Drake University Singapore

Starting in October 2026, Drake University will begin offering its Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Leadership program in Singapore. The program will allow students to earn a global Doctorate from Drake University while studying on the city campus of Nanyang Science and Technology in Central Singapore.

Program Format

The program will utilize a flexible, hybrid teaching model that combines online coursework with in-person sessions—emphasizing the academic rigor and high-quality educational experience that is synonymous with a Drake University degree.

Structured to meet the diverse professional needs of educators and leaders throughout Asia, the program offers two distinct enrollment formats:

21-month option

This program is designed for Ed.D. Leadership candidates who wish to live in Singapore full-time and pursue an accelerated path.

36-month option

Tailored for working full-time professionals across Asia, allowing for a slower, more manageable study pace as they continue their professional careers.

Curriculum and Outcomes

The program will prepare graduates to become leaders equipped with globally recognized skills to address complex educational and organizational challenges in leadership roles around the world. Curriculum emphasizes the practical study of leadership, theory, ethics, technology, program evaluation, and research methodologies—all developed with a focus on global skills development. The program requires 42 credits to completion through the following courses:

• DOC 301: Foundations of Doctoral Education
  This course prepares students with the foundational skills required for doctoral coursework, emphasizing scholarly writing, critical reading, and effective use of literature in the research process.
• DOC 302: Policy and Cultural Diversity
  This course prepares students to understand the multiple dimensions of diversity and to apply that knowledge to critical issues in education policy.
• DOC 305: Quantitative Research Methods
  This course introduces foundational statistical concepts and methods used in quantitative analysis, with applications in education and related fields.
• DOC 306: Qualitative Research Methods
  This course introduces students to the philosophical foundations, historical development, and interpretive paradigms of qualitative research in education.
• DOC 350: Philosophy and Epistemologies of Education and Leadership
  This course introduces philosophies and epistemologies of education with an emphasis on theories of teaching, curriculum, research, and leadership.
• DOC 386: Transformational Systems Leadership
  This course introduces students to systems thinking as a framework for understanding and improving the complex systems they lead, with an emphasis on its application to both personal and professional leadership.
• DOC 390: Dissertation Seminar
  This course is designed to support students in developing and writing their dissertation in practice proposals.
• DOC 396: Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
  This course builds on the foundational statistical concepts introduced in DOC 305. Students will engage with theoretical readings and hands-on applications to develop and interpret complex statistical models, with coverage of additional advanced analyses commonly used in educational research.
• DOC 396: Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
  This course builds on the foundations established in DOC 306, deepening students’ understanding of qualitative research through exploration of emerging methodologies and expanded philosophical perspectives.
• DOC 399: Dissertation Credits
  Students are required to complete a total of 9 dissertation credits for the Ed.D. while working on their dissertation. Students who do not complete the dissertation by the time they reach the required 9 credits will be registered for 1 credit per semester until completed.
• EDL 283: Leading Complex Organizations
  This course is designed to help students analyze organizations and gain better understanding of personal leadership dispositions. This course seeks to analyze exemplary leadership and develop knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to make positive differences in a group or organization.
• LEAD 301: Insightful Leadership: Navigating Self and Others for Optimal Success
  This course focuses on self-awareness in leadership, exploring personality, emotional intelligence, and the Social Change Model of Leadership for personal and team growth.