Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership | California Coast University
Earn Your Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership — 100% Online, On Your Schedule
You've spent years building your career in education. You've led teams, shaped programs, and earned the experience that most people only read about in textbooks. Now you're ready for the credential that reflects it. At California Coast University (CCU), you can earn your Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership completely online, at your own pace, with no set class times, no group projects, and no campus visits. Start when you're ready — and study on a schedule that fits the professional life you've already built.
What Is the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at CCU?
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership at California Coast University is designed for experienced education professionals who want to develop a sophisticated understanding of how organizations function — and what it takes to lead them at the highest level. The program examines history, theory, research, and best practices across the field, with coursework covering public policy, legal aspects of education, organizational behavior and adaptive leadership, diversity in global and multicultural organizations, managing conflict, and leading through change.
Students complete a total of 66 semester units across 13 courses, organized into four phases of study — foundation, qualifying, core, and research — followed by a comprehensive examination and an original dissertation with oral defense.
| Phase 1: Foundation (2 Courses) | Public Policy, Legal Aspects of Education |
| Phase 2: Qualifying (3 Courses + Exam) | Philosophical Foundations of Education, Learning Theory, History of Education |
| Phase 3: Core (6 Courses) | Analysis of Current Issues in Education, Organizational Behavior and Adaptive Leadership, Foundations in Leadership, Diversity in Global and Multicultural Organizations, Managing Conflict in Organizations, Leading Through and By Change |
| Phase 4: Research (2 Courses) | Educational Research, Quantitative Methods in Educational Research |
| Comprehensive & Dissertation | Comprehensive Examination, followed by Dissertation Planning, Dissertation Proposal, Dissertation and Oral Defense (12 units) |
Built for Real Life: How CCU's Online Program Works
CCU was built from the ground up for working adults and experienced professionals. Here's what makes the program different:
| Study Entirely Online, On Your Schedule | All coursework is completed 100% online. There are no hybrid requirements, no in-person class sessions, and no campus visits required for coursework. The dissertation oral defense may be completed via videoconferencing. |
| Self-Paced Coursework | CCU's doctoral courses have no scheduled meeting times, no group projects, and no set exam dates built into coursework. You control the pace from start to finish. Students are expected to invest a minimum of 136 hours per course and must complete at least one course every six months to maintain reasonable academic progress. |
| Start When You're Ready | CCU's EdD program is not structured around semesters, quarters, or terms. You can begin your enrollment at any point in the year without waiting for the next application window to open. (VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.) |
| Doctoral Library Access Included | EdD candidates receive complimentary 24-hour access to the Library and Information Resources Network (LIRN), providing access to multiple research databases essential for dissertation-level research throughout the program. |
| Rent Your Textbooks | Every course requires one assigned textbook. CCU's Rental Library offers textbooks for approximately $35 per rental for a 120-day period, keeping out-of-pocket costs manageable from the first course to the last. |
Admissions Requirements
CCU welcomes applicants with substantial professional experience in education who are prepared for doctoral-level study. Because this is a rigorous, research-intensive program, the admissions process is designed to ensure every student has the foundation to succeed.
To be considered for admission, applicants must:
- Hold a master's degree in education — a master's degree in another field may be considered if the Admissions Committee determines the applicant has the necessary foundation to succeed in the program
- Have a minimum of three to five years of professional experience in a position related to education
- Submit a resume for review prior to acceptance
- Submit a writing sample prior to acceptance
If your master's degree is in a field other than education, the Admissions Committee may require completion of four prerequisite courses before beginning the doctoral program: EDU 510 Models of Teaching, EDU 523 Strategic Issues Management, EDU 524 Curriculum Design and Evaluation, and EDU 536 Ethics in Education.
Questions about admissions? Call CCU's Admissions team at 1-888-228-8648.
Tuition and Payment Plans
CCU is committed to keeping doctoral education affordable. Tuition for the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership is $320 per unit. With 66 total units in the program, your total investment is transparent and predictable from the moment you enroll.
To make tuition as accessible as possible, CCU offers three interest-free payment plans:
| Plan | Down Payment | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Plan A | $500 at acceptance | $150/month (0% interest) |
| Plan B | $300 at acceptance | $175/month (0% interest) |
| Plan C | Full balance at acceptance | No monthly payments |
Your tuition rate is locked in at enrollment — as long as you remain in good academic and financial standing in the same program, your rate will not change. Students who do not remain in good standing are subject to new tuition rates upon reinstatement. A 10% discount is available for active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees (employment or status verification required, for students enrolling after 1/1/2026; retroactive discounts will not be applied and tuition discounts cannot be combined with other offers). Many CCU students receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Check with your HR department to find out if you qualify for educational assistance.
About California Coast University
Few institutions can claim what CCU can: more than 50 years of dedicated distance education, built from the ground up for students who don't fit the traditional campus mold. Founded in 1973, California Coast University was one of the earliest pioneers of flexible, distance-based learning in the country — long before online education became mainstream. That history isn't just a number. It represents decades of refining what works for working adults, military personnel, parents, and professionals who need real flexibility to earn a real credential.
CCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
What makes a CCU doctoral education distinctly valuable is the faculty behind it. CCU's education faculty are not simply academics — they are professionals with demonstrated expertise and real-world experience in the field. Faculty are selected based on their ability to bring practical, applied knowledge directly into the subjects they teach, bridging the gap between leadership theory and the realities of leading complex organizations. The result is coursework that isn't just theoretical — it's grounded in the kind of experience that matters at the senior level. The School of Education is led by Dean Dr. Patricia Insley, who brings more than 35 years of professional experience in education to her role.
What CCU Graduates Say
"The educational value from what I learned is beyond valuable. Professionally, I am able to take what I learned and implement ideas and concepts. Personally, it's a huge accomplishment for me to receive a master's degree."
— R. Ramirez, Alumni, Organizational Leadership, California Coast University
"CCU is an excellent option for people who have busy careers. Getting my degree was important to me and CCU helped me obtain that."
— B. Odell, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University
"I'm very happy that this could work with a full-time work schedule. I will be recommending to anyone who is looking for flexibility."
— K. Kast, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University
What Can You Do With a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership?
An EdD in Organizational Leadership prepares graduates for senior-level roles that demand both scholarly grounding and proven leadership capability. The program's focus on adaptive leadership, organizational behavior, conflict management, diversity, change leadership, and original research equips graduates to take on greater responsibility across educational institutions and related organizations.
Common areas of professional application include academic leadership and administration, higher education management, educational policy and advocacy, organizational consulting, and community and nonprofit leadership. CCU also offers a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership for professionals who are earlier in their leadership journey.
Frequently Asked Questions: Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at CCU
What are the admissions requirements for the EdD in Organizational Leadership?
Applicants must hold a master's degree in education — or a master's in another field if the Admissions Committee determines the applicant has the necessary foundation — and have a minimum of three to five years of professional experience related to education. A resume and writing sample must be submitted prior to acceptance.
How long does it take to complete the EdD in Organizational Leadership?
The program is self-paced, so your timeline depends on how quickly you move through the coursework. Students must complete at least one course every six months to remain in good academic standing.
What does self-paced study actually look like at the doctoral level?
There are no live classes, no scheduled login times, and no coursework deadlines tied to a calendar. You work through each course independently — reading, completing writing assignments, and taking exams when you're ready. Each course includes four units of study with four writing assignments and four unit exams. Unit exams may be completed as open-book tests. The Qualifying Examination and Comprehensive Examination require a proctor approved by the University.
Can I start the program at any time of year?
Yes. The EdD program is not structured around semesters or terms, so you can apply and begin your coursework at any point during the year. VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.
How much does the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership cost?
Tuition is $320 per unit. The program consists of 66 total semester units. CCU offers three interest-free payment plans: Plan A is $500 down and $150/month; Plan B is $300 down and $175/month; or pay the full balance at enrollment. There is no interest charged on the unpaid balance.
Can I transfer credits into the doctoral program?
Yes, in limited circumstances. Doctoral students may receive transfer credit for up to two courses (up to 8 semester units) of previously completed master's or doctoral-level coursework from accredited institutions, with a grade equivalent to a B (3.0 GPA) or higher. No specialized training or experiential learning credit can be awarded at the doctoral level.
Does CCU offer financial aid?
CCU does not participate in federal financial aid programs. However, the university accepts VA Benefits, MyCAA benefits for eligible military spouses, and company-paid tuition vouchers. Many students also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers — check with your HR department to find out what may be available to you.
What is the dissertation process like at CCU?
After completing all coursework and passing the Comprehensive Examination, students enter the Research and Dissertation Phase. This begins with Dissertation Planning, where students work with the Graduate Review Committee to identify and develop an approved research topic. Students then complete a formal Dissertation Proposal before moving into the full Dissertation and Oral Defense. The oral defense may be completed via videoconferencing or in person.
Is CCU accredited?
Yes. California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Your Path Forward Starts Today
If you've been building toward this moment — this is it. CCU's Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership was built for professionals who are ready to lead at the highest level and want a doctoral program that works around the career they've already built. No semesters to wait for. No campus to drive to. Just an accredited, affordable online doctoral program that meets you where you are.
VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.
Questions? Call Admissions at 1-888-228-8648 or Students at 1-714-547-9625
California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
