Now more than ever, strong educators are needed to guide and transform the lives of students. Leadership can mean lots of things, from classroom and thought leadership, to school or district management. Whatever your goals, the Wilkes EdD in Educational Leadership will empower you to be a better teacher, learner and leader, coupling advanced concepts with decision making, mindfulness and ethics.
Program Snapshot
| Program Type | Format | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral | Low Residency | 54 |
Why Study Educational Leadership at Wilkes?
Because it's a transformational, professional journey. It's relevant, rigorous, convenient and affordable. But more than that, it's a chance to immerse yourself in a community of like-minded peers who bring diverse perspectives yet common challenges to the table. It's a chance to earn the highest degree in your field. It's your chance to address the most pressing needs and challenges facing educators. And it's your chance to advance yourself and make a positive impact in your classroom, district and community--and most importantly, in the lives of students.
In our low-residency program, you'll study with students living all over the world and make life-changing connections. You'll also collaborate with peers in person and online, forming a rich network that extends long beyond graduation. You'll attend three, 4-day residencies and complete a dissertation. We understand all that you have to balance, so know that our coursework allows you to maintain a work-life balance and gives you plenty of flexibility to complete the program on your own terms. Plus, our generous transfer policy offers pathways to fast-track your studies.
All educators can benefit from becoming leaders. Earning your doctorate in education can give you the opportunity to grow yourself as a leader and pursue new career opportunities that are both challenging and rewarding. Choose a specialization that fits your personal or career goals: K-12 Administration with PA Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility or Educational Leadership.
Our doctorate in Educational Leadership also offers a unique choice of concentrations:
- Educational Technology*
- Curriculum and Instruction*
- Educational Leadership Studies
- Educational Climate and Safety
- PA Principal Leadership & Certification
*options for PA certification
All of our curriculum is designed to help you extend your teaching impact and expertise while influencing meaningful change in education.
What Will You Learn as an EdD Student?
- Explore principles of leadership, scholarship and practice to prepare you to effect change in educational and organizational systems. This is incredibly valuable for those seeking to become administrators or those who want to make a greater impact in their classrooms or communities.
- You'll study leadership theory, ethical leadership, diversity and inclusion, learning theory/cognition, curriculum/instructional leadership and how to lead strategic organizational transformation.
- You'll develop the essential skills needed to become an effective leader, both inside and outside the classroom, in a dynamic educational environment. You'll be able to anticipate and affect meaningful change in your organization at any level.
- The curriculum comprises 54 post-master's credits, including 9 credits of leadership core courses, 24 credits of content area courses, 12 credits of research courses and 9 credits of dissertation. When taking 12 to 18 credits a year, the program can be completed in three to four years.
To learn more about our EdD program, please complete the following form.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss your education goals, please contact Christine Stevens at christine.stevens@wilkes.edu.
