Doctoral Programs

Program Information

The Educational Leadership program at Edgewood College culminates in an Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) degree, a terminal degree in education that is an earned doctorate. 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 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. The Edgewood College Ed.D. Program offers two distinct concentrations: K-12 leadership with the Superintendent and other administrative licenses; and Higher Education focus including business, agency or association education leadership. The Higher Education curriculum is offered in both a blended and online format.

Candidates undergo rigorous evaluation in an assessment system driven by educational leadership standards and academic achievement. Program themes of Inclusion and Diversity, Communication, Technology and Research are interwoven throughout the program by faculty. Student identities as an academic writer, scholarly researcher and Edgewood leader are woven into the assessment system to create a seamless fabric of leadership.

The doctoral program in educational leadership is based on the belief that a teacher or faculty member, educational administrator or association or agency leader is an educator who promotes the success of all learners by studious and informed application of education theory to practice. Data are integrated with the Edgewood values to make appropriate decisions that benefit learning. The integration of vision, leadership, curriculum development, partnership, and inclusion and diversity, along with an understanding of the supporting role that new technologies assume in this process, establish the foundation for the Ed.D. Program in educational leadership at Edgewood College. To that end, the program will produce ethical and effective leaders in education environments that span a career and beyond.

Designed to be completed in ten consecutive terms within a three-year or three and one half year period, the doctoral program in educational leadership draws on the synergy of a committed cohort of carefully selected candidates who already hold a Master’s degree. Supportive advising and a continuous system of assessment reinforce program content. License candidates experience substantive mentoring in authentic situations in a three semester practicum guided by a mentor of their choice, and coordinated through a campus liaison. Formal assessments of the practicum experience become a component of the student’s learning portfolio.

Students in the Edgewood College doctoral 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 in Educational Leadership 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.

Admission Requirements

1. Provide evidence of a Master’s degree from a United States regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission status. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application to the Edgewood College graduate program.
2. Complete the submit application and application fee via the Graduate Application web page.
3. Request that official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from any post-secondary institutions be submitted via the Graduate Application web page.
4. Provide two letters of recommendation. One of the letters must attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful as a doctoral student. The second letter should give evidence of the applicant’s ability to collaborate with colleagues, and demonstrate strength in leadership.
5. Submit a letter of intent including a brief statement of the reason for pursuing the doctoral degree in educational leadership and a brief discussion about how the program can help the applicant reach personal and professional goals.
6. Provide a resume or a curriculum vita that includes, but is not limited to the areas listed below:
   1. Education: Major(s), schools attended, degrees obtained and dates of attendance
   2. Professional positions held
   3. Presentations made to organizations, groups, and professional associations
   4. Honors awarded or received
   5. Memberships in professional and other organizations
   6. Community service: name(s) of organizations, description of activities and positions held
7. Higher Education concentration applicants will complete an assessment including an essay on the Edgewood College values, a writing assessment and a research efficacy scale.
8. To qualify for the superintendent license, supply evidence of eligibility to hold a teacher or pupil services license in Wisconsin and appropriate experience.
9. For non-native speakers of English, verification of English proficiency is required. Please contact the School of Education or visit the International Students Admissions section of the website for more information about how this requirement can be met.

Degree Requirements

• Completion of all courses in cohort format
• Dissertation, oral defense and publication
• Completion of assessment portfolio
• Mentored and supervised practicum (for license candidates)

Further details of requirements are given in the Doctor of Education Student Handbook. In unusual circumstances for serious reasons, doctoral candidates may receive permission to change from their original partnership schedule to a later one; but all coursework must be completed within seven years from initial entry. Failure to do so will require a new application and admission process, and complete enrollment in a new partnership group.

Programs

• Educational Leadership, Higher Education, Ed.D.
• Educational Leadership, K-12 Educational Administration, Ed.D.