Catherine Dunn Shiffman, Professor of Leadership Studies
Bowman Building, Office 216A; (540) 535-3542; cshiffma@su.edu

Advanced study in the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program is designed to serve learners with career goals related to PreK-12 educational administration. The program is student-centered, inquiry-driven and problem-oriented with an emphasis on the application of theory to real world problems. Learners think deeply, examine critically and understand theoretically the challenges facing schools and related organizations.

The EdD program offers two concentrations: Initial Administrative Licensure or Leadership in Education (non-licensure PreK-12 and postsecondary).

A minimum of 60 credits is required in this program of study. The program is organized around an interdisciplinary leadership and research core that is complemented by the learner’s chosen concentration

Admissions Requirements

• Completed graduate application for admission.
• A minimum 3.5 GPA in their master’s degree.
• Submission of all graduate transcripts.
• An essay addressing the candidate’s motivation and goals while in the EdD program. (Please limit this essay to no more than three double-spaced pages.)
• A one-page resume.
• Three letters of recommendation: one from an immediate supervisor, at least one from someone able to address the candidate’s academic abilities, and at least one from a professional who knows the candidate’s ability in the chosen concentration.
• Applicants must contact and schedule an interview with the head of the Ed.D program.

Transfer Credits

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is a 60-credit degree. With approval from the director and the faculty of the School of Education & Leadership, students may substitute graduate courses for courses in the doctoral program if these courses were not counted toward a previously earned degree. However, additional courses may be required to create a viable degree program. Applicants needing foundational coursework will be advised of the necessity before they will be permitted to take advanced level coursework. Up to 15 transfer credits are permitted into SU doctoral programs; transfer credits are approved in consultation with the program coordinator and/or advisor.