Educational Leadership and Administration, Ed.D.
Become an educator who is better prepared to serve as a leader in the classroom, school, and community.
Your studies will enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and strengthen your ethical and professional standards.
An Ed.D. in Educational Leadership focuses on preparation of educational leaders in the K-12 environment, such as superintendents, principals, administrators and teacher leadership, who are prepared for the complex and ever-changing life of the school setting.
At A Glance
Program: Doctor of Education
Audience: Graduate students
Format: Face-to-face, online and at off-campus locations
Next Start Date: July 7, 2025
Time to Completion Three years part-time
"The Immaculata doctoral program gave me the opportunity to connect and build relationships with professionals outside of my district. The bond we forged in our cohort allowed us to deeply discuss important topics, create solutions and grow as educators and leaders. Looking back, I am a stronger writer, communicator and thinker as a result of the program."
Dean Damiani '20 Ed.D.
Assistant Principal, Wilson High School
You may choose to study through our online synchronous format, which blends the convenience of online attendance with the benefits of live instruction and networking, or from one of our hybrid cohort locations.
- Extensive alumni network—Enter a professional network of hundreds of Ed.D. alumni, many of whom hold high-ranking positions as superintendents, principals and intermediate unit directors.
- Flexible program delivery—Take accelerated, seven-week evening classes on Immaculata’s campus starting in fall, spring, or summer and finish in as few as three years, even while working full-time.
- Experienced faculty—Learn from faculty with over 400 years of combined experience in education and administration.
- Cohorts—If you are interested in starting a cohort near you, please contact us at mhammons@immaculata.edu.
- Dissertation support—Three research courses throughout the program prepare you to choose a topic, conduct research and write your dissertation.
- Act 45 credit – Most courses offered through the Ed.D. program are eligible for Act 45 credit.
Administrative Certifications
You can earn optional certifications along with your degree:
Curriculum—54 Credits
- EDL 702 Methods of Doctoral Research
- EDL 720 Orientation to Doctoral Research
- EDL 721 School Leadership in Teaching and Learning
- EDL 722 Personnel Management and Labor Relations
- EDL 723 School Business Management
- EDL 724 Organizational Development and Change Theory
- EDL 725 Communication Theory and Practice
- EDL 726 Political, Economic and Social Structures of the Culture
- EDL 727 Pennsylvania School Code and School Board Policies
- EDL 728 Curriculum Theory and Evaluation
- EDL 729 Curriculum Management
- EDL 730 Pupil Personnel Services
- EDL 731 Advanced Supervision
- EDL 732 Staff Development
- EDL 734 Dissertation Research Seminar
- EDL 797 Degree Candidacy Application
- EDL 798-799-800 Dissertation
Prerequisites—12 credits or the equivalent experience
- GEN 502 Methods of Research
- EDL 622 Curriculum and Instruction
- EDL 623 Supervision
- EDL 625 School Law & the Legal Process
All students entering the Ed.D. program must hold a master’s degree. Learn about the application process and admission requirements. View the tuition and fees for Ed.D. courses.
Alumni Spotlight
Thriving in an Immaculata Ed.D. cohort with his friend and co-worker, Thor Edmiston earned his doctorate and became a superintendent. He credits the University’s internal processes and cohort model for ensuring students’ success. He now encourages others to consider Immaculata for their advanced degrees.
Just The Facts
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