Ph.D. in Education – K-12 School Leadership
Make Generational Impacts
Daily it seems, we are reminded of the failures and shortcomings in our educational system. We are in a crucial time in our history where we need strong, Christian leadership in education. If you have a passion for improving the quality of K-12 education, and you desire to lead learning environments where students can thrive, then this concentration will help you make the type of impact that changes lives for generations. Regent’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education – K-12 School Leadership provides continuing education for teachers seeking initial administrative endorsement in preparation for positions as principal or assistant principal. This research-based Ph.D. can prepare you more specifically for a career in academia. Be rest assured knowing that courses have been organized around the six Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) standards and the endorsement competencies for Administration & Supervision Pre-K-12 as issued by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL
Capitalize on a higher salary with your Ph.D. degree.
EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH
Take your career to the next level with exciting leadership opportunities.
MAKE AN IMPACT IN K-12 SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Present ground-breaking research to improve the world of education.
ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE
Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). Our programs have also been ranked among the Top 10 Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia for 11 years in a row (2013-2023).
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.
The School of Education’s educational leadership and teacher preparation programs and the College of Arts and Science’s bachelor’s in education programs are awarded full national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, to 12/31/2030.
On completing the Ph.D. in Education – K-12 School Leadership degree, you can:
- Lead a positive school culture that fosters improved learning based on research and best practices.
- Implement effective strategies for resource planning, school operations, school and community relations; and ethical, policy, and professional issues.
- Prepare to complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) by participating in an optional test preparation course.
Career Opportunities
- University Faculty
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- School Superintendent
- Key Administrator
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.) | $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 |
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)
Faculty
Dr. Koonce is the concentration chair for K-12 School Leadership and is committed to your success.
Dr. Glenn Koonce came to Regent University with a proven record of leadership as a highly trained and decorated combat squad leader with the First Air Calvary Division in Vietnam during 1970-71 and leadership in sports and community activities. He taught health and physical education at the elementary, junior high and high school levels and coached football, basketball, wrestling, soccer, track, tennis, gymnastics and weight training.
Koonce has been an assistant principal at an alternative school and high school; principal at Georgetown Elementary, Crestwood Junior and Middle Schools, and Oscar Smith High School; and a director in the central office for Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia; concluding his public school career as assistant superintendent for instructional services and personnel in Suffolk Public Schools in Virginia. Koonce has been a visiting scholar at Virginia Tech University and The George Washington University, and an adjunct professor at The George Washington University, Regent University, Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion University where he directed the Tidewater Principal’s Center.
Dr. Koonce has been recognized as Principal of the Year for Virginia, president of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP); Boss of the Year several times in Chesapeake Public Schools; Education Professor of the Year for the School of Education at Regent; the Regent University Faculty Excellence Award; and the Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia Professors of Educational Leadership. He has been the recipient of numerous other awards and recognitions; member and officer of many professional/community associations and organizations; graduate of a great number of professional educational leadership training programs; member/leader on three Virginia Governor, one Virginia Attorney General, and one Virginia Secretary of Public Education tasks forces; numerous Virginia Department of Education programs and activities; professional associations (at all levels); scorer for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) and School Superintendents Assessment (SSA); and other state agency, university; national, state, regional and local activities on a vast array of topics.
Koonce has been the president of the Virginia Education Research Association (VERA); chairman of the Virginia Education Coalition (VEC); president of the Virginia Professors of Educational Leadership (VPEL) and president of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP). Koonce is a board certified auditor for the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and lead auditor for the Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP).
He is the author of two textbooks, Taking Sides – Clashing Views on Educational Issues and Enhancing Teacher Performance: A Toolbox of Strategies to move behavior from problematic to good and from good to great. Research activities, consulting, numerous publications and presentations around the world from the local level to international, and serving on the editorial review board and the Virginia State Affiliate Chair for the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) and the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) round out Koonce’s extensive experiences. He also serves on the Editorial Board of the European Journal of Educational Science (EJES).
Dr Koonce’s personal interests include spiritual, family, community and wellness activities of all kinds. He loves music, travel and adventure, in no particular order. He is married and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. His passion for leadership, influencing and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, makes him an asset to the Regent family of scholars.