Ph.D. in Education – Exceptional Education Executive Leadership
Help Close Achievement Gaps
Do you have a heart for the neediest populations in education? If you desire to make a big impact as a practitioner-scholar, then this degree will equip you with the leadership skills needed to bring about positive change. Regent’s Philosophy of Education (Ph.D.) – Exceptional Education Executive Leadership degree focuses on a more inclusive approach to supporting exceptional learners by broadening the reach to populations who need it most. You can gain executive-level insight on championing, leading, and developing innovative programs and policies. Enjoy a meaningful career while you help close the achievement gaps for groups in these categories: Special Ed, 504, Gifted, At-risk, and Diverse.
INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL
Capitalize on a higher salary with your Ph.D. degree.
IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS
Make a lasting difference in the lives of children through innovative leadership.
EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH
Influential job opportunities await you.
ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE
Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2025). Our programs have also been ranked among the Top 10 Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia for 13 years in a row (2013-2025).
Presented from a Christian worldview, this specialty degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
On completing the Ph.D. in Education – Exceptional Education Executive Leadership degree, you can:
- Understand laws, policies, and regulations specific to an exceptional education.
- Apply key principles in supervision, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
- Use theory and practice to determine program strength and specific areas in need of improvement.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- University Faculty
- Exceptional Education Administrator
- Exceptional Education Consultant
2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines
All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 9 | Monday, August 19 |
| Session M | Friday, September 6 | Monday, September 16 |
| Session B | Friday, October 11 | Monday, October 21 |
| Session C | Wednesday, January 8 | Monday, January 13 |
| Session T | Friday, January 31 | Monday, February 10 |
| Session D | Friday, March 7 | Monday, March 17 |
| Session E | Friday, May 2 | Monday, May 12 |
| Session F | Friday, June 13 | Monday, June 23 |
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 6 | $3,510 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 3 | $2,460 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $585 | 9 | $5,265 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $820 | 9 | $7,380 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $820 | 6 | $4,920 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $565 | 6 | $3,390 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $800 | 3 | $2,400 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $800 | 3 | $2,400 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (M.Ed.) | $565 | 9 | $5,085 |
| Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) | $800 | 9 | $7,200 |
| Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | $800 | 6 | $4,800 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Ph.D. Requirements
A Ph.D. student will (a) complete 21 hours associated with the Ed.D. core curriculum, (b) complete 24-26 hours associated with an Ed.D. concentration, (c) complete an additional 6 hours of research related credit, and (d) complete 16 hours of dissertation research credit—the total program is 67 hours. A candidate for the Ph.D. degree must present an acceptable research-based dissertation. The dissertation demonstrates that the candidate has technical competence in the field and has done research of an independent character. It must add to or modify what was previously known in the candidate’s field of interest or present a significant interpretation of the subject based upon original investigation and research.
Ph.D. students are required to take the following courses:
EDCO 806 Multivariate Statistics (3)
EHEA 805 Advanced Research Design and Analysis (3)