Program Overview

Doctor of Educational Leadership Program

The Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program is designed to provide advanced preparation for educational leaders in diverse school settings across the world. This cohort-based program is delivered completely online, allowing for maximum flexibility.

Program Overview

The program focuses on PK-12 school systems for informal or formal leaders, as well as individuals whose roles support PK-12 school systems. It emphasizes practical application, enabling students to practice their new knowledge while learning. The program promotes collaboration and provides opportunities to build lifelong networks.

Program Objectives

The program aims to prepare students to:

• Improve student learning and the professional environment for all stakeholders
• Utilize data in an integrated approach to create school structures grounded in achievement and the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students
• Develop and implement systems that enhance others by building their competence and commitment

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for a variety of career opportunities, including:

• Administration
• Educational policy
• Leading and operating schools
• Curriculum/Instruction specialist at the district or state level
• Training and development management

Capstone Project

Students will complete a capstone project in their chosen area of interest, which involves:

• Engaging in scholarly inquiry to analyze, evaluate, and effectively leverage data
• Receiving guidance from a doctoral advisor throughout the project
• Consulting with experts, practitioners, community members, and other stakeholders in the field

Program Details

• The program consists of 51 credits, completed over 8 semesters
• Courses are offered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their convenience
• Students can expect to dedicate approximately 25-30 hours per week to coursework

Admission and Transfer Credits

• A new cohort begins once per year, in the Fall
• Students may request to transfer credits, with a maximum of 6 program credits transferable
• Transfer credits must be approved by the Department Chair, the Dean of the program, and the Registrar's Office

Support Services

• Students are assigned a faculty advisor who works with them throughout the program
• The Student Services team is available to answer questions and connect students to resources, including:
  • Course scheduling and program support
  • Graduate Student Association
  • Foley Library
  • IT Help Desk
  • Disability Access
  • Career & Professional Development
  • Center for Cura Personalis
  • Health & Counseling Services
  • Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center
  • Rudolf Fitness Center
  • Transfer, Veteran, and Returning Adult Services
  • Unity Multicultural Education Center
  • University Mission & Ministry

Accreditation

• Gonzaga University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Student Learning Outcomes

• Candidates will complete the program in eight semesters, having broadened their ability to:
  • Identify organizational level problems and design evidence-informed solutions
  • Use data to guide communities toward a rich, equitable, and comprehensive education for all students
  • Improve student success and the professional environment for all stakeholders
  • Analyze, synthesize, and communicate complex and often ambiguous issues
  • Identify opportunities to affect overall system change

Tuition and Financing

• Tuition is $1,120 per credit, with a total of 51 credits in the program
• Financing options include:
  • Federal loans: eligible students can receive up to $20,500 per academic year
  • Scholarships: applicants are automatically considered for a one-time program scholarship
  • Employer tuition reimbursements: many organizations offer tuition reimbursement programs
  • Payment plans: Gonzaga University offers payment plans to assist with financing education

Program Outline

The program consists of the following courses:

First Year

• Fall I:
  • EDLD 701: Framework for Effective Leadership (3 credits)
  • EDLD 713: Curriculum and Assessment (3 credits)
• Spring I:
  • EDLD 700: Problem of Practice (3 credits)
  • EDLD 702: Culture and Identity (3 credits)
• Summer I:
  • EDLD 703: Research for Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
  • EDLD 705: Review of Literature (3 credits)

Second Year

• Fall II:
  • EDLD 704: Methods and Instruments for Data Collection (3 credits)
  • EDLD 709: Ethics and Leadership (3 credits)
• Spring II:
  • EDLD 707: Action Plan for Problem of Practice (3 credits)
  • EDLD 711: Building Capacity: Continuous Improvement (3 credits)
• Summer II:
  • EDLD 710: Data Analysis (3 credits)
  • EDLD 715: Organizational Systems Analysis (3 credits)
  • EDLD 764: Specialized Projects (3 credits)

Third Year

• Fall III:
  • EDLD 712: Evidence-Based Contribution for Problem of Practice (3 credits)
  • EDLD 714: Capstone Completion (3 credits)
• Spring III:
  • EDLD 716: Capstone Completion II (3 credits)
  • EDLD 799: Doctoral Conference and Orals Exam (3 credits)