American Jewish University Reimagines Jewish Education: A Groundbreaking Online Doctorate Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders

American Jewish University (AJU) announced today the launch of its newest doctoral offering: the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership (JECL). This groundbreaking program is the first of its kind, offering advanced training in Jewish communal leadership to equip experienced professionals with the skills and vision needed to lead transformative change across the Jewish educational and communal landscape.

Housed within AJU’s Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership, the EdD program empowers professionals in education, nonprofits, synagogues and other sectors to drive transformative change and innovation through evidence-based practices, impactful leadership and bold vision. The three-year, cohort-based program is delivered online with high-touch, in-person community-building components. Graduates will emerge with the ability to drive organizational change and produce research that improves Jewish education and communal practice.

“This is more than a degree; it’s a movement,” said Jay Sanderson, President of American Jewish University. “We are creating the next generation of Jewish leaders who will shape the future of our institutions, our values, and our communities. The launch of this new doctoral program is a signal of commitment to advancing the Jewish future through bold, rigorous and mission-driven academic leadership.”

The new EdD is one of the growing suite of programs offered by the Masor School, which has been reimagined and revitalized over the past several years. Once serving a small cohort of in-person learners, the Masor School now enrolls hundreds of students annually across bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. In the 2024-2025 academic year alone, the Masor School enrolled over 285 students, contributing to AJU’s total academic enrollment of more than 530 learners.

“The EdD in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership is rooted in the belief that Jewish professionals deserve world-class, accessible training that helps them lead with moral clarity and strategic depth,” said Dr. Bruce Powell, Dean of the Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership. “This program arms students with the tools to assess and elevate their organizations, apply Jewish values in real-world contexts and create meaningful, lasting change.”

This new offering has been approved by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) as part of AJU’s institutional accreditation, reflecting AJU’s commitment to innovative, high-impact academic programs that address the evolving needs of the Jewish world.

“By launching this doctoral program, we’re providing the highest level of training for Jewish professionals and equipping them to produce advanced scholarship in the field,” said Dr. Robbie Totten, AJU’s Chief Academic Officer.

To learn more about the EdD in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership, visit aju.edu/masor.

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��ɫ��Ƶ American Jewish University (AJU) American Jewish University is a center for Jewish learning and leadership development, dedicated to shaping a vibrant Jewish future. Through academic excellence and innovative programs, AJU equips emerging and established leaders to meet the evolving needs of Jewish communities across North America and beyond.