Online Ed.D. in Leadership Studies
Designed for working professionals who want to lead transformational change
Combines scholarly research with practical leadership application
Covers key topics including leadership theory, data-driven decision-making, group dynamics, mentoring, and organizational influence
Builds skills in stakeholder collaboration, solving real-world challenges, and developing impactful learning strategies
Top-Ranked
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Admissions
Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Apply by
Oct 1, 2026
Classes begin
TBA
Admission Requirements
The Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies is a competitive admissions program. Each year the program receives applications from a diverse group of professionals spanning industries which include, but are not limited to, healthcare, for/non-profit institutions, military, law enforcement and first responders, education, and a variety of other professions.
The following items should be sent directly to the LSUS Office of Graduate Admissions:
- The LSUS Graduate Studies Application for Graduate Admission, complying with all applicable guidelines and standards official copies of transcripts of all prior college work attempted.
- Master's degree from regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5/4.0. Applicants with a cumulative graduate GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 may be considered for admission following the formal review process and an admission decision by the Department Chair of Leadership Studies.
- All official transcripts from institutions where coursework has been attempted.
Items Required:
- Resume/CV (3-5 years minimum of management/supervisor/leadership experience)
- Professional recommendation letters from three sources
- CLEAR Purpose statement from the applicant including:
- How the degree fits within the applicant's professional and personal goals
- The applicant's professional experience and how the applicant believes this will contribute to the program
- The coursework, professional experience, or other professional development that has prepared the applicant for conducting doctoral level research
- The applicant's area of research where there is a strong interest (leadership, health communication and leadership, or disaster preparedness and emergency management) and to explain the potential study that the applicant may want to develop. *Please provide explicit details on this requirement*
Applicants who are selected to continue to the next round of review will be contacted for an interview via Online Video Service (Zoom, Skype, Adobe Connect, etc.) Final notification of admission status will be provided upon the completion of reviews and selection of applicants.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the Leadership Studies Department.
Please note: The Ed.D. program is a competitive admissions program and as such, not all applicants who apply will be admitted. The program accepts approximately 35 new students per year.
*An important note to take into account is the misconception that this degree is in educational leadership when, in reality, it is not. Teachers might not qualify for this degree due to their limited leadership experience. On the other hand, K-12 Principals and Superintendents are eligible for application given their relevant experience.
Flexible Schedule
Our program is built for busy adults with work and family commitments. Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials.
No required login times
Complete coursework when it works for you
Stay on track with weekly goals
Perfect for full-time workers and parents
Tuition
LSUS online programs feature competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, helping you advance your education with predictable, affordable costs.
Tuition & Fees
- 63 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $415
- Cost per credit hour
- $26,156
- Total cost with fees
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSUS offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn more ›
Academics
In the online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies from LSU Shreveport, you will gain a deep understanding of leadership theory grounded in real-world application.
What Will I Learn?
The program emphasizes data-informed decision-making, group dynamics, motivation, and the development of future leaders through mentoring and coaching. You'll explore how to build efficient learning and development environments, navigate the complexities of organizational power and influence, and apply research methodologies to drive practical, transformational change. The curriculum is designed to help you address real problems of practice in your field by collaborating with key stakeholders and applying relevant leadership strategies.
You can further tailor your experience through one of three concentrations: Leadership Studies, which focuses on adaptive leadership approaches for dynamic organizational change; Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management, which equips you to manage and communicate effectively in crisis environments across public and private sectors; and Health Communication & Leadership, which prepares you to lead in healthcare settings by integrating technology and enhancing communication. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, applied research, and networking opportunities, you'll emerge with the advanced skills needed to lead teams, organizations, and communities with purpose and impact.
Courses
Students in the EdD in Leadership Studies online program must complete 63 credit hours of coursework.
Common Leadership Core (36 credit hours)
| Common Leadership Core: 12 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LDSH 804: Seminar in Leadership Theory and Practice I |
3 |
LDSH 801: Seminar in Leadership Theory and Practice II |
3 |
LDSH 838: Seminar in Leadership Theory and Practice III |
3 |
LDSH 836: Seminar in Leadership Theory and Practice IV |
3 |
LDSH 817: Ethics, Values, and Principled Leadership |
3 |
LDSH 823: Social and Group Dynamics |
3 |
LDSH 827: Coaching and Mentoring for Leaders |
3 |
LDSH 829: Culture, Climate, and Change Leadership |
3 |
LDSH 841: Leadership in Complex Organizations |
3 |
LDSH 872: Power, Politics, and Influence in Organizations |
3 |
LDSH 837: Adult Learning and Development |
3 |
LDSH 871: Followership |
3 |
Total Required Hours |
36 |
Concentration Core (12 credit hours)
Students will select one concentration.
| Leadership Studies: 4 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LDSH 825: Dark Side of Leadership |
3 |
LDSH 826: Gender Issues in Leadership |
3 |
LDSH 831: Policy Analysis and Development |
3 |
LDSH 854: Human Resource Development |
3 |
Total Required Hours |
12 |
| Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management: 4 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LDSH 811: Crisis Leadership and Emergency Response |
3 |
LDSH 818: Peace, Civil Unrest, and Social Conflict |
3 |
LDSH 819: Emergency and Disaster Communications |
3 |
LDSH 821: Disaster Response and Emergency Management |
3 |
Total Required Hours |
12 |
| Health Communication & Leadership: 4 courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
LDSH 873: Health Leadership |
3 |
LDSH 874: Health Communication for Leaders |
3 |
LDSH 875: Ethics for Health Leadership |
3 |
LDSH 876: Health Information Technologies and Leadership |
3 |
Total Required Hours |
12 |
Concentrations
This program offers three unique concentrations.
Leadership Studies
Leadership Studies focuses on providing practical approaches for leading people and organizations in an ever changing world.
Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management
Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management teaches students to reduce risks, improve response communication, and enhance emergency skills across sectors.
Health Communication & Leadership
Health Communication & Leadership is designed to improve your ability to lead organizations in the health sector.
Careers
Students will develop the skills to collaborate with stakeholders, solve problems of practice, and create impactful learning and development strategies.
Career Opportunities
- Chief Executive Officer
- Training and Development Manager
- Chief Human Resources Officer
- College President
- College Faculty
- Chief Learning Officer
- Provost
- Health Care Clinic Director
- Health Administrator
- Hospital Communications Director
- Director of Emergency Response
Testimonials
The Doctorate of Leadership Studies provides a fantastic opportunity for students to interact with and learn from other high-quality leaders from around the world who are experts in their industries. In their classes, students will be given opportunities to reflect on, research, and discuss real-world leadership scenarios using case studies in addition to drawing upon their own experiences to promote their leadership skill development.
