Doctor of
Education (EdD)
Are you ready to take your educational career to the next level? Veritas is excited to offer our new 48-credit Doctor of Education program designed to empower educators to leave a greater impact within the field of education.
%
Online
Credits
Years Average
Residency
Transformative Coursework
No one enjoys busy work! Realize that every assignment is further developing your critical thinking skills, refining your academic writing abilities, and enhancing your understanding of historical and contemporary critical educational issues.
Practical Ministry Emphasis
You’re not interested in passive learning. Why pay money to simply listen to someone else talk? At Veritas, our professors help you immediately apply these principles to your current ministry.
Flexible Applied Learning
Life is busy—we get it! Most of our classes last for eight weeks. You have freedom within each week to get the work done on your schedule. While you’re learning, you’re growing as an educator as well. This is a win-win for you and your students!
Hear more from program chair, Dr. Lisa Joyner, as she discusses…
Program accreditation
Applied research integration
Unique program features
Course structure
Affordability
Key Components
The Doctor of Education (EdD) program at Veritas Baptist College includes two essential components: coursework and the applied research dissertation. The coursework serves multiple purposes: developing critical thinking skills, enhancing academic writing proficiency, and deepening the understanding of contemporary and historical educational issues and practices. The dissertation represents the culminating requirement of the doctoral program, providing an opportunity for candidates to showcase their proficiency in identifying and solving problems or improving practices within their schools or ministries. Throughout the program, students will engage in assignments that directly contribute to the development of their final applied research dissertation.
Degree Structure
48-credit EdD focused on applied research, combining coursework and a dissertation to address real educational challenges at a specific site.
Completion Timeline
Finish the program online in three years or less with 8-week and 15-week courses available year-round. Up to 50% of courses may be eligible for transfer!
Experienced Faculty
Over 120 years of combined experience, providing dedicated mentorship throughout your journey for confidence and support.
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates will be equipped to analyze educational leadership biblically, excel in research design, and recommend improvements in educational practices.
Accreditation
Veritas Baptist College is accredited by TRACS and recognized by the US Department of Education.
The Doctor of Education program is perfect for…
Current educators looking to advance into leadership roles
Education professionals eager to make a meaningful impact on policy and practice
Change-makers dedicated to improving education on a global scale
Possible Career Paths
How can a Doctor of Education from Veritas help you in your ministry and career? The skill sets learned through this applied research program will equip you to serve in the following areas:
Educational Leadership
Principal, Vice-Principal, Administrator, Superintendent, Department Head, Director
Learn the skill sets to be effective as a school principal or vice-principal. Be ready to serve as a department head in higher education.
College Faculty
Program Chair, Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor
A terminal degree in education equips you to train the next generation of educational leaders.
Church Education Director
Church Education Director, Education Pastor
Develop and implement a church-wide educational and discipleship program that reaches the entire church family–from young children to adults.
Featured Faculty
We bring proven leaders to you. You don’t just listen to world-class faculty; you interact with them. Our professors bring their expertise and experience, functioning as your personal guide on your academic journey.
Lisa Joyner, EdD
Bunnie Claxton, EdD
Dan Riley, EdD
Jeffrey Miller, PhD
Courses
ED 710 Curriculum Philosophy and Analysis (3)
ED 700 Historical and Social Foundations of Education (3)
ED 800 Issues and Trends in Exceptionality (3)
ED 810 Issues and Trends in Teaching and Learning (3)
CM 705 Principles of Effective Communication (3)
CM 820 Leadership Principles and Ethics (3)
ED ____ (EDUC 600-800 level elective course (3)
ED ____ (EDUC 600-800 level elective course (3)
DIS 840 Research Methods: Q, Q, MM, and A (3)
DIS 860 Introduction to Applied Research (15 weeks) (5)
DIS 900 Literature Review to Solve a Problem (15 weeks) (5)
DIS 910 Applied Research Methods (15 weeks) (5)
DIS 920 Proposal Defense (3)
DIS 930 Data Collection and Analysis (3)
DIS 940 Dissertation Final Defense (0)
Program FAQs
Learn more about the program in the form of frequently asked questions. Feel free to reach out to our team if you have a question that is not covered here.
What is the structure of the Doctor of Education (EdD) program at Veritas Baptist College?
The EdD program at Veritas Baptist College is a 48-credit degree focused on applied research. It comprises coursework and a dissertation. Coursework is designed to develop critical thinking skills, academic writing proficiency, and deepen understanding of educational issues. The dissertation allows students to demonstrate proficiency in problem-solving or improving educational practices.
What are the distinctive features of the EdD program?
The program emphasizes applied research in education, aiming to bring practical solutions to challenges within educational environments. Participants gather data from their institutions and employ various research methods. The program can be completed in three years or less, with most courses offered in 8-week modules. Faculty members bring over 120 years of combined experience in education. Students receive dedicated support through mentors, asynchronous lectures, and ongoing faculty mentorship.
How much does the EdD program cost, and are there any financial aid options available?
What makes the EdD program flexible for students?
The program offers 8-week and 15-week courses in six terms throughout the year, with fully open modules and weekly deadlines. It is entirely online, utilizing industry-leading Learning Management Software (LMS). Additionally, students may be able to transfer up to 50% of credits from another doctoral program.
What are the learning outcomes of the EdD program?
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to analyze and address educational leadership situations biblically, demonstrate competence in research design and communication, and recommend improvements in educational practice and policy to enhance academic and spiritual growth.
Is Veritas Baptist College accredited?
Yes, Veritas Baptist College is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), recognized by the US Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). Additionally, the college participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
What are the admission requirements for the EdD program?
Applicants must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0, five years of experience in education, three letters of recommendation (including one pastoral), a sample of scholarly writing based on research, a testimony of personal salvation and statement of faith and may be required to participate in a virtual faculty interview.
How long do I have to complete the EdD program?
The program is designed to be completed within a maximum timeframe of five years. Should a student require more time to finish, they may need to reapply, which will be subject to the current admission criteria and approval from the program director for additional semesters.
What happens if I receive a No Pass (NP) grade?
Candidates are allowed only one NP grade. Two NPs in a single course result in dismissal from the program. A minimum grade of 80% is required to pass each course.
Can I request additional time for certain courses?
Yes, candidates needing more than the allotted time for specific courses can request course continuations, subject to approval and a fee. Continuous enrollment is mandatory until completing DIS 940.
How are faculty chairs assigned in the EdD program?
Candidates are paired with a faculty chair after DIS 910. Chairs must hold a doctoral degree and a position at Veritas Baptist College, providing continuous support throughout the dissertation process.
What is the role of the faculty methodologist?
The methodologist reviews specific chapters of the dissertation, focusing on research design and analysis. The methodologist provides feedback and ensures adherence to academic standards.
Can I choose any topic for my applied research dissertation?
Veritas Baptist College doctoral candidates must choose research topics that are consistent with a biblical worldview, foster academic advancement, and avoid social justice issues. Candidates receive support in refining topics to enrich their field from a biblical perspective. Veritas Baptist College values diversified scholarly exploration while maintaining a biblically-grounded academic atmosphere. This policy encourages comprehensive research while upholding biblical principles, ensuring a focused academic environment.
How do I secure site permission for my research?
Candidates must obtain official permission from the research site, including a letter from the gatekeeper. Chairs cannot sign official documents; approval is facilitated through the EdD program director.
What are the confidentiality requirements for applied research?
Data collected must remain confidential and cannot be shared beyond immediate stakeholders without approval. Ethical considerations, including data security and participant confidentiality, are integral to the research process.
Are there any potential obstacles in applying for academic positions in the future due to the dissertation being applied research without IRB approval?
Typically, instructors holding an EdD can develop and teach EdD courses, though they cannot teach PhD courses. EdDs are prevalent among educators who prefer staying in the education field rather than pursuing research. PhD holders usually focus on research. VBC plans to introduce a PhD program in leadership, but if you’re eager to proceed, waiting might not be ideal.
I didn't see any concentrations available for Veritas' EdD degree. Could this absence potentially pose obstacles or challenges down the road?
We’re currently reviewing this aspect. Although we intend to introduce specializations, they won’t be available in the program’s inaugural year. However, students are encouraged to explore their interests by selecting electives in areas like Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, and Special Education.
Are students who are enrolled in this program permitted to take only one class at a time?
Students may be permitted to take more than one class at a time (unless one is a prerequisite for the other) for the coursework before the DIS courses. All previous courses must be completed before beginning any of the DIS courses.
If I were to enroll in this program for the next semester, would there be any reading/assignments that I could do to get a head start on class assignments?
Reading will be assigned at the beginning of the course. The syllabus will be posted one week ahead of the course, and the textbook will be available several weeks before.