The Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.), offered in partnership with Shippensburg University, focuses on poverty and technology. It is designed to provide rising school district, state-level and organizational leaders with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to develop and implement programs that support the Commonwealth’s children in realizing their full academic potential in a wide variety of educational settings. Coursework is delivered in a variety of frameworks to include traditional face-to-face, blended, online and integration of other cyber applications where appropriate. It is a great option for school personnel who are currently employed in professional positions.

Note: A transition program will be available for selected candidates who already hold a Letter of Eligibility, have completed the Leadership Residency Program, do not meet the PDE experience requirements or who hold a master’s degree but need additional coursework to meet the prerequisite program entry conditions.

Admission Requirements

• Graduate application and application fee.
• Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities, including any additional certification program(s). Note: A master’s degree in education or a related field is required.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae, including current/past leadership positions, specific leadership responsibilities and experiences.
• Applicants must hold positions which would require a certificate in administration or supervision, and they must hold an administrative certification.
• Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a school district superintendent or chief organization administrator if not employed at a school district.
• 500- to 1000-word goal statement addressing the applicant’s goals and objectives for doctoral study in educational leadership and how this program will assist them in achieving those outcomes.

Note: Applicants are required to provide all administrative and teaching certifications and endorsements currently held.

Ed.D. Program Examinations

Candidacy Exam

The purpose of the candidacy examination is to determine whether or not the student has shown sufficient growth during the first three semesters of the program to suggest that he/she is ready to pursue a more in-depth approach to the knowledge, skills and dispositions expected of the scholar/practitioner. The candidacy exam is designed to allow each candidate to be involved in examining research-based articles in the field. The exam will take place in two parts and must be completed by the end of the fourth semester in the program. The first part will consist of research article analysis and synthesis, and the second part will be an oral defense.

Comprehensive Exam

The purpose of the comprehensive examination is to ensure that each student has achieved a fundamental knowledge base and the ability to accurately and appropriately apply the knowledge before proceeding to the relatively independent scholarship involved in the dissertation process. Knowledge, integration and application of scholarship are essential for the success in independent scholarly work. Comprehensive examinations then are part of the developmental process and the assessment opportunities available within the doctoral program. The comprehensive examinations will be offered at the point when the student has completed all the courses associated with the Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility as well as research courses and doctoral core courses.

Note: The APA style of citation will be used for the Ed.D. program and dissertations.