Jul 07, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2023-24 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2023-24 [Archived Catalog]

Educational Leadership - ED


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Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Educational Leadership – ED6229

Department of Educational Studies
Patton Hall
100 East Union Street
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
edad@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

Program Overview

The doctoral program, which pertains to educational leadership and related topics, combines conceptual and research-based studies at an advanced level, preparing students for intellectual and practical leadership positions in academia and in research. Students whose interest is limited to the study educational leadership or administration, as well as students who have related interests, such as the leadership aspects of other disciplines, tend to fit well in and are encouraged to join the doctoral program. The flexibility and broadness of studies are often perceived as one of the most appealing aspects of the program for students. Students are encouraged to find and develop their own niche of study within the framework of the program. The program strengthens the students’ use of both formal and informal methods of inquiry, as the basis for confronting issues of educational policy and practice and undertaking initiatives to benefit schools and their communities. The students are expected to develop a particularly strong capacity regarding organizational leadership, community-based leadership, and research methodology. This focus is complemented by a comprehensive examination, which contains questions related to leadership in education. Finally, the students are expected to engage in a rigorous study leading to the development of a strong dissertation. An attempt is made throughout the program to develop leader scholars. This is a full-time program. Normative time to completion is five academic years.

This program offers rich and engaging classroom instruction and learning, accompanied by occasional blended or hybrid online delivery. Many courses are offered on Saturdays to accommodate working professionals.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • To obtain a rich conceptual and application-based understanding of educational administration, particularly as it pertains to leadership, organizations, and human behavior.
  • To become effective researchers with the use of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
  • To develop and exhibit a strong aptitude for writing, speaking, and listening.
  • To become contributors to the academic discipline of educational leadership.

Opportunities for Graduates

The Educational Leadership Doctoral Program provides an opportunity for educators and educational leaders to build and enhance capacities in educational leadership, policy analysis, and research for service in local, regional, state, national, and international arenas. The program is committed to prepare locally engaged and globally minded agents of change graduates who can effect positive change in strategic leadership positions as teacher leaders, curriculum directors, school principals, district superintendents, education leaders, organizational leaders, policy analysts and advocates, and scholars of education, educational leadership, and comparative and international educational leadership.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/education/ed-studies/ed-admin-doctorate

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission must submit an application form ro the Educational Studies Department. Applicants are evaluated on the bases of the following:

  • Completed application form 
  • A current résumé/CV and cover letter 
  • Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended for bachelor’s and master’s education 
    • Academic Potential – Evidence of potential for academic work at the doctoral level includes a Master’s GPA of 3.6;
  • Three letters of recommendation that describe the academic skills and professional potential of the applicant 
  • An autobiographic essay (2-4 pages, double-spaced) will be used to assess the applicant’s writing skills, career commitment, leadership potential, and professional goals.  
  • For international applicants who are non-native speakers of English, a minimum TOEFL or IELTS is expected, as indicated on the website of the Graduate College https://www.ohio.edu/graduate/apply/international-students/english-proficiency 
  • A personal interview with a faculty member (phone/virtual meeting) may be required. 
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required 

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete a minimum of 62 credit hours beyond the master’s degree as follows:

Required Courses


Electives/Concentration Areas


A student who is not seeking a concentration may complete a minimum of 16 hours of elective courses selected from either or both of the two areas of concentration. Students wishing to complete a single concentration should fulfill this requirement by completing a minimum of 16 hours from one concentration area.

Culminating Experience


Students will complete and successfully defend a dissertation.

Sharing of Credit


Students may apply credits earned in Ohio University non-degree programs to the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership as follows:

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