Academic Programs Catalog

The innovative Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) aims to achieve high levels of quality and relevance in the preparation of executive educational leaders. In addition, the program seeks to engage faculty and students in the broader Michigan community with the intention of working collaboratively toward effective schools, vital communities, and a re-invigorated state. It is a specialized program in advanced educational leadership practice and is tailored to the needs and interests of targeted students. The program has multiple goals: promoting continuous improvement of schools systems in order to best serve all students; guiding assessment of the politics and policy contexts of schooling; providing opportunities and training for civic engagement with professional and community partners in order to deliberate issues of mutual concern democratically; and engaging in rigorous collaborative research through implementation and evaluation of a creative community action project or through a project designed in consultation with a client organization.

The program is designed for educators and other practitioners who have aspirations for improving their own leadership practice, for developing leadership capacity within their organizations and communities, and for making significant contributions to their local communities and to the future of Michigan. Most graduates with this degree will pursue system-level leadership in various education agencies, including local and regional school districts, state educational agencies, and professional educational associations. Graduates will also be prepared to teach in community colleges and regional universities, or to hold adjunct or clinical positions in research universities, or other types of educational leadership positions. Graduates of the program with appropriate prior credentials and experience will qualify for the Michigan Central Office Administrator endorsement.

The program consists of a minimum of 45 credits of graduate study beyond the master’s degree. In addition to meeting the requirements of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Applicants to the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership should have leadership experience in a school and hold a master’s degree in education or its equivalent. 

Applicants must:

1. submit a goal statement.
2. submit three letters of recommendation from persons who are acquainted with the applicant’s academic and professional experience, performance, and potential.

Applicants may be required to participate in an interview and to submit a sample of scholarly or professional writing.

Requirements for the Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership