Rural Education
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- Earn your Doctor of Education degree 100% online
- Improve learning outcomes in rural settings
- Focus on strategic planning and advocacy
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- January 21st
- Est. Program Length
- 3-5 years
- Course Length
- 8 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $388.80*
- Credit Hours
- 60
- Credits Accepted
- 30
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $734.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition are subject to change.
Request InfoEmpower the Success of Students in Rural Schools
More than half of Oklahoma’s schools are defined as rural, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. In the East Central University Online Doctor of Education in Rural Education program, you can become a leader who empowers students to feel the sky’s the limit to what they can achieve, even when they live outside the city limits.
As Oklahoma’s first rural education doctorate, this online program provides highly specialized expertise for aspiring educators and administrators. You will focus on addressing the challenges of rural schools through courses on finance, supervision, technology leadership and instructional design. After completing our rural education program, you will be ready to devise strategic plans, design curricula and advocate for students to succeed in class and their communities.
ECU designed the Ed.D. degree program to meet the needs of busy educators. You will complete courses and the applied dissertation/capstone online, allowing you flexibility to continue working as you build skills for careers in rural education.
Topics of Study
In ECU’s online Doctor of Education in Rural Education program, you’ll prepare to address challenges and foster positive change in rural settings. The key topics include:
- Educational technology leadership
- Foundations of rural education
- History of rural education
- Leading special programs
- Legal aspects of education
- Organizational change
- Principles of instructional design
- Public school administration
- Public school finance
- Research techniques
- School plant management
- Strategic management
You will take 20 courses to complete the Ed.D. degree program, including an applied dissertation to produce a comprehensive research study or capstone project.
Learning Outcomes
Complete the online Ed.D. program at ECU to emerge as a leader ready to make an impact in rural education. The courses deliver competencies in these areas:
- Mission, vision and improvement
- Ethics and professional norms
- Equity and cultural responsiveness
- Curriculum, instruction and assessment
- Community of care and support
- Professional capacity of personnel
- Professional community for personnel
- Meaningful engagement of families and community
- Operations and management
- Strategic planning
- Advocacy
Accreditation
East Central University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Courses & Requirements
You will complete 60 credit hours of coursework to acquire your Doctor of Education in Rural Education online at ECU. The courses prepare you to become a well-rounded educator and leader, ready to tackle the multifaceted challenges impacting rural schools today.
- EDUC 5113
- EDUC 6003
- EDUC 6013
- EDUC 6023
- EDUC 6033
- EDUC 6043
- EDUC 6053
- EDUC 6063
Techniques of Research
3 Credits
Introduces students to the theory of educational research by developing competencies in literature review, library research, data analysis, research writing and developing plans for applied or action research. This course will consider the ethics of research with human subjects.
Contemporary Issues and Advocacy in Rural Education
3 Credits
Candidates will focus on the critical examination of contemporary challenges facing rural education systems and the strategies employed in advocating for change and improvement. Candidates will explore the multifaceted issues impacting rural education today, such as access to resources, equity, diversity, technological integration and community engagement. The course also emphasizes the role of advocacy in addressing these challenges and fostering positive change in rural educational settings.
History and Foundations of Rural Education
3 Credits
In this course, candidates will explore the historical context and fundamental principles that shape rural education systems. The course examines the distinctive challenges, opportunities and educational philosophies relevant to teaching and learning in rural areas. The course surveys the evolution of rural education from early agricultural societies to contemporary times, investigating the socio-cultural, economic and geographic factors influencing its development.
Leading Special Programs in Rural Education
3 Credits
This is a specialized course designed to equip educators and administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and lead specialized educational programs in rural settings. This course delves into the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in providing specialized education services in rural areas.
Organizational Change/Strategic Planning in Rural Education
3 Credits
This course aims to equip students with the knowledge, tools and skills necessary to effectively lead and manage organizational change while strategically planning for improvement in the unique contexts of rural educational settings.
Advanced Public School Finance in Rural Education
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical insights into the intricate landscape of public school finance in rural education. It enables them to critically analyze financial structures, address challenges and propose effective solutions within rural educational settings.
Applied Dissertation/Capstone Seminar/Orientation
3 Credits
In this course, candidates explore the workings and requirements of the Ed.D. program, especially discussions about the logistics and requirements of an applied dissertation/capstone.
Quantitative/Qualitative Research
3 Credits
This course provides an in-depth exploration of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies commonly used in social sciences including mixed methods, etc. It aims to equip students with the theoretical foundations, practical skills and critical thinking required to design, conduct and analyze research in diverse social contexts.
- ELECTIVE
Graduate-Level Course
3 Credits
Choose any course at the graduate level. ECU encourages students to take an EDUC course, such as EDUC 5793 Superintendency or EDUC 5623 Principalship.
- EDUC 5173 or 5363
- EDUC 5513
- EDUC 5523
- EDUC 5533
- EDUC 5723
- EDUC 5773
- EDUC 5943
Fundamentals of Curriculum or Principles of Instructional Design
3 Credits
Prerequisite: Graduate status or departmental approval. Curriculum evaluation, development, current issues and trends related to elementary, middle/junior high and high schools. This course presents the concepts, principles and methods for designing effective instruction. Topics studied include aligning instruction to standards, developing instructional objectives, planning instructional activities, designing instructional materials, assessing learning outcomes and evaluating instructional effectiveness.
Supervision of Instruction
3 Credits
Application of leadership theory to clinical supervision; examination of the administrator’s role as an instructional leader; evaluation of instructional approaches and programs; practices and procedures of clinical supervision.
School Plant Management
3 Credits
A study of management of school facilities, including planning and development, operations, maintenance and fiscal systems.
Fundamentals of Public School Administration
3 Credits
Basic principles and practices in modern school administration.
Advanced Legal Aspects of Education
3 Credits
An advanced study of ethics, legal aspects of education with an emphasis on recent developments in school laws including those relevant to the field of special education.
Politics and Governance of American Education
3 Credits
Advanced study of principles and practices of visionary leadership, theory and organizational change; includes the study of the structure, organization, politics, power groups and multiculturalism of public schools.
Educational Technology Leadership
3 Credits
This course prepares educational leaders to effectively plan, evaluate, and manage technology initiatives to support teaching, learning and operations in educational settings.
- EDIS 7003
- EDIS 7013
- EDIS 7023
Applied Dissertation/Capstone I – Prospectus
3 Credits
Prerequisite: EDUC 6053. This course serves as the initial phase of the applied dissertation/capstone project for doctoral candidates. It guides students through the development and refinement of their research prospectus, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive research study they will undertake.
Applied Dissertation/Capstone II – Research
3 Credits
Prerequisite: EDIS 7003. This course represents the culmination of the doctoral program, guiding students through the implementation phase of their applied dissertation/capstone project. It focuses on the research of literature, methods, execution and data collection to produce a comprehensive research study.
Applied Dissertation/Capstone III – Dissertation
3 Credits
3 Credit Hours (Taken Twice for a Total of 6 Credit Hours) Prerequisites: EDIS 7003 and 7013. This course represents the culmination of the doctoral program, guiding students through the implementation phase of their applied dissertation or capstone project. It focuses on the execution, data collection, analysis and synthesis of findings to produce a comprehensive research study/capstone project.
Admission Requirements
To apply to the Doctor of Education in Rural Education program, you will need the following:
- Master’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
How to Apply
We offer a simple application process for the online Ed.D. in Rural Education program —with no application fee. You will provide the following to apply:
- Online application
- Transcripts of all completed work (baccalaureate and graduate) from an accredited institution
- Resumé
- Three references
- A personal essay that explains your career goals, how an ECU degree will help accomplish those goals, your interest in the field and any actions you have taken to pursue this interest. You must also describe any skills, attributes or experiences you possess that would aid in your future profession.
Do you have a question about this program or the admission process? Request information to connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 60 credit hours | $388.80* | $23,328.00 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 30) | $11,664.00 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $734.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees. Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
View our Native American Students pageAre You the First in Your Family to Go to College?
At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageCareer Outlook
Earning your Doctorate in Education in Rural Education online with ECU allows you to open doors to roles in school administration, higher education, consulting and education policy. Careers to consider after completing the Ed.D. online program include:
K–12 Education Administrator*
Education administrators play central roles in rural schools, overseeing initiatives that foster success for students and teachers. They make an impact on the academics, athletics and extracurricular activities of elementary, middle and high schools. Examples of education administrators include superintendents, principals, assistant principals and instructional designers.
Average annual salary: $87,250
Post-Secondary Education Administrator*
Education administrators at colleges and universities focus on varying initiatives, from academics and student success to faculty appointments and research. They oversee campus operations, admissions, individual schools within university systems, finances and beyond. Specific titles for these administrators include provost, dean and registrar.
Average annual salary: $123,480
Education Consultant
Education consultants contribute to varying facets of education, including developing policies and advising on specific subjects. Viewed as subject matter experts on educational topics, these consultants collaborate with government agencies to set guidelines and standards for schools and curricula using established best practices.
Average annual salary: $102,301
Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Salary.com.
*Some roles may require additional certification or licensure.
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