EdD in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership
In this practice-driven doctoral program, students sharpen their strategic thinking, apply evidence-based research to real organizational challenges, and build the capacity to drive meaningful, systemic change across Jewish education and communal life.
Designed for working professionals with significant leadership experience, EdD students learn in a diverse cohort of executives and senior leaders from day schools, camps, synagogues, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and government settings.
Together, you’ll learn to reimagine major institutions, elevate stakeholders, and shape the future of the communities you serve.
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the program will develop the skills necessary to:
- Assess, reflect, and apply personal and organizational principles and practices to drive organizational improvements.
- Evaluate and integrate theoretical foundations of leadership and Jewish values to improve current practices in organizations.
- Model high standards of communication and ethical practice.
- Create and use evidence-based research to improve practice in the field of Jewish education and organizational leadership.
About the In-Person Intensive
During the first year of study, candidates participate in a five-day, in-person EdD Intensive at American Jewish University in Los Angeles.
This immersive residency brings the cohort to life—creating space for deep connection with classmates and faculty, dynamic collaboration, and focused leadership development.
Through hands-on workshops, dialogue, and applied learning, students strengthen essential leadership skills and build professional relationships they’ll cherish throughout the program and beyond.
Program Details
- Complete a doctorate (EdD) in 3 years
- 55.5 semester units total completed in-residence and online with AJU
- Mandatory Doctoral Intensive: A 5 day in-person residency course
- Tuition information can be found here
- This is an ONLINE program that meets Mondays from 4:30 – 6:30 PM PT (7:30 – 9:30 PM ET)
Curriculum Map
Fall – Year 1
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| EDU 700 | Foundations of Doctoral Studies | 4 |
| EDU 703 | Philosophy of Jewish Education | 4 |
Spring – Year 1
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| EDU 704 | Research Methods I: Qualitative Methods | |
| EDU 720 | Visionary Leadership and Visionaries: Leadership at the Intersection of Tradition and Innovation | |
| EDU 722 | Doctoral Intensive |
Summer – Year 1
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| EDU 705
|
Research Design | 2 |
| EDU 723 | Leading Change | 4 |
Fall – Year 2
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| EDU 708 | Research Methods II: Quantitative Methods | 4 |
| EDU 721 | Accountability: Creating an Evidence-Based Culture | 2 |
Spring – Year 2
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| EDU 724 | Economics of Organizational Transformation and Development | |
| EDU 725 | Organizational Finance and Policy |
Summer – Year 2
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| EDU 710 | Design for Dissertation 2 |
2 |
Fall – Year 3
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| EDU 713A | Dissertation Practicum | 2 |
| EDU 714 | Concept Paper | 6 |
Spring – Year 3
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| EDU 713B | Dissertation Practicum | 2 |
| EDU 715 | Applied Dissertation Research | 6 |