Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Pre-K to 12th Grade Concentration

The doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Saint Elizabeth University is designed to prepare globally conscious and morally purposeful servant leaders. The Ed.D. program offers three concentrations: Pre-K to 12th Grade, Higher Education and Organizational Leadership.

The Ed.D. concentration for higher education leadership combines theoretical knowledge and practical application in an authentic higher education setting utilizing the candidate's professional experience in higher education. It is a sequenced, 50-credit program to be completed during a three-year time frame.

Unique Elements of This Program

• Students will complete all online courses together as a cohort and will progress through the program by taking all of their classes together.
• Students will function as members of teams and work collaboratively on the study, collection, and analysis of data and the development of research-based solutions to educational problems. Research teams will extend beyond the University to the larger community.
• The foundation of the program is aligned with the New Jersey Professional Standards for School Leaders (NJPSSL).
• Students will receive personal attention and service from University departments at times that are convenient for working adults.
• Flexible hours for advisement, registration, and career counseling are available to fit in with students' busy schedules.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the doctoral program, the students will be able to:

• Commit to and act upon the principles of servant leadership.
• Demonstrate their role to prepare both themselves and the learning community to build a just society.
• Identify, promote, and sustain high performance learning communities.
• Apply research methodologies for systemic improvement of schools and other educational communities and institutions.
• Analyze and articulate the individual and social purposes of education.
• Evaluate the role of servant leaders as stewards of both human and fiscal resources.

Program Requirements

• 3.25 grade point average
• Action research dissertation and oral dissertation defense

Applicants for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership - PreK to 12th Grade concentration are required to have earned a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Admissions Requirements:

• An M.A in Educational Leadership or related field.
• Evidence of leadership experience including Certification as Principal and/or Supervisor.
• Current Resume
• Outstanding academic success in prior graduate work including an official transcript from all undergraduate and graduate colleges/universities attended. Courses taken at colleges in countries outside the United States must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) for a course-by-course evaluation. For additional information on certified university record translations, students should contact WES at 800-937-3895 or by email at info@wes.org.
• Evidence of scholarly work (Master's thesis, Action Research, publication)
• 500-word personal statement (1-2 pages) as to why you are interested in obtaining a graduate degree, what are your long-term goals and how a graduate degree will help achieve them.
• Two letters of recommendation from a college/university professor attesting to candidate's ability to perform a high level of academic achievement, or from a professional reference.
• Completed application

The final step in the admission process will be a successful interview with the Program Chair or designee.