If you’re a higher education professional looking to grow your impact, you might be wondering: Can a doctorate in educational leadership help you become a dean of a college or lead a community college institution? Rowan University says yes.
Our fully online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership: Community College Leadership track is built specifically for professionals working in or aspiring to lead within two-year institutions. Whether you’re already managing teams or beginning to explore your next step, this flexible, career-focused program will help you lead with confidence—on your schedule.
Why Earn a Doctorate in Educational Leadership?
A doctorate in educational leadership is a terminal degree that positions you for senior roles in higher education, including administrative leadership in community colleges. This degree equips you to shape policy, support student success, and drive institutional change.
Our Community College Leadership Initiative track is ideal if you want to:
- Become a dean, associate provost, or vice president at a two-year college
- Lead academic programs and student support services
- Build cross-sector partnerships for workforce development
- Champion inclusive, equity-driven leadership
- Drive meaningful policy change in community colleges
For professionals seeking to stand out in competitive hiring pools and make an impact at the highest levels of higher education, a doctorate in educational leadership provides the tools—and credibility—you need to move forward.
Why Choose Rowan’s Online Ed.D in Community College Leadership?
The Community College Leadership track is a specialization within Rowan’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program. It’s designed to meet the needs of professionals in two-year institutions with a curriculum rooted in real-world leadership and online learning flexibility.
What Makes This Track Unique
- Tailored specifically for community college professionals
- Faculty with expertise in community college governance and policy
- New Jersey community college presidents teach in the program and serve on dissertation committees
- A growing alumni network of community college leaders and innovators
Unlike more generalized higher education doctoral programs, this track offers a niche focus that directly supports the unique challenges and opportunities within two-year institutions.
Inside the Online Learning Experience
At Rowan, online students benefit from the same academic excellence, personalized support, and community connection as on-campus learners. The program is designed to fit the busy lives of working professionals.
Program Format and Course Design:
- 100% online with no required campus visits
- Asynchronous courses let you learn on your own time
- Optional synchronous components (office hours, virtual sessions) for live interaction
- Structured pacing and consistent course design help you stay on track
Online Student Support Includes:
- Academic and career advising tailored to your goals
- Peer-to-peer tutoring (online or in person)
- 24/7 tutoring support via Brainfuse, Rowan’s online platform
- Virtual workshops on time management, study skills, and well-being
This format is ideal for professionals who need a degree that adapts to their lives—not the other way around.
What You’ll Learn: Curriculum Overview
Rowan’s online Ed.D in Educational Leadership: Community College Leadership combines foundational leadership theory with practical coursework specific to the two-year college environment.
Core Courses:
- Leadership for Social Justice
- Reforming Organizations
- Public Policy, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues
- Program Evaluation and Institutional Research
- Writing a Research Literature Review
Community College Specialization Courses:
- History and Context of American Community Colleges
- Community College Governance and Leadership
- Legal and Administrative Issues in Community Colleges
- Leadership and Advocacy for Community College Student Success
You’ll also complete a dissertation-in-practice, tackling a real-world challenge in your workplace and producing research with direct impact.
To view the full list of courses and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Program Snapshot
- Degree: Ed.D in Educational Leadership: Community College Leadership
- Format: 100% Online
- Credits: 60 total (48 coursework + 12 dissertation)
- Length: ~48 months (with flexible pacing)
- Start Terms: Summer and Fall
Application Deadlines:
- Early Decision – February 15
- Summer Entry – June 1
- Fall Entry – July 1
For the most up-to-date tuition and cost per credit, please visit the program page.
Career Outcomes: What Can You Do With This Doctorate in Educational Leadership?
Rowan University’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Community College Leadership track is built specifically for professionals seeking to lead in two-year colleges and expand their influence in higher education.
Graduates of this specialized doctoral program are prepared to step into some of the most impactful roles in the community college system and beyond.
Common career paths include:
- Dean of Academic Affairs
- Director of Student Services or Advising
- Associate Provost or VP of Instruction
- Community College President
- Institutional Research Leader or Policy Advocate
Whether you’re working in academic affairs, student services, or administration, this degree gives you the tools to lead transformational change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I earn this Ed.D. in Community College Leadership fully online?
Yes. Rowan’s doctorate in educational leadership is offered 100% online, with asynchronous coursework that allows working professionals to learn on their own schedule.
Will this degree help me become a dean of a college?
Yes. Rowan’s Ed.D. in Community College Leadership is designed to prepare you for senior roles like dean, director, or vice president at two-year and community college institutions.
What’s the difference between this and other higher education doctoral programs?
Unlike broader higher education doctoral programs, this track focuses specifically on community colleges, giving you the specialized expertise needed to lead in two-year institutions.
Is Rowan’s Ed.D. flexible for working educators and administrators?
Yes. With asynchronous classes and robust student support, Rowan’s online educational leadership doctoral program is ideal for full-time professionals balancing work and career advancement.
Does Rowan offer other fully online Ed.D tracks?
Yes. In addition to the Community College Leadership track, Rowan offers three other fully online Ed.D specializations to match your goals and background:
- Ed.D in Educational Leadership: P-12 — For current or aspiring school and district leaders at the preschool through high school level.
- Ed.D in Educational Leadership: Higher Education — Designed for leaders in four-year colleges and universities, with a focus on administration, student success, and governance.
- Ed.D in Educational Leadership: Nurse Educator — Created for nurses and healthcare professionals who want to lead in academic nursing education.
Each program is 100% online with flexible, asynchronous learning and comprehensive student support.
Ready to Lead at the Community College Level?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey—whether that means becoming a dean of a college, leading student success efforts, or driving equity in education—Rowan University’s online Ed.D in Educational Leadership with a Community College focus is your launchpad.
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Your next chapter as a community college leader starts here. Let’s build it—together.