Think an Ed.D. is just for teachers? Think again. Unlike traditional Ed.D. degrees, Olivet’s program is built for leaders who want to drive ethical change—whether in for-profit or nonprofit settings, business, healthcare, public service, ministry, education, or more. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership and drive meaningful change, this degree is your next step.
Is an Ed.D. Right for You?
Olivet’s online Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership is designed for professionals who want to make a real difference in their organizations and communities. This program is for you if you’re looking to:
- Advance your career: Step into leadership in various industries—healthcare, ministry, business, law enforcement, education and beyond.
- Solve complex challenges: Develop the skills to analyze problems and implement real-world solutions.
- Inspire change: Leadership is about more than making the right decisions—it’s about creating a culture of ethical decision-making.
- Establish thought leadership: Gain credibility to write, speak, consult and influence your field.
This purpose of this program is broader than making you more ethical—it is intended to equip you to foster ethical leadership in others as well.
Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Which One Fits Your Goals?
A key question among doctoral candidates is whether to pursue an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. The right choice depends on your career aspirations.
The Ed.D.: Leadership in Action
An Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership is research focused with practical application. Designed for working professionals, Olivet’s Ed.D. can be completed in just 32 months—faster than the typical three to five years. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want to advance their careers while applying their research in real time across industries like healthcare, business, ministry, public service, education and beyond.
The Ph.D.: Research & Academia
A Ph.D. in Education is focused on theoretical research, it takes five to seven-plus years and is ideal for people who want a career in research or academia.
The Power of Ethical Leadership
Leadership isn’t just about credentials—it’s about using your influence to create lasting change. Ethical leaders ensure decisions are made with fairness, accountability and a commitment to doing what’s right. Every industry needs principled leaders:
- Healthcare: Hospital administrators navigate ethical dilemmas in patient care and resource management.
- Business: Corporate executives set ethical standards that guide organizations through challenges.
- Law Enforcement: Police chiefs and justice leaders build community trust while maintaining public safety.
- Religion & Theology: Faith-based leaders balance biblical truth and social responsibility.
- Education: School superintendents and college deans make policy decisions that shape the future of learning.
An Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership gives you the skills, confidence and credibility to lead purposefully and drive change.
Choose Your Methodology: Quantitative or Qualitative?
Choosing the right research methodology is a crucial step in earning your Ed.D.
- Quantitative: Gather data through surveys to analyze trends, measure impact and identify patterns.
- Qualitative: Conduct interviews or observations to explore narratives, uncover themes and understand behaviors.
At Olivet, Ed.D. students complete a Dissertation, tackling real workplace challenges through applied research. This approach is faster, more supportive, and directly relevant to your professional field than traditional, research-heavy dissertations. No matter your research path, your dissertation will be a powerful exploration of ethical leadership in action.
“At Olivet, we take a personalized approach to every dissertation. I carefully assemble a dissertation team tailored to each student’s research focus, ensuring they have the right mentors to guide them. Our goal is to provide the expertise, support, and collaboration needed to make their work effective and meaningful.” – Dr. Kelly S. Brown, Professor of Education and Ed.D. Director
Making Changemakers in Every Industry
So, can an Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership create changemakers beyond the field of education? Absolutely. This degree isn’t just about teaching—it’s about transforming. Ethical leadership is the foundation of every successful organization, and those equipped with this doctorate are prepared to step into critical roles where integrity, strategy and innovation matter most.
From business executives to hospital administrators, nonprofit directors to law enforcement leaders, faith-based influencers to government policymakers—Olivet’s Ed.D. graduates are shaping industries, solving complex problems and setting new standards of ethical leadership.
If you’re ready to lead with purpose and make an impact where it matters most, an Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership is your path forward.
Why Choose Olivet?
Olivet’s Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership is built for working professionals who want a real-world approach to leadership. Here’s why it stands out:
- Flexible, accelerated format: Earn your degree online in as little as 32 months while balancing work and life.
- Strong professional network: Connect with leaders across industries, from healthcare, business, ministry, to law enforcement to education.
- Hands-on learning: Apply ethical leadership directly in your organization.
- Personalized support: Receive faculty mentorship, tutoring and guidance every step of the way.
- Designed for professionals: A 60-credit-hour program (48 credit hours of coursework and 12 credit hours of dissertation) that fits into your career.
Olivet’s Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership is fully online, requires 60 credits, and can be completed in as little as 32 months. This flexibility allows you to balance your studies with work and personal life—all for under $700 per credit.
“Olivet’s Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership is a high-impact program designed for professionals who want to lead with purpose. With a strong foundation in real-world application, our program stands out for its academic excellence and expert faculty. Graduates leave not only with an Ed.D. but with the confidence and skills to drive meaningful change in their organizations and communities.” – Dr. Gregg Chenoweth, President Olivet Nazarene University
Apply today and take the first step toward leading with purpose, inspiring change, and shaping the future.
We Believe. You Belong Here.
