Doctoral Programs

Program Information

The Educational Leadership program at Edgewood College culminates in an Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) degree. It is designed to prepare leaders in school districts, institutions of higher education and educational associations and agencies who have instruction and training as part of their role. The program’s primary focus is the preparation of ethical leaders who are reflective practitioners striving to renew and improve the educational environments for which they work. The Ed.D. program provides advanced opportunities for aspiring professionals in the field of education to engage in meaningful and reflective study and research around leadership and organizational change, and to share successful practices that are most often realized when grounded in the students’ own professional career experiences. The Ed.D. program at Edgewood College draws deeply and broadly on the tradition, mission, and philosophy of the College. The Sinsinawa Dominican values and tradition of scholarship and collegiality, the College’s mission as a liberal arts institution with a commitment to service, and the emerging characteristics of the education profession have all helped to shape this program.

The Edgewood College Ed.D. program offers three distinct concentrations: K-12 Leadership-Superintendent license track; Higher Education and Leadership Studies that has a focus including business, agency, or association education leadership; and the Doctoral Completion Program which provides students with advanced graduate work in another accredited education or leadership doctorate program and who are ABD (All But Dissertation) the opportunity to complete their dissertation and earn their Ed.D. The K-12 Leadership licensure program is offered in a blended format, the higher education and leadership studies program is offered completely online, and the doctoral completion program is offered predominantly online with some face-to-face meetings.

The program employs a cohort partnership of doctoral faculty, students, collaborating mentors, and dissertation advisors for the purpose of preparing educational leaders who are thoroughly versed in the research base of educational leadership and its applications to organizational quality. Grounded in Dominican values, these same values encourage us to develop Edgewood leaders, scholars, and writers. Coursework is a blend of theory applied with practice and examination of real-world issues, enriched by cohort and faculty interaction.

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) allows for a practical approach to research that encourages students to apply what they are learning to challenges within their field, industry, or profession. Our graduates advance to become college presidents and administrators, K-12 superintendents and leaders, and non-profit champions, each experts in their field. Our graduates leave with strong research skills as both consumer and practitioner, values-based leadership skills, and knowledge to lead strategically.

Students in the Edgewood College Ed.D. program learn and grow together as a cohort. They become inclusive and ethical leaders, skilled communicators who embrace technology as a communication tool, and informed consumers and producers of professional inquiry to enhance the existing knowledge base. In sum, the Doctor of Education degree program provides a supportive system of orientation, advising and assessment; establishes a standard of excellence for the preparation for educational leaders; enhances the College’s mission; and promotes school improvement initiatives within a cohort partnership learning community.

PLEASE NOTE: Edgewood College employee’s tuition reimbursement options do not routinely include courses taken toward doctoral study. Employees who wish to apply for tuition remission must submit one of the letters of recommendation from his or her supervisor indicating approval and support of doctoral study. Edgewood College employees interested in more information about seeking tuition remission for doctoral study should contact the Edgewood College Human Resources Office.

Programs

Doctor of Education

Licensing

Education, Superintendent/District Leadership, Licensing