Contact Information

Academic Program Director: Rebecca Stephenson

Assistant Director/Advisor: Michaela Cooper

Introduction/Overview

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice is an innovative three-year cohort program whose vision is a more socially just future for schools and other educational and community settings. Offered in both a hybrid and fully online format, the Ed.D. program provides experienced educators and community leaders with the tools, theories, and experiences needed to succeed in transforming educational settings into inclusive and equitable learning environments. Combining theory with practice, the curriculum provides candidates with a better understanding of the complex issues impacting education and student achievement, and prepares graduates as change agents.

Program Outcomes

As a result of this program, candidates will:

• Analyze the economic, political, legal, and sociocultural context of education
• Engage in inquiry and research to promote inclusive excellence in education and/or society
• Articulate how theory and research influence the development of personal leadership practice
• Advocate for the transformation of educational and community settings into just and equitable learning environments

Program Admission Requirements

• Online Graduate Application
• Master’s Degree from a Regionally Accredited Institution
• Official Transcript from all Colleges/Universities Attended, including all Community/Junior Colleges
  • Applicants who completed an undergraduate/graduate degree outside of the United States of America:
    • Official Transcript Evaluation from an approved evaluation agency that details content of coursework completed, degree equivalency, and cumulative GPA
    • Official Transcript is still needed along with Transcript Evaluation
• Applicants whose citizenship is from a county where English is not the primary language:
  • TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo English Test Minimum Scores (unless a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s Degree was obtained in the United States)
• Statement of Purpose (two to four pages) following the format described in application guide

• GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in undergraduate coursework
• GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) in master’s coursework
• Resume or CV
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Minimum of two years of full-time educational leadership experience in Pk-12 schools, higher education, nonprofit, or community organizations, or other educational setting
• Select applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with the Doctoral Admissions Committee.
• Applicants who have taken doctoral level coursework at another accredited university may request a transcript audit and admission to an individualized course of study leading to the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice. Candidates must meet the admission requirements. If accepted, candidates must complete the required tutorials, research seminars, and culminating experience.

Degree Requirements

Students must pass all required coursework, pass all program benchmarks, complete pre-publication review, and publish on ProQuest.