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 and higher education. 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, higher education, 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 50 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

• Master’s degree
• Applicants must complete a graduate application for admission.
• Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in their master’s degree.
• Applicants must submit all graduate transcripts.
• Applicants must submit an essay addressing their motivation and goals while in the EdD program. (Please limit this essay to no more than three double-spaced pages.)
• Applicants must submit a one-page resume.
• Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation: one from an immediate supervisor, one from someone able to address the candidate’s academic abilities, and one from a professional who knows the candidate’s ability in the chosen profession.
• 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 50-credit degree. Up to 15 transfer credits are permitted. Transfer credits are approved in consultation with the EdD program head and academic advisor. Students may only use graduate courses taken at a regionally accredited institution as possible transfer credit. Only grades of “A” or “B” are transferable. With approval from the EdD program head, students may substitute graduate courses for courses in the doctoral program. However, additional courses may be required to create a viable degree program.