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Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
Is a Doctorate in Educational Leadership or an Ed.D. right for you?
Edgewood College embraces the cohort model of learning that welcomes aspiring leaders from a variety of disciplines and workplaces. Whether you are a higher education professional, non-profit leader, business executive, or K12 educator, our cohort model will support and challenge you through your coursework.
Grounded in Dominican values, these same values encourage us to develop Edgewood leaders, scholars, and writers. Coursework is a blend of theory applied with practice and examination of real-world issues, enriched by cohort and faculty interaction.
A doctor of education (Ed.D.) allows for practical approach to research that encourages students to apply what they are learning to challenges within their field, industry, or profession.
Our graduates advance to become college presidents and administrators, K12 superintendents and leaders, non-profit champion, each experts in their field. Graduates leave with strong research skills as both consumer and practitioner, values-based leadership skills, and knowledge to lead strategically.
Two distinct concentrations are offered:
Higher Education and Leadership Studies Ed.D - offered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous meeting times-- prepares graduates for critical positions at 2-year and 4-year institutions as college presidents, student support services administrators, faculty, or in businesses where training and instruction are valued positions.
PK-12 Administrative Leadership Ed.D - prepares graduates for positions as principals, superintendents, and other school site district administrators.
Superintendent License - prepares students for the requirements needed for the DPI Superintendent license. * NEW: Discounted tuition for this license is $569 per credit beginning Summer 2019!
- Program Highlights
Program Highlights
- Students progress through the course sequence as a cohort, learning from each other and developing a strong professional bond that continues after graduation.
- Students are supported by multiple professionals throughout their educational journey, including a faculty liaison, professional mentor, and an advising community that consists of students, faculty advisors, support from the Ed.D. Research and Writing Center, readers, and working professionals.
- Participation of past and present cohorts provide ongoing support and communication for current students, creating a valuable network of professional relationships.
- Coursework is completed in six contiguous terms, beginning in the summer and concluding at the end of the spring semester, two years later. 85% of our graduates complete their coursework and dissertation within three years.
- The coursework schedule is designed with the working professional in mind. Courses are offered on the weekends with a face-to-face format using enhanced technology infused into the curriculum.
- Technology is used to enhance face-to-face instruction throughout the program.
- Curriculum is integrated with research and writing embedded throughout the coursework.
- The core values of the EdD program reflect the Dominican values of Truth, Justice, Compassion, Justice and Partnership.
- The Doctor of Education program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for the superintendent license. Edgewood College has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best National University,” among “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes, and a “Best in the Midwest College” by Princeton Review.
- PK-12 Educational Leadership Concentration
The PK-12 educational leadership concentration is intended primarily for students pursuing careers as administrators in K-12 schools or school districts, notably as principals and/or superintendents.
As a student enrolled in the PK-12 educational leadership concentration, you’ll explore your role as a leader, and build upon and extend your competence in the following areas as they relate to educational leadership: organizational analysis, educational change and reform, school law, public school finance, curriculum design and evaluation for administrators, school personnel administration, and educational policy. You will participate in field-based experiences as part of your courses. Through an inquiry-driven approach, you will engage in research for your dissertation that is applied, meaningful, and informs the schools and districts where you work. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to successfully form and work in teams, systematically reflect upon their work as leaders, and deeply understand their responsibility to lead ethically, justly, and compassionately as they engage in a lifelong search for truth and partner with others along the way.
Courses are offered on weekends in Madison at the Edgewood College Deming Way Campus. We also make use of online resources to accommodate busy schedules. Classes begin in June.
The Doctor of Education program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for PK-12 administration licenses. Students who have successfully completed the required 33 credits in the PK-12 Concentration are eligible to apply for Wisconsin administrative licenses including the Superintendent License. Completion of the Ed.D. Degree is not required to qualify for administration licenses.
- Courses - PK-12 Concentration
The Edgewood College Ed.D. program curriculum is based on five themes that are present in all of the courses. These are: Ethical Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Communication including academic writing and public speaking, Technology, and Research.
ED 701D Program Orientation ProSeminar I: Introduction to Doctoral Study - 3 credits ED701 is an Introduction to doctoral study. The course includes a program overview, the foundational values of Edgewood College, the role of educational research, APA style writing requirements, the partnership mentor program, portfolio guidelines, and professional standards in assessment. The course covers three topic areas:
- Introduction to and overview of doctoral study, the doctoral faculty, doctoral program support staff, and the doctoral program;
- Technology unit that is designed to teach students how to use blackboard within the context of the doctoral program, access Edgewood College library website, search academic, peer-reviewed journals, and use refworks bibliographic software;
- Cohort-building, or building community through ice-breaker activities and discussions about personal philosophies of leadership
ED 710D Ethical and Inclusive Educational Leadership - 6 credits This course is designed to provide an overview of leadership, the design of educational organizations, and the critical mission of educating all children. The course is organized around a framework of evidence-based strategies educational leaders use to advance equitable and inclusionary organizational and learning outcomes. Together, as a community of learners, we will read books and articles written by people who describe how to apply different leadership frameworks to our own work. We will hear directly from well-known leaders in our corner of the world to learn about their philosophies and experiences first-hand. The ultimate purposes of this class are to provide you with the tools for understanding the complex nature of educational leadership at the Board, Superintendent, Central Office and Principal levels.
ED 720D Politics, Policy, and Administration - 6 credits The relationship among politics, educational policy and educational practice is explored in its broadest sense. Particular emphasis is given to political and leadership theories, their practical application and the role of leadership in developing and implementing policy in the political environment within and outside of educational organizations. Politics and policy are discussed within an ethical framework of social justice and equity. Content will be applied in a variety of class experiences, mentoring activities, and related field assignments.
ED730D: Curriculum, Instruction and Learning Environments - 6 credits Curriculum, instruction, assessment and the learning environment are stressed in a context emphasizing organizational frameworks for leadership roles in management, staff development, learning theory, human development, and ethical considerations of supporting teaching and learning at the department and district levels. Specific attention is given to emergent research in learning style, cognition, intelligence, constructivism in theory and practice, cultural information, individual differences, and the creation of learning communities. Candidates are required to research curriculum models and to apply course content to work site situations in a variety of experiences.
ED790D: Program Assessment and Transition - 3 Credits Prior to ED790, students synthesize the work they've done in the content courses to finalize their portfolio. In ED790, students discuss their growth in leadership throughout the program and share their key learning moments in the leadership content courses before moving into the research sequence. ED790 is a bridge course placed at the conclusion of the content courses and at the beginning of the research sequence. The course is a blend of one face-to-face meeting day and three weeks of online work using Blackboard. The course provides students with information about the dissertation process at Edgewood College, introduces students to the support system offered by the research team, guides students through research ethics training, supports students in installing and using technical tools and software, and engages students in an academic writing workshop. Professional Edgewood College library staff collaborate with research faculty to teach students to effectively search for electronic sources in education and leadership, to use RefWorks as a tool for building a personal electronic source library in APA format, to download and use the dissertation template, and to download appropriate survey design and analysis tools.
ED810D: Budget, Finance, and Resource Allocation - 6 credits This course will provide a substantive approach both to public school finance at the school district level. This approach will include topical areas in both fiscal and non-fiscal areas, strategic planning and resource allocation, budgeting and finance. This course will present a practical understanding of the Wisconsin Uniform Financial Accounting Requirements (WUFAR), an overview of national, state and local funding systems, and a summary property tax impacts as related to Wisconsin school finance. This course will also demonstrate technological applications in the framework of district initiatives such as referenda, data management systems, and financial forecasting systems. This course will examine state and federal categorical programs in the context of funding, expenditures, legal mandates, and ethical considerations.
ED820D: Law, Media, and Marketing - 6 credits This course offers a case study approach to school law in such areas as staff, student, and personnel law as well as broader categories such as tort liability, civil rights, gender equity, and plant and facility administration. Ethical and leadership implications of legal issues will be explored under the tutelage of experienced and dedicated specialized educational lawyers. Students will interact with media representatives from both print and visual domains regarding public relations strategies for school and campus issues, including an on-site, interactive, live field-based experience with a commercial broadcast television station.
ED 801D Introduction to Research – 6 credits This course introduces students to the process of conducting educational research. Students will learn about the major research traditions such as quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approaches. Students will discuss common uses of research such as being consumers of research, engaging in practical and applied research, and dissertation research. Students are expected to learn the foundations of educational research, including selecting and refining a research topic, using RefWorks reference management software, creating an annotated bibliography and exploring the use of appropriate methodologies. Students are also expected to become critical consumers of educational research by reading and evaluating published studies. Students are not expected to complete a research study in this course; however they are expected to develop an annotated bibliography and draft research questions that could later be used for their dissertation proposal developed in ED 830.
ED 830D Research Methods - 6 credits Topics include research design; quantitative, qualitative, mixed methodologies; research applications and school improvement; leadership roles and research; and the research foundations of doctoral dissertation. Students are expected to create a dissertation proposal, chapters 1, 2, & 3 of the dissertation, as the culminating project for this class.
ED 920D: Guided Dissertation Writing - 3 credits ED 990D: Dissertation Defense - 3 credits
- Superintendent License
* NEW: Discounted tuition for this license is $569 per credit beginning Summer 2019!
Students are eligible for the Superintendent License upon completion of these 5 courses and successful completion of a field experience practicum and portfolio:- ED 710- Ethical and Inclusive Educational Leadership
- ED 720- Politics, Policy, and Administration
- ED 730- Curriculum, Instruction and Learning Environments
- ED 810- Budget, Finance, and Resource Allocation
- ED 820- Law, Media, and Marketing
- Higher Education and Leadership Concentration
Offered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous meeting times.
Edgewood College offers an innovative three to three and one half-year Ed.D. program designed for working professionals in the areas of educational leadership in higher education, educational agency, and corporate education environments. As a student in this professional course of study, you’ll deepen your leadership capacities and position yourself for administrative and faculty positions. You will have the opportunity to integrate with leaders, faculty members, and deans from institutions of higher learning, including the Wisconsin Technical College system, public and private four-year colleges and universities, for-profit and online learning centers, and businesses and agencies that lead educational initiatives.
Format:- Offered fully online with synchronous and asynchronous meeting times.
- Sessions are a combination of synchronous and asynchronous meetings. Synchronous sessions may include discussions with the full class or small group, or student-faculty meetings. Students are expected to attend and participate in the synchronous meetings for each class.
- Both Blackboard and Web Ex, a video conferencing tool, support our online learning environment. Learn more about how online learning works and the expectations of a successful online learner.
Program Overview:
- This is a 54-credit program ending in an Ed.D. and dissertation. With steady enrollment and progress, students can complete the program in 3.5-4 years.
- You will take a series of courses, two at a time with research courses introduced early to provide a foundation for study and your own research.
- To maximize your online learning experience, the program will offer optional residency opportunities in Madison, WI. These in-person opportunities will build relationships and allow students to connect with faculty early on, making future conversations and classwork richer.
Faculty:
- Subject-matter-experts who work in the field of study instruct the content courses. These professionals bring a timely and global view to content material.
- Full-time Ph.D. research faculty who have experience in publishing and R1 research instruct our research courses.
- Our Academic Writing Specialist instructs the dissertation writing courses to guide students through the proper academic style and tone.
Dissertation Support:
For 19 years, the Ed.D. Program at Edgewood College has guided students to successful dissertation defense and degree completion. Our graduation rate is about 80%, well-above the national average. One element to helping students succeed lies in the dissertation support they receive.
- Each student is paired with a dissertation advisor during the Applied Research courses wherein the dissertation advisor, research faculty, and student work together to craft the research question(s) and align methodology.
- The dissertation advisor and student continue to work together through dissertation defense, but along the way, other committee members join to offer support.
- Each student receives a dissertation editor who is skilled in APA, grammar, and academic writing that will provide feedback to ensure readiness for the dissertation proposal and defense.
Students also receive fully formed dissertation committees, and extensive program support in scheduling proposal and defense meetings.
- Courses - Higher Education and Leadership Studies Concentration
To earn the Doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Leadership Studies, you must successfully complete 54 credits.
Core Courses (3 credits each):
- Dominican Values and Setting the Stage
- Leadership Theory & Practice
- Organizational Development
- Finance
- Inclusive Leadership
- Strategic Leadership
- Law
Research Courses (3 credits each)
- Consumer of Research
- Quantitative Foundations
- Qualitative Foundations
- Applied Research
- Special Topics in Research
Special Topics (3 credits each)
- Special Topic 1
- Special Topic 2
- Special Topic in Academic Writing
Dissertation Courses (credits listed after each course)
- Portfolio Review (1 credit)
- Dissertation Writing (3 credits)
- Proposal Presentation (1 credit)
- Dissertation Research (variable credit, ultimately need 3 credits)
- Dissertation Defense (1 credit)
- Tuition and Financial Aid
Pursuing your doctorate in education (Ed.D.) is the next step for many educators looking to expand their career opportunities. An Ed.D. not only adds to your professional qualifications but it builds your network, deepens your understanding of research methods, and strengthens your academic writing.
Some students interested in a doctorate in education question the value of earning a Ph.D. vs. an Ed.D. This article in Inside Higher Ed provides a brief comparison of the strengths of each degree.The Chronicle of Higher Education compiles information on the salaries paid to senior administrative positions. Learn more about the compensation you might expect for various positions at higher education institutions.
Tuition and Credits
Graduate tuition for the 2018-19 year (beginning Summer 2018) is $963 per credit. (Beginning Summer 2019, tuition for the Educational Leadership License is reduced to $569 per credit).
The Board of Trustees sets the tuition annually so a small increase each year is possible. In addition, doctoral students pay a $105 fee each term. The total cost for the 54 credit program for tuition and fees at the rate today is $55,221 for the PK-12 Administrative Leadership concentration and $54,696 for the Higher Education Leadership concentration. Books and other instructional supplies would be in addition to this cost.The cost of our tuition is comparable to other institutions in the Madison area, including UW-Madison.
The Edgewood Ed.D. program is designed to take students between three and three and a half years to complete, while the typical doctoral program takes five years, as a full-time student, to complete.
Clearly, the Edgewood College Ed.D. program saves you time and money over the long run.
Completion Equals Success
Tuition is only one factor in choosing a program. Completion rates are another important element of doctoral programs. Edgewood College boasts an 85 percent completion rate, compared to 57 percent at other institutions.
Therefore, your chances of attending Edgewood College and completing your degree are much higher, making it a smart investment of both time and money.
Our individual attention to student support helps guide each student through meaningful, engaging coursework, research, and dissertation completion.
Financial Aid
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of Federal Stafford Loans. Learn more about Stafford Loans, including eligibility requirements and application instructions.
- Admission Requirements
Application deadline - The priority application deadline for all 2018 Higher Education and PK-12 Leadership cohorts is April 30. Applications received after April 30 will be reviewed and and accepted on a space-available basis.
- Complete and submit the Ed.D. application (including the $50 fee).
- Provide evidence of a master's degree from a United States regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission status. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application to the Edgewood College graduate program.
- To qualify for the superintendent license, you must supply evidence of eligibility to hold a teacher or pupil services license in Wisconsin and demonstrate appropriate experience.
- Request that official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from any post-secondary institutions be sent directly to Edgewood College Graduate and Professional Studies.
- Provide two letters of recommendation. One of the letters must attest to the applicant's ability to be successful as a doctoral student. The second letter should give evidence of the applicant's ability to collaborate with colleagues and demonstrate strength in leadership. Letters should be mailed directly to Edgewood College Graduate and Professional Studies, 1255 Deming Way, Madison, WI 53717.
- Submit a letter of intent including a brief statement of the reason for pursuing the doctoral degree in educational leadership, and a brief discussion about how the program can help the applicant reach personal and professional goals.
- Provide a resume or curriculum vitae that includes but it not limited to the areas listed below:
- Education: Major(s), schools attended, degrees obtained and dates of attendance
- Professional positions held
- Presentations made to organizations, groups and professional associations
- Honors/ awards received
- Memberships in professional and other organizations
- Community Service: Name(s) of organizations, description of activities and positions held
- International Students may have additional admission requirements. Learn more.
Applicants to the PK-12 Concentration must participate in an oral admissions interview, including a structured writing activity conducted at the time of the interview, with a panel of partnership members representing the Doctor of Education program. Interviews will be conducted through April. Applicants are advised of the interview schedule after application for admission to the Doctor of Education program. No interview is required for applicants to the Higher Education Concentration.
Transfer Credits
Upon regular admission, an applicant may submit up to 12 semester hours of graduate credit from other United States regionally accredited (or equivalent) post-secondary institutions for consideration of transfer to Edgewood College for application to a degree program. Approval of the respective department is required. To be considered for application to a degree program, a course must have been taken within the past five years, must have a "B" or better grade for courses receiving a letter grade of "A" through "F" (if the grade is "P" the equivalency is determined by the appropriate school or department), must be relevant to the degree program to which it is being applied, and must not have been applied toward another degree. Grades from transfer courses are not computed in the Edgewood College GPA. Applicants should make known to the program director any course credit to be submitted for review for transfer upon application if those credits fall within the policy requirements.
- Meet Our Community
The faculty community in the Educational Leadership doctoral program is a blend of district and higher education administrators, subject matter experts, and leaders within their field. Our faculty bring academic expertise combined with real-life professional experience to the classroom to challenge and fuel each student’s growth. Faculty members are always available to assist and guide you through coursework and the dissertation process.
Leadership
M.J. Best, PhDDirector, Higher Education Concentration
PhD: UW-MadisonTeaches:
ProSeminar ED 701 H
Curriculum ED 730H
Intro to Research Methods ED 801 H
Research Methods ED 830 H
Portfolio Assessment ED 790 H
Kirsten Brown, PhDDoctoral Research Faculty
608-663-4286PhD: Bowling Green State UniversityTeaches:
Intro to Research Methods ED 801D Research Methods ED 830D
Scott Brown, EdDCo-Director, K-12 Concentration
Ed.D.: Edgewood CollegeTeaches:
Budget, Finance and Resource Allocation ED 810 D
Peter Burke, PhDDirector, Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
(608) 663-2351PhD: UW-MadisonTeaches:
ProSeminar ED 701 H/D![Nathan_Dowd_1[1]](/images/default-source/edd/nathan_dowd_1-1.png?sfvrsn=a517e08e_0 "Nathan_Dowd_1[1]")
Nathan Dowd, EdDDissertation Advisor/Asst. Director, Oscar Rennebohm Library
Ed.D.: Edgewood CollegeTeaches:
Introduction to Doctoral Study ED701
Ting-Lan Ma, PhDAssistant Director of ResearchAssistant Professor
608-663-4286PhD: UW-MadisonTeaches:
Intro to Research Methods ED 801 H/D
Research Methods ED 830 H/D
Dissertation Preparation ED 910, 920, 930 H/D
Portfolio Program and Assessment ED 790 H/D
Mankah Mitchell, JD, Ph.D.Doctoral Liaison/Dissertation Editor
PhD: UW- Madison
Pam Nash, PhDCo-Director, K-12 Concentration
PhD: UW-MadisonTeaches:
Equitable and Inclusive Leadership Administration ED 710 D
Comprehensive Portfolio Presentation ED 790 D![Angela_Nigro_1[1]](/images/default-source/edd/angela_nigro_1-1.jpg?sfvrsn=7817e08e_0 "Angela_Nigro_1[1]")
Angela Nigro, MSCoordinator, Doctoral Dissertation Process
MS: Benedictine College
Sara Jimenez Soffa, PhDDirector of Research
608-663-3462PhD: UW-MadisonTeaches:
ProSeminarED 701H
Intro to Research Methods ED 801 H/D
Research Methods ED 830 H/D
Dissertation Preparation ED 910, 920, 930 H/D
Portfolio and Program Assessment ED 790 H/DFaculty
Elise Ahn, PhDAdjunct Lecturer/Dissertation Editor
Ph.D.: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Deryl Davis Fulmer, PhDDoctoral Faculty - Adjunct Online
PhD: UW-Milwaukee
Thomas Evert, PhDDoctoral Faculty, K-12 and Higher Ed
PhD: UW MadisonTeaches:
Law Media ED 820 H
Equitable and Inclusive Leadership Administration ED 710 D
Curriculum, Instruction and Learning Environments ED 730 D
Kitty Flammang, Ed.D.Doctoral Liason
Ed.D.: Edgewood College
Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, Jr.Doctoral Faculty - Adjunct
Ph.D.: Bakke Graduate University
Kristine Gilmore, EdDDoctoral Faculty and Site Coordinator Central Wisconsin Program, K-12
Ed.D.: Edgewood CollegeTeaches:
Equitable and Inclusive Leadership Administration ED 710 D
Bette Lang, EdDDoctoral Faculty, K-12 and Higher Ed
Ed.D.: Marquette UniversityTeaches:
Law Media ED 820 H
Curriculum, Instruction and Learning Environments ED 730 D
Kathleen A. Paris, Ph.D.Consultant and Managing Partner, Kathleen Paris, LLC
Madison, Wisconsin kathleenparis.comPh.D.: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dean Ryerson, Ed.D.Doctoral Faculty, K12
Ed.D.: Edgewood CollegeTeaches:
Politics, Policy, and Administration ED 720 D
Comprehensive Portfolio Presentation ED 790 D
Henry St. Maurice, PhDDoctoral Faculty, K12 and Higher Ed
PhD: UW-MadisonTeaches:
Introduction to Research ED 801 H/D
Research Methods, ED 830 H/D
Annette Severson, EdDDoctoral Faculty, Higher Ed
Ed.D.: Edgewood CollegeTeaches:
Faculty, Program and Assessment ED 715H
William Shirer, PhDDoctoral Faculty and Coordinator, Central Wisconsin Program, K-12
PhD: UW-MadisonTeaches:
Politics, Policy, and Administration ED 720 D
Timothy D. Slekar, Ph.D.Dean, School of Education
Ph.D.: University of Maryland at College Park
Todd Stebbins, PhDDoctoral Faculty, Higher Ed
PhD: University of South Carolina-ColumbiaTeaches:
Faculty, Program and Assessment ED 715H
Lori Weyers, PhDDoctoral Faculty, Higher Ed
PhD: UW-MadisonTeaches:
Research Methods ED 830 H
Jeannie Worden, Ed.D.Doctoral FacultyDissertation Support
Ed.D.: Edgewood College- Learn Our Story
The core mission values of the Ed.D. program are Truth, Justice, Compassion, Justice and Partnership. Those values are reflected in the experiences of our students and graduates.
“The Edgewood College Doctoral program in Educational Leadership serves as the epitome of the Edgewood Promise of Connecting learning, belief, and action. The Edgewood Doctoral program has provided me with a solid foundation of real-world, practicable skills that can be implemented immediately into my leadership position. This doctoral program creates rewarding new experiences for students through inspirational faculty, demanding curriculum, and a cohort model that encourages students to learn with each other throughout the life of their program. This program challenged me to grow as an individual and be a strong advocate for my district, staff and students. Further, this program helped me to recognize that leadership is not a title; it’s an action. The end result of this program is that it continually inspires me to be a leader and motivator for others.
Due to the efforts of the staff and programming in the Doctoral program in Educational Leadership, my leadership philosophy has been grounded in the Edgewood values. The continued support of Dr. Shirer, Dr. Burke, and many of the excellent staff members in the Edgewood program, has allowed for the longitudinal growth in my leadership skills and therefore ability to lead a school district. I am eternally grateful for the knowledge, skills, and beliefs that the Edgewood College Doctoral program in Educational Leadership has provided me."
Mark Johnson, Ed.D. '16 Superintendent Chetek-Weyerhaeuser School District
“Returning to school for my doctorate after 8 years post-graduate work was no easy feat. As an older student, mother, and full time employee, my view of life and education had greatly shifted from my undergraduate and graduate school experiences. The cohort model of the Edgewood College program allowed me to thrive within community. I was challenged in so many ways to be my best self, both academically and professionally. Through this program, I have found a new love for research, especially research that can bring positive change and give voice to student populations that have often been overlooked in higher education.”
Beth John, Ed.D. '12
Director of First Year Experience
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
"The support provide by the experts in this program is second to none. They are with you from the very first day you enter the program until the very day you defend your dissertation. As a matter of fact, the support system is available even after you graduate whether to serve as references or guidance as you launch out in the world as an ethical Edgewood leader. This form of support and meaningful professional relationships afforded to you as a graduate student in the Ed. D. program is often unheard of. I would not skip a beat in recommending anyone to apply to Edgewood College Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program. I have also developed meaningful and lasting friendships with my cohort members."Jeneise Briggs, Higher Education Cohort 2014
“My most memorable experience during the dissertation process was the time I spent with Drs. Linda and Richard Barrows. They are brilliant teachers with a wealth of knowledge that they graciously shared. I felt incredibly blessed to have them on my team. I believe my perspective on leadership has increased my determination to be solutions oriented. This includes looking for ways to ensure that students are given the tools and foundation of knowledge that is aligned with assessment expectations, but also provides an accurate picture of the individual child's abilities and unique learning style.”
Dawn Nonn, Ed.D. '09 Educator Madison Metropolitan School District
"I have utilized so much of the critical perspectives gained during the course work in the Edgewood College Ed.D. program, and have also grown in my scholarly work as a result of the dissertation process. The communication skills honed in the group work throughout the program have been invaluable over the last three years as an Assistant Dean, working closely on change issues with faculty. I am continually reminded of the positive learning environment in the Ed.D. program, of the mentorship I received and the skills I developed through the rigorous course-work. My sincere thanks to you and all of the faculty for your contributions to my development."
Gerald Wickham, Ed.D. Assistant Dean for Medical Education and Evaluation; University of Illinois, College of Medicine at Peoria
"Edgewood College was my first experience teaching or learning in a private educational institution. I have enjoyed being immersed in a learning community at Edgewood that embraces values similar to mine. Edgewood faculty, staff, and students have not only exemplified the college’s values but have also threaded the values into learning activities in every course. I enjoy reflecting about how I will integrate Edgewood College values in higher educational leadership."
Debbie Bebeau, MS, QTR; Current Ed.D. Student Clinical Instructor/Academic Fieldwork Coordinator UW-Madison Occupational Therapy Program
"I chose Edgewood College because they specifically stated that their program catered to working professionals who wished to further their education. At the orientation sessions, families are mentioned as important in this journey, and I could tell that they meant what they said. The program at Edgewood acknowledges us as people. It is a very student focused program.”
Heather Harbach, BA, MS, Current Ed. D. student Assistant Dean of Students UW-Milwaukee
“Thank you, Edgewood, for helping me to attain the pinnacle of my educational aspirations. Thank you for preparing me for greater ministerial work in the vineyard of life. More importantly, thank you for enabling me to become an agent of change capable of positively affecting that which I would normally only complain about.”
William McCoy, Ed.D. '10 Director, BELIEF Northern Illinois University
"I am lucky to be a student at Edgewood College. I can realize my dreams here because Edgewood College is the kind of place that bridges the gap between dreams and reality. The consistent support that I receive from my advisor and the Edgewood doctoral support team is a great example of this connection."
Bing Liang, Ed. D., '15
"The program helped me focus on how to be a leader and how to use the Edgewood values in my life and leadership.”
Ali Alghatani, Ed.D. '14 Strategy Management Saudi Telecom Company
"The Edgewood experience has prepared me well in securing the role of superintendent! I truly appreciated the practitioner focus of the coursework and development of relevant tools and strategies. In my interview, I felt like I had great examples to draw from and share. I am so grateful for the program. Thank you!”
Lori Mueller, Current Ed.D. student, 2013 Cohort Superintendent Baraboo Public School District
.jpg?sfvrsn=7e1ce08e_0 "Dan_Johnson (2)")
“The Edgewood College Ed.D. program provides expert guidance and support to students throughout the dissertation process. In my own experience, I had all my data collected, but I was stuck on how to finish the dissertation. Dr. Peter Burke met with me to discuss my data. He asked me one question after another, leading me down a path of discovery. At the end, Dr. Burke told me “You just defended your dissertation, now write it up.” I remember that meeting to this day and the support he gave me was invaluable.”
Dan Johnson, Ed.D. 2005 Cohort Principal, Dubuque Senior High School, Dubuque, IA
.jpg?sfvrsn=ea1ce08e_0 "Jarred_Burke (2)")
"There was definitely a focus on ethics and fairness in my course work at Edgewood College. The Edgewood five pillars of justice, partnership, truth, compassion, and community have been instilled in me through my experiences in the program.”
Jarred Burke, Current Ed.D. student, 2012 Cohort Superintendent Richland Center Public School District
- Resources for Current Students
Research and Writing Center
The Ed D Research and Writing Center provides individual and group sessions related to scholarly research and academic writing.
Program News and Events
Like our Facebook page or connect with us on LinkedIn to receive information about upcoming events and news related to the Ed.D. program and our current students and alumni.
Program Handbook
Access the Ed.D. Student Handbook
The Leading Edge
The Leading Edge is the newsletter of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. View the current Fall, 2017 issue of The Leading Edge.
Archived Issues:
The Leading Edge February 2016
The Leading Edge June 2016
Archived Dissertations
Learn more about the research and doctoral dissertations completed by Ed.D. students.
Foliotek
Foliotek is an electronic portfolio web application that supports Standards-Based Assessment, Career Portfolios, College and University Accreditation, and Faculty Tenure Review & Promotion.
Watch an introductory video about how to access and use Foliotek.
