Program Objectives
Develop Scholarly Practitioners: To prepare leaders who use evidence-based research to improve educational practice and organizational performance.
Master Applied Research: To focus on action research and organizational inquiry as tools for diagnosing and solving institutional challenges.
Strengthen Organizational Leadership: To cultivate advanced skills in strategic planning, change management, and policy implementation.
Promote Educational Equity: To focus on systemic reform that addresses inequities and enhances outcomes for all learners.
Foster Collaborative Reform: To build capacity for leading multidisciplinary teams and partnering with community stakeholders to drive improvement.
Curriculum Structure & Expected Courses
Doctoral Core & Professional Practice (39 Credits)
EDD 701: Foundations of Educational Leadership & Change (3)
EDD 705: Applied Research: Action Research & Field Inquiry (3)
EDD 710: Organizational Theory & Institutional Effectiveness (3)
EDD 715: Data-Driven Decision Making for Leaders (3)
EDD 720: Policy, Governance, & Ethical Leadership (3)
EDD 725: Leading Inclusive & Diverse Organizations (3)
EDD 730: Strategic Planning & Resource Management (3)
EDD 735: Professional Communication & Advocacy (3)
EDD 740: Doctoral Qualifying Examination (Practice-Based) (3)
EDD 745: Directed Field-Based Research Project (9)
EDD 729: Applied Dissertation Proposal Defense (3)
EDD 799: Comprehensive Exam (0)
Research & Applied Dissertation Phase (21 Credits)
EDD 801: Dissertation Seminar: Strategy & Implementation (6)
EDD 803: Leading Organizational Change (3)
EDD 805: Dissertation Implementation & Evaluation (6)
EDD 807: Dissertation Final Defense & Executive Summary (6)
Areas of Specialization & Career Pathways
Educational Leadership: School District Superintendent, Principal, or Head of School.
Institutional Administration: University Administrator (e.g., Dean, Provost, or Student Services Director).
Organizational Consulting: Educational consultant, school reform specialist, or organizational development coach.
Policy Advocacy: Director of educational NGOs, legislative advisor, or state/national education policy maker.
Research Areas
Organizational Improvement: Implementing and evaluating strategies to increase operational efficiency in schools.
Leadership Development: Studying the impact of mentorship and leadership training on administrative performance.
Policy Implementation: Assessing how macro-level policies translate into practice within local educational contexts.
Action Research: Conducting site-specific interventions to improve student achievement, teacher retention, or community engagement.
Learning Outcomes
• Identify, analyze, and address complex problems of practice within educational settings using data-driven inquiry.
• Demonstrate mastery in organizational leadership, change management, and strategic administration.
• Design and implement an applied dissertation that provides a practical, scalable solution to an institutional challenge.
• Exhibit the professional communication skills necessary to influence stakeholders, shape policy, and lead public advocacy.