EDLR PROGRAM FACT SHEET
Elements that Distinguish the Program
In response to the evolving needs of today’s leaders, and in the spirit of the College and University’s commitment to academic excellence, the College of Education took the past two and a half years to evaluate its Educational Leadership (EDLR) Doctorate Degree Program.
• We found that the core principles of the program, established 36 years ago, were still relevant and essential to preparing professionals to be successful leaders within themselves, in organizations, and in a global society. The program includes core leadership courses that develop leaders in these three areas.
• In examining the demands of leaders of today, and of the future, we also discovered that we needed to provide our students with more exposure to innovative technology both in the delivery of our courses and by increasing student’s technology competencies through the use of technology in their coursework. Courses will be presented in a combination of hybrid, face-to-face and on-line learning experiences.
• Leaders need to be culturally competent, to thoroughly understand various levels of diversity, and to grasp issues of social justice in order to be successful leaders in our interdependent world. The remodeled program includes intensive immersion experiences, within the U.S. or abroad, allowing students to step out of their comfort zone and immerse in unfamiliar cultures and environments.
• Students expressed the need for more structure in pursuing research in areas of their specialization. Therefore, we created five programs of study (concentrations) within the College of Education that we anticipate will eventually grow into more campus-wide options. These programs expand faculty engagement and research opportunities throughout the entire College of Education. Students will tap into more research expertise and resources following a supported plan that will keep them on course to achieve their degree on schedule.
• In order for students to be well prepared for their dissertation at the conclusion of the program, research must be an integral part of the learning experience from the onset. Inquiry clusters, groups of EDLR students from various disciplines, will be instituted in the first quarter and will be ongoing throughout the three-year program. This will develop students as prepared researchers who can capably maneuver through the dissertation process.
Program Details
Revised Curriculum—includes three main subdivisions:
1. LEADERSHIP: Core leadership themes—Leader as Self, Leader in Organizations, Leader in a Global and Interdependent World—inform three years of program study.
2. RESEARCH: Research takes place at the onset in the form of Inquiry Clusters, groups that perform collaborative investigation of topics; research development occurs throughout the program to help students progress smoothly through dissertation completion.
3. PROFESSIONAL CONCENTRATIONS: Clearly articulated professional areas of leadership study in education and beyond that allow partnerships between faculty initially within the College of Education and eventually within other colleges at Seattle University.
- General– for leaders in a variety of career fields who wish to deepen their practice in areas such as: leadership development, communication, conflict-resolution, organizational development, team building and social change.
- Adult, Post-Secondary and Higher Education – for current or future higher education leaders who would gain additional expertise in education finance and law, instructional leadership, adult learning and student development.
- Superintendent – for individuals in school or school district leadership positions who wish to advance their career; meets Washington State requirements for superintendent certification.
- Principal – for aspiring school leaders who wish to move into leadership roles; meets Washington State requirements for principal certification.
- Program Administrators – for instructional leaders preparing for district-level positions in curriculum, special education, professional development and other areas.
Cohort Model —Students begin the three-year program together and progress as a group, creating a close-knit learning community by linking the acquisition of new knowledge among and between professional peers.
Immersion or Study Abroad Experiences— Opportunities for working professionals to participate in cross-cultural experiences in support of social justice, diversity and cultural competencies. Experiences can happen in the community or through study abroad options in Mexico, Sweden, and other locations.
Length of Program— Students whose research skills are well honed may be able to complete degree requirements within three years. Most students complete all requirements for the doctoral degree within four years. The degree must be completed within six years.
Flexible program for the working professional – Flexibly scheduled courses, coupled with learning modules that are offered at a variety of times and formats, allow students to work and achieve an Ed.D. without interrupting employment.
Apply Now – Limited Space is Available
Professionals with an earned master’s degree and professional experience who work well in groups with diverse membership, demonstrate a commitment to social justice, reflect experience in diverse settings such as different cultural, language and economic groups, and are committed to developing excellence in the leadership program competencies should apply. Applications are being accepted for the summer 2013 Cohort. Priority will be given to those who apply by February 1, 2013; applications received after that date but prior to April 1, 2013 will be considered in the order in which they are received. Learn more details about the admission process for the EDLR Program by clicking here: Online Application.