The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program in Educational Leadership is designed to prepare educational leaders, researchers, and policy makers in both the PreK-12 and Higher Education settings.
Students admitted to this program design a program of study and choose a concentration to suit their particular interests in PreK-12 or Higher Education in educational leadership, educational research, educational policy, and other education-related areas. Students in this program who aspire to serve as building-level school leaders in the state of Connecticut may also choose the Initial Educator Certification for Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) concentration.
Ed.D. Program With Initial Educator Certification For Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) Concentration
Upon successful completion of the Ed.D. Program with Initial Educator Certification for Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) concentration, 100% of our students pass the Praxis II (6412) Administrator exam (Connecticut Administrator Test) required to obtain 092 Intermediate Administrator Certification in the state of Connecticut.
What Makes Our Program Unique?
Our 4-year cohort-based program was specifically designed for the working professional. Courses are held one evening per week in both face-to-face and hybrid formats. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in field-based leadership and research experiences. Throughout the program, students will have access to online and campus-based support and resources, opportunities to publish and present their research, and engage with professional organizations and networks intended specifically for this most advanced level of study. Additionally, students who aspire to building-level school leaders can choose the Initial Educator Certification for Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) concentration (see Ed.D. with Intermediate Administration or Supervision [092] Program Flier for more information). Finally, students have several options as it applies to the format of their dissertation.
Learn From Expert Faculty & Former Practitioners
Our Faculty are leading experts and scholars in the field of Educational Leadership. Additionally, our Faculty members are former award-winning practitioners in the field. Thus, our Faculty aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice, making the content of the courses within the program more meaningful for our students.
Where Are Our Graduates?
Past graduates of our program successfully serve in a broad variety of leadership roles within both the PreK-12 and Higher Education settings throughout the state, region, nation, and around the globe. This includes leadership in both public and private school and university systems and within research and policy organizations and associations.
Career Options
- University Administrator
- University Professor
- University Adjunct
- State Education Employee
- Superintendent
- District Office Level Administrator
- Principal
- Assistant/Vice Principal
- Dean of Students
- Athletic Director
- Building Level Administration
- …and more!
Example Program Course Sequence
As sequencing changes, it is highly recommended that students meet with their Program Advisor to finalize a list of requirements for graduation.
Note. Students must maintain an Overall GPA and a Program GPA of a 3.2 or higher.
Foundation Courses (27 Credits)
EDL 801 – Leadership in Organizations – 3 credits
EDL 803 – Leading Organizational Change – 3 credits
EDL 808 – Leadership for Social Equity – 3 credits
EDL 811 – Educational Policy: Context and Inquiry – 3 credits
EDL 802 – Applications of Leadership & Organizational Development – 3 credits
EDL 804 – Quantitative Methods in Educational Leadership – 3 credits
EDL 805 – Qualitative Methods in Educational Leadership – 3 credits
EDL 825 – Advanced Research Methods – 3 credits
EDL 822 – Research Design & Evaluation I – 3 credits
Concentration/Area of Specialty Courses (24 Credits)
8 courses at the graduate level with the consent of the student’s faculty advisor. These courses may be from any subject.
Capstone (12 Credits)
Proposal Preparation & Defense
EDL 830 – Doctoral Inquiry Seminar I – 3 credits
EDL 831 – Doctoral Inquiry Seminar II – 3 credits (Pass/Fail)
If needed: EDL 901 (1 credit) Continuing Enrollment - not considered part of the 63 credits requirement for the degree.
Doctoral Dissertation
EDL 900 - Dissertation Advisement 1 - 3 credits (Pass/Fail)
EDL 900 - Dissertation Advisement 2 - 3 credits (Pass/Fail)
If needed: EDL 901 (1 credit) Continuing Enrollment - not considered part of the 63 credits requirement for the degree.
Dissertation Proposal, Doctoral Candidacy, the Dissertation, and the Ed.D. Degree
Writing and defending a dissertation proposal is a required component of the doctoral program. Once a student passes the comprehensive examination and defends the proposal, s/he is granted Doctoral Candidacy and may begin dissertation research. The dissertation is the culminating component of the doctoral program. After the successful defense of the dissertation, the dissertation committee advances the student to graduation eligibility and, if everything is in order, conferring of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Doctoral degree.
Note. After successful completion of the program, students must pass the Connecticut Administrator Test (CAT) in order to be eligible for the Initial Educator Certification for Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092).
Help with Funding
Graduate Assistantships, Payment Plans, and Financial Aid are available! Please inquire upon submitting your application to the program or learn more prior to applying by contacting the Program Coordinator.
Program Requirements
Visit the graduate catalog for program requirements and further information.
Contact Us
Dr. Mary Boudreaux, Program Coordinator & Associate Professor
(203) 392-7264
boudreauxm1@southernct.edu