About the Program
Convenient * Career-Focused * Amazing Value
Unleash robust career possibilities by earning your doctorate at St. Cloud State University. Our affordable, hybrid program prepares you to lead pK-12 schools and districts.
You'll interact with world-class faculty to sharpen your skills in roles such as principal, superintendent, special education, community education, consultant, and more. Plus you further refine your skills in the career areas that most interest you. And, you'll grow as a leader.
The flexibility of our program fits your busy lifestyle. Our hybrid approach is designed to use the best of online and campus-based learning for market-ready skills you can apply immediately.
You'll connect and engage with colleagues from all backgrounds to ensure differing viewpoints and robust discussion.
Our Student Community
- A diverse body of students come from Minnesota and around the world.
- A majority of students work full-time or part-time.
- Over half our doctoral students are 40 or older, 62 percent are women and 27 percent are students of color.
- Graduates have launched successful careers in a variety of educational administration and leadership career areas.
About Our Faculty
Our faculty are recognized practitioners and published researchers. Students have the unique opportunity to learn from and partner with experienced and respected scholars.
Each class is taught by faculty, not teaching or research assistants.
Hybrid Program Delivery
Enjoy convenient, blended courses typically held online Friday evening and in-person on Saturday. You attend classes six weekends a semester (fall, spring, summer) in St. Cloud or Brooklyn Park (location varies by cohort). Summer courses may be offered in an accelerated one-week format.
Follow course lectures, read materials, submit assignments, communicate in discussions, video conference, meet industry experts and converse with professors — all while connecting online or in the classroom. Utilize technology such as D2L Brightspace and Zoom. Plus, receive an online orientation to prepare you to begin your education journey.
Faculty provide a syllabus with structured requirements for each course, including assignment deadlines. Students are expected to review course materials, participate in learning activities and complete assignments.
Students' varied professional backgrounds provide enriching and engaging discussions in which you learn with and from your peers. Together you will advance your knowledge and improve practices in your field.
Fall 2022 Cohort
- This cohort will take all of its courses on the Brooklyn Park campus.
Fall 2023 Cohort
- This cohort will take all of its courses on the St. Cloud campus.
Courses
Coursework is completed using a three-weekend delivery format. Faculty provide a syllabus with structured requirements for each course, including assignment deadlines. Students are expected to review course materials, participate in learning activities and complete assignments.
Core coursework provides knowledge in K-12 leadership, program development, legal and political issues, ethical leadership, visioning and change, global understanding, and collaborative partnerships.
The dissertation journey is provided in a step-by-step approach where the task of completing a dissertation is broken into small, manageable parts. Research coursework prepares you to conduct your research study and select your own research topic. Courses include design and methodology, quantitative and qualitative research, assessment and information management, and dissertation.
Select course electives that most interest you and your career goals. Various courses strengthen your skills and foster the proficiencies employers most value in the workforce.
Tuition and Financial Assistance
Tuition and Student Fees
Without any sacrifice to academic quality, you benefit from amazing value when you choose our program. Our students all pay the same price no matter if you live in-state or out-of-state.
*Everyone enjoys In-State tuition rates.
**Students who live out of state and are taking only online courses may be eligible for a waiver of all student fees except for the MSUSA and Technology fees. Apply for waiver.
| Program | Tuition Per Credit Hour | Student Fees Per Credit | Credits in Program |
| Doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership - On-Campus and Online | *$729.28 | **$55.80 | 60-72 |
| Doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership - North Hennepin College Location | *$834.62 | $28.40 | 60-72 |
Graduate Assistantships
The University and program offer online or on-campus graduate assistantships to attain academically relevant experiences. Students receive a stipend for their work and tuition remission. Students may apply for assistantships through the Career Center.
Scholarships
St. Cloud State offers scholarships gifted by friends and alumni of the University
The Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship (ACSS) offers resident tuition rates to international students who meet and maintain eligibility requirements.
Financial Aid
We provide you with an overview of financial aid programs and give you guidance in the application process. Submitting the FAFSA application is free. Contact the Financial Aid Office to talk with a staff member about how to pay for school and keep your debt load down.
Military Benefits
The Veterans Resource Center will assist active duty service-members and those separated from service with obtaining education benefits.
Tuition Waiver
Check with your Human Resource Office to determine if you are eligible for any type of tuition waiver through your employer. Your contract may cover a tuition waiver or cover your tuition credits under your professional development benefits.
Minnesota State Employee tuition waiver: employees are entitled to enroll in a limited number of courses on an annual basis at some Minnesota State institutions without payment of tuition. See your union contract for specific benefit information or speak with an individual in the Human Resources Department at your institution.
Research Funding
Graduate students, under the direction of a faculty member, have access to research funding in the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Vera Russell Graduate Student Travel Funds
The Vera Russell Graduate Student Travel Fund was developed to support the College of Education and Learning Design graduate students presenting at a regional, national, or international professional conference. Funds of up to $2,500 per graduate student are awarded in multiple rounds throughout the academic year. Funding is in the form of reimbursement.
Huskies Food Pantry
The Huskies Food Pantry provides nutritious options to students experiencing food insecurity in an effort to support learning, health and student retention. All current St. Cloud State students are welcome at Huskies Food Pantry.
Other Resource Funding and Resources
St. Cloud State provides a list to community resources, campus resources, academic support and student services to assist students with resources such as child care, clothing, counseling, employment, food, housing, healthcare, legal assistance, transportation, accessibility and so much more.
The Minnesota College Personnel Association LGBTQIA+ Commission provides a resource library with scholarships and grants to local and national non-profit organizations.