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Educational Leadership for Teaching and Learning, Ed.D.

Our teaching and learning doctoral program stands apart through our commitment to upholding quality education and preparing students to make a positive impact upon graduation. Our program prides itself on these key pillars:

1. Transformative Ed.D. Educational Leadership Curriculum: The doctoral program offers a comprehensive curriculum that delves into critical educational issues, preparing leaders to address pressing social and political challenges within their communities.
   
   
2. Commitment to Social Justice: Emphasizing ethical and moral leadership, the Ed.D program is dedicated to preparing leaders who are invested in making structural and institutional changes to promote equity and justice in education.
   
   
3. Accreditation and Approval: The doctoral education program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and fully approved by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education, ensuring a recognized and respected credential.

Ed.D. Educational Leadership Program in Chicagoland

Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University’s accredited Educational Leadership for Teaching and Learning Doctoral Program is designed to empower leaders to address the most pressing educational, social and political issues of their community and society. 

Upon graduation, our Ed.D. Education students will have gained knowledge in research and data analysis, organizational initiatives, policy development and implementation, and resource management. Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå University ensures that the educational leadership doctoral students can create culturally responsive and inclusive strategic initiatives as they pursue their careers.

The Educational Leadership doctoral program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and fully approved by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board and the Illinois State Board of Education.

Students who are admitted to the teaching doctoral program in Chicagoland, may also apply for the principal certification program, which would include two more courses and a year-long internship.

Sample Ed.D. Doctorate Courses

Here is a list of core doctoral teaching courses that are featured in the accredited Ed.D. program. All classes are held on our Romeoville campus. 

• Theories of Critical Transformative Leadership
• Ethical and Moral Studies in Education
• Conceptualizing and Designing Research
• Critical Perspectives in School Law
• Theories of Institutional Transformation
• Policy Studies in Education
• History of American Education

VIEW THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Education Career Options

Adults looking to pursue a career in education leadership may consider opportunities in these roles: 

• K-12 School Administration
• K-12 Teacher Leadership
• Higher Education Administration
• College/University Professor
• Community Education Leadership

This teaching and learning doctoral program emphasizes data analysis, policy advocacy, and transformative change, preparing graduates for career advancements, community impact, and the ability to address systemic challenges. 

Admission Requirements

Our accredited Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Teaching and Learning program, located in Chicagoland, offers flexible application and admissions processes. This program is designed for educators with a master’s degree in a related field who meet the minimum GPA requirements, providing access to further education and making it accessible to a range of academic professionals.

• A master's degree in an educationally-related field from an accredited institution of higher education (to qualify for full admission, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the final 30 hours is required).
• Official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
• Submission of a graduate application form.
• Personal Essay Guidelines
  The purpose of the essay is for you to share your perspective about the nature of the work and values of educators needed in our global society. Your essay should specifically address your understanding of what it means to be a:
  • Knowledgeable, critical transformative educator
  • Multicultural educator
  • Social justice advocate
• Following are the guidelines for writing your essay:
  • Maximum of four, double-spaced pages
  • 12 point Times New Roman font
  • Include a cover sheet with your name, contact information and date
• Two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or advisors.
• Submission of a previously completed scholarly paper.
• Successful completion of a personal interview.

Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions for application requirements and specific next steps.

Ed.D. Educational Leadership Program Requirements

• First Year Review – Evaluation that provides early feedback to the doctoral student regarding his/her performance in the program, including areas of strength and areas for improvement. Held at the end of the first year.
  
  
• Mid-Program Assessment – Provides feedback to the educational leadership doctoral student about their developing research skills. This assessment occurs in the second year of coursework.
  
  
• Qualifying Examination and Oral Defense – Evaluation to determine how the student has integrated the program’s major theoretical concepts into practice. A written exam is developed by program faculty, plus an oral defense of the exam. Any Ed.D. education student who fails a qualifying exam more than once will not be permitted to continue work toward the doctorate, and admission to the doctoral program will be terminated. Successful completion of the qualifying exam and oral defense will admit the student to doctoral candidacy. Held at the end of the third year.
  
  
• Dissertation and Dissertation Defense – Demonstrates the doctoral candidate’s ability to conduct theoretically grounded, high quality research. Doctoral education program candidates who formally begin this phase will register for Dissertation Supervision. Once completed, the student must register for the course until completion of the dissertation.

Download the Ed.D. information packet for more information on our accredited program, here in Romeoville, Illinois.

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