Wilkes University’s Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership is a post-master’s program that capitalizes on the existing strengths of current graduate-level education programs in educational technology and leadership. All areas require 60 post-master’s credits for completion, including nine credits of dissertation.

The program offers three majors:

Each program cohort will include 40 to 45 students. These will begin in fall semesters. The curriculum comprises 60 post-master’s credits, nine of which are part of the dissertation sequence. Most classes are offered in a blended or hybrid format with both online and live class sessions. Each major has a research core, leadership core, area-specific content and a dissertation sequence. It is anticipated that students will take 12 credits a year toward the degree, completing course work in about four years before beginning dissertation development. 

Core courses are designed to meet challenges faced by educational leaders. The program is built around a core of applied research embedded in courses that will provide continuous opportunities for current and future educational leaders to apply knowledge in the classroom and in the field to improve education for all students. The dissertation and defense are the capstone for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Each admitted student becomes part of a Leadership Development Team (LDT) facilitated by a faculty-mentor. These teams are cross-disciplinary, allowing students to gain insights from broad perspectives. Each team is supported throughout the program using online communication, meetings, discussions and seminars. Coupled with a strong mentorship component, the Wilkes University doctoral program is designed to support its students from admission through dissertation.