Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

The doctoral program is delivered in partnership with Millersville University and leverages the expertise from the faculty and resources of these two NCATE-accredited institutions to provide school administrators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to develop and implement programs that support the Commonwealth’s children in realizing their full academic potential.

The part-time nature of the program and the accessible delivery make it a great option for school personnel who are currently employed in leadership positions. The coursework is delivered in blended online and face-to-face and residency-based instruction. Residency courses are field based and require candidates to work in their school districts and/or organizations with group seminars and professional learning community sessions as needed.

Program Highlights

• Poverty and Digital Learning Focus
• 62 credit program (includes 9 dissertation-related credits). All Shippensburg University Letter of Legibility completers qualify for advanced standing. Those from other institutions may request a transcript review to determine if some of their credits may be applied to the Ed.D. program.
• Cohort Driven (14-16 students per cohort)
• Approximately four years to complete (less for Advanced Standing Qualifiers)
• Candidates will work with University Faculty, Leadership Fellows who are currently practicing experts in the field, as well as District-Level Mentors
• Includes approximately 27 credits of foundational and research-related courses combined with 24 credits of Letter of Eligibility field-based residencies in home districts (minimum 500-700 hours of field work)
• Upon completion of the residencies, candidates will be eligible for the Superintendent’s Letter in PA provided that they also meet the experience and state exam requirementsPlease visit the Doctoral Program Application Process webpage to gain more information.

Application Requirements

• Graduate application and application fee
• Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities including any additional certification program(s)
• Current resume or curriculum vitae including current/past leadership positions, specific leadership responsibilities and experiences
• Applicants must hold administrative and/or supervisory positions in education
• 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
• 500-1,000-word goal statement addressing your goals and objectives for doctoral study in educational leadership and how this program will assist you in achieving those outcomes
• Teaching certifications and endorsements currently held (optional)