The Doctoral Program in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D). Back to top.
An Ed.D is Doctor of Education, and a PhD. is Doctor of Philosophy. The theoretical distinction between the two degrees has always been that the PhD is research-oriented, whereas the Ed.D has been directed towards educational practice and the application of theory and research. They are both the highest degree in that particular discipline. A PhD and an Ed.D are only different in content, not respect.
For more information, check out this video on The Ed.D vs. the PhD on The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's website of which the Educational Leadership program at SU is a part of. Back to top.
The program, while rigorous, is planned to meet the needs of working professionals. During the first two years, students typically take classes on Friday evenings and all day Saturday, once a month. Because of the infrequency of classes, attendance is mandatory. During the third year, students work in teams on a thematic doctoral dissertation under the guidance of a faculty committee. Students should also expect to do extensive reading and research outside of class meeting times. Back to top.
Cohort-based learning offers support to candidates, and provides opportunities for members to learn from one another. Students within a cohort are given the chance to establish professional ties that often last beyond the completion of the program, and are important to their continued professional support and growth. Cohort members will have a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, offering many different perspectives on challenges and potential strategies for tackling them, and ultimately creating a richer learning experience. Approximately 17-25 students are in each cohort and students complete their core courses together in the same sequence. Back to top.
Each Ed.D cohort will begin the program in mid-July. A new cohort is selected once per year for summer-entry only. The program of study is 66 quarter units and requires three years to complete. The first two years consist of course work and the final year focuses mostly on the completion of the thematic dissertation in leadership. Back to top.
The EOLL program at SU includes a Thematic Dissertation in Leadership Practice (TDiLP) research component, requiring each student to conduct inquiry relevant to information needs of a learning organization. Students form thematic dissertation groups led by a faculty dissertation chair and organized around broad, complex, organization-based issues or problems relevant to leadership. Back to top.
Courses are scheduled in an executive hybrid format including online classes and classes once a month on Friday nights and Saturdays. An academic schedule for the next year of the program is distributed each year early in winter quarter. Students take courses all four quarters each year (fall, winter, spring, and summer). Additionally, students attend an annual Summer Institute. Back to top.
The Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership program does not allow doctoral level courses transfer. Back to top.
Seattle University and the College of Education is regionally accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. Back to top.
Information on the program cost can be found here. There are mandatory Summer Institutes for all three years. So while there are no classes and therefore no associated tuition costs for the Summer Institutes, some travel may be necessary. The cost of travel is not included in the program cost estimate. Back to top.
Yes, a master’s degree from an accredited college/university is required for admission to the program. Back to top.
Applicants are invited to visit our admissions page for further details. Back to top.
Please visit our admissions page for further details. Back to top.
No. Back to top.
The writing sample should be a piece of scholarly work demonstrating an applicant’s basic writing and critical thinking skills, which are key to completing any doctoral program successfully. The writing sample could include, but is not limited to, some major components of research, data analysis, conceptualization ability, and problem solving ability. For example, a graduate course research paper, peer-reviewed article, grants, published works, or anything that exhibits your qualified writing skills. Back to top.
More questions? Send us an email at eoll@seattleu.edu.