Pursue Executive Leadership Roles with Confidence
Transform higher education through the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership at Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. Designed for experienced higher education professionals, the Executive EdD program combines advanced scholarship with practical strategies and teaches students how to solve complex issues in higher education collaboratively and equitably.
- Work alongside and be mentored by experienced leaders through relevant field-based experiences.
- Synthesize learning through a capstone project that responds to a current challenge in higher education.
- Learn from faculty who have leadership experience across several higher education sectors.
Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is a top-ranked college that focuses on cross-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement. We seek to empower our students, faculty, and staff to reshape the systems that impact learning and human development, more firmly centering them in justice, diversity, and belonging.
A Flexible Program for aspiring Higher Education leaders
The Executive EdD is a fully online, cohort-based program with optional in-person experiences. Students will:
- Take seven weeks of intensive coursework, followed by weekly two-credit courses in fall/spring semesters for the first two years.
- Complete a capstone project
- Engage in up to three internship opportunities
- Take part in two optional summer residency experiences (in person or virtual)
Requirements
Learn More
View Wheelock’s program page for full details about the program and its academic structure.
Application Details
Learn about application requirements and admissions details.

Student field placements in the 2022–2023 academic year
Among U.S. graduate schools of education (U.S. News & World Report)
Awarded in external research funds in 2022
Career Paths
The Executive EdD program in Higher Education Leadership prepares graduates for a variety of campus roles.
- University President
- Provost
- Chief of Staff
- Dean
- Vice President in areas such as Student Affairs, Finance, Operations, Enrollment, and Strategic Planning
Faculty in the Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership include experienced leaders and scholars in diversity, equity, and inclusion; higher ed policy; student learning and success; leadership; and organizational development. Get inspired by faculty like Associate Professor Anthony Jack, PhD, whose research and writing has been featured in outlets like the New York Times, the Atlantic, the Washington Post, NPR, and more. Recently, Dr. Jack was named among the most influential 200 university-based scholars in educational policy and practice.
Learn more about the Executive EdD in Higher Ed Leadership faculty on the BU Wheelock website.
