline to apply
Rolling
Curriculum Overview
The Executive Ed.D. in PreK-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy offers a 54-credit, cohort-based curriculum designed for experienced education professionals.
Courses emphasize real-world application of leadership theory, education policy, school law, finance, and both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students complete coursework in a flexible hybrid format, offering online plus weekend in-person sessions.
The program integrates dissertation development early, allowing students to align assignments with their research focus. Key milestones include a qualifying exam, comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal defense, and final dissertation defense — all supported by experienced faculty advisors.
Upon completing the Executive Ed.D. program, PreK-12 school leaders are equipped to implement evidence-based change in diverse education settings.
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50%
Tuition discount offered to Catholic school leaders in the program
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54
Credits
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5-7
Semesters to Complete
Empowering Future Leaders
Our Executive Ed.D. program prepares students to become influential leaders, making a significant impact in their schools and communities.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Seton Hall’s Executive Ed.D. in PreK-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy are prepared for high-level leadership roles in public, private and Catholic school systems.
Common career paths include superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, district administrator, curriculum and instruction director, and school business administrator. The program is especially supportive of Catholic school leaders, offering a 50% tuition discount.
With its strong emphasis on applied research, educational equity and policy reform, this executive education doctorate empowers professionals to lead system-wide improvements and influence decision-making at all levels.
Seton Hall’s strong academic reputation and active alumni network provide long-term value and professional advancement in the field of PreK-12 education leadership.
$105,340
Median annual salary for PreK-12 school superintendents (BLS)
8%
Projected job growth for education administrators through 2032 (BLS)
1:1
Academic & Career Advising
Our graduates make an impact at world-class learning institutions.
Our Faculty and Students
Outstanding Faculty Honored at Annual Excellence Awards
K-12 ELMP Team Lecture to PhD Students in Italy
Education Leadership Professor Speaks at the U.S. Capitol
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Seton Hall University is committed to providing students with the most current information on how to finance your graduate degree. A graduate degree is within your reach – a variety of options can help you finance your degree including scholarships, federal aid, graduate assistantships, and more.
Catholic school leaders receive a 50% tuition discount.
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50%
Amount Scholarships Can Reduce Cost of Degree
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the Executive Ed.D. in PreK-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy?
When do students begin the dissertation?
What are the program’s exams, and how do they work?
Students complete two major exams before advancing to their dissertation:
- Qualifying Exam: Covers three key areas—Policy, Organization, and Curriculum. Students must pass all three sections. If a student fails one or more, they may retake the exam based on specific criteria. Two attempts are allowed; failing twice results in dismissal from the program.
- Comprehensive Exam: Taken after coursework in Advanced Qualitative Methods and Intermediate Statistics. It includes two parts—Statistics and Research—and is offered twice yearly. Students can earn a Pass, Conditional Pass (with a remediation plan), or Fail. Failing either section twice also results in dismissal.
Students must pass both exams to advance to the dissertation proposal stage.
Can I focus my dissertation on challenges in my current school or district?
Yes. The Executive Ed.D. program encourages students to align their research with real-world issues they are passionate about. Faculty mentors provide individualized guidance to ensure the work is both relevant and academically rigorous.
See all Graduate Admissions FAQs
Additional Resources
Online Ed.S. in K-12 Education Leadership, Management and Policy
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Office of Graduate Affairs
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About Seton Hall
One of the country's leading Catholic Universities, Seton Hall University has been developing students in mind, heart and spirit since 1856.
Home to over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 undergraduate programs and over 130 graduate programs, Seton Hall's academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Seton Hall's 58-acre campus in the quaint town of South Orange, New Jersey, is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The University’s nationally recognized School of Law is located in nearby Newark, New Jersey. The Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in the owns of Clifton and Nutley, New Jersey, houses the University’s College of Nursing and School of Health and Medical Sciences.
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1856
Founded by James Roosevelt Bayley
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14
Miles from New York City
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90+
Career-Building Graduate Programs
