Program Overview
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Saint Louis University's School of Education is a professional educational doctorate that prepares students to become executive-level educational leaders. The program is designed for students who have a master's or specialist degree in educational leadership or a related field.
Overview
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership requires the completion of 38-44 credits of coursework, a comprehensive written examination, an oral examination, and a doctoral project. Students entering with a specialist degree complete 28-34 credits of coursework.
Curriculum Overview
The program includes coursework in leadership, research, and fieldwork, as well as a doctoral project that addresses a problem of practice in educational leadership. The curriculum is aligned with state requirements for accreditation and course requirements for superintendent certification.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
The program includes site-based activities aligned with coursework, as well as a three-credit hour internship required for certification. Students also have the opportunity to engage in research projects and present their findings at conferences.
Careers
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership prepares students for executive-level leadership positions, such as school district superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors, teacher leaders, and organizational leaders. It also prepares students for possible faculty positions in colleges and universities.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the program, students must have a master's degree or specialist's degree from a regionally accredited institution, as well as two letters of recommendation, a resume, and a professional goal statement. International students must also demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof of financial support.
Tuition
The tuition for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is $990 per credit hour. Additional charges may apply, and students should check with the university for the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The university offers scholarships and financial aid to help students fund their education. Students should check with the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.
Accreditation
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Program Outcomes
The program has several outcomes, including:
- Graduates will apply discipline-based literature to educational administration practices.
- Graduates will apply evidence-based practices in educational administration, aspects of running a school district, and educational theories to analyze issues related to executive-level administration.
- Graduates will articulate arguments or explanations about evidence-based practice in leadership, communication, legal, financial, curriculum/instruction/assessment, and management in educational leadership.
- Graduates will propose and conduct research related to educational leadership practices emphasizing professional integrity in the field.
Course List
The program includes a variety of courses, such as:
- EDL 6390: Gateway Leadership Institute
- EDL 6950: Special Study for Written Comprehensive Exams
- EDR 6971: Advanced Research Topics in Education Research
- EDL 6960: Project Guidance
- EDSP 6110: Special Education Administration
Catholic Education Concentration
The program also offers a concentration in Catholic education, which prepares students to become executive-level leaders in Catholic education. The concentration includes coursework in spiritual leadership, the vocation of the Catholic school educator, and non-public school administration.
Roadmap
The program has a roadmap that outlines the courses and milestones for each year of the program. The roadmap is designed to help students stay on track and complete the program in a timely manner.
Program Notes
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a cohort program that includes outcomes aligned with national and state standards, as well as those articulated by the Catholic Church. The program is designed to prepare students for executive-level leadership positions in educational settings.