Programs Overview

Seattle University's doctoral program prepares effective leaders for an interdependent world. This three-year, post-master's program leads to the doctor of education (EdD) degree with a major in educational leadership. It is the only doctoral program in the greater Puget Sound area specifically designed using a cohort model for a diverse student group whose careers are a mix of the following areas: education, business, health care, and human resource work.

Educational leadership students may complete their degree while at the same time continuing full-time employment.

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The program is designed to meet the needs of a very broad spectrum of leaders in K-12 schools, colleges, universities, businesses, health care, social agencies, and human resources.

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The program includes a common core of studies in educational leadership theory and practice, as well as courses, internships, projects, and independent studies oriented toward the specific needs of each student. Individual programs of study can include earning a Washington state K-12 superintendent, principal, or program administrator certificate.

The cohort program begins once each year in July.

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Introduction

Students are required to develop in conjunction with their academic advisor and to follow an appropriate program of studies to receive a degree. Students are held to the requirements printed in the edition of the Graduate Bulletin of Information in force at the time of acceptance into the doctoral program. For example, the 2002 -2003 catalog is in force for students matriculating from Summer 2002 through Spring 2003. Students who do not attend courses for more than four consecutive quarters, are held to the catalog requirements in force at the time of return.

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The academic advisor's role is to guide students through the progressive development of an educational program which best prepares them to pursue their individual goals. It cannot be emphasized enough that even the advisor's approval of a program of study does not release the student from the primary responsibility of intelligent choices. The student is completely responsible for knowing the published class schedules and for meeting all degree requirements and calendar deadlines.

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The Seattle University Graduate Bulletin of Information is the final word on university academic policy. If students have any questions about policy, these should be directed to the academic advisor, and then to the Registrar's Office. The Registrar and the College of Education Dean's Office have a more detailed policy book that can be consulted should the student or advisor have questions.

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Purpose

The program of studies outlines the courses the student will take to satisfy the credit requirements for the doctoral degree. It is, in essence, a contract between the student and Seattle University. Once approved, it can only be changed through a formal approval process involving the academic advisor and the Program Director.

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Options

There are several different options within the doctoral program depending upon whether the student is also planning to earn public school administrator or other certificates as part of the degree program. These options include:

• The general Ed.D. Program of Studies contains a number of different specialty or emphasis areas. Frequently selected ones are: Higher Education Administration, Adult Education, Student Development Administration, Human Resource Development and School Psychology.
• The Educational leadership program may be individually designed to earn a Washington State administration certificate as a school superintendent, program administrator, or principal

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Leadership Conference

Gonzaga & Seattle Universities' Conference Website

Prospective Students

General Information
Student Advising
Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the Faculty

John Jacob Gardiner, Ph.D.
Roberto A. Pena, Ph.D.

University Links

Admissions and Application Procedures
Admissions
Financial Aid
Graduate Bulletin (PDF file)
Educator Career Services