I have had the privilege of learning from exceptional professors and nationally recognized experts whose research and practice model the type of reflective, equity-driven, and systems-oriented leadership I aspire to embody.
Overview
The Ed.D. Educational Leadership at Lehigh University is a 60-credit, four-to-five-year on-campus doctoral program that allows students to work toward their Ed.D. and Superintendent Certification or Principal Certification simultaneously.
What You'll Learn
Students collaborate with their faculty advisor to build the program of study that best meets their needs and are supported along the way to make sure they have the research skills to complete their dissertation.
Doctoral students complete 60 credits (post master’s) in such areas as organizational leadership, school-community relations, school law and ethics, special education law, policy and politics in public education, data-based decision-making and curriculum design. Full-time and part-time options are available and most classes are held in the late afternoon and evening for the convenience of working professionals.
Program at a Glance
Format: On-Campus
Credits: 20courses (60 credits)
Length: 4-5 years depending on course loads
Deadlines: January 15 for fall or summer start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadline.
Credential Earned: E.Ed. in Educational Leadership. Students can work toward their Ed.D. and Superintendent Certification or Principal Certification simultaneously.
The COE Advantage
Our faculty include leaders with years of experience as school administrators and teachers as well as professors who are at the forefront of research on best practices in education. Students benefit not just from faculty expertise, but also in learning from each other about issues and strategies in the field.
The course instructors at Lehigh consist of a blend of talented scholars and leaders.
As an institution engaged in research, Lehigh faculty conduct studies that provide information useful to working principals. Lehigh faculty publish their studies in top-tier peer reviewed journals, as well as present at international and national conferences. In addition, Lehigh faculty publish OpEds in local outlets, translational articles in practice outlets like Kappan and Educational Leadership, and present at state leadership conferences.
In addition, course instructors include current and retired educational leaders. These instructors provide students with direct knowledge of how to effectively implement evidence-based practice. Our instructors have a wealth of experience as principals, assistant principals, and district administrators. Their experiences come from an array of school levels and contexts.
Students enrolled in the courses come from a wide array of schools and districts. Our courses attract students who work in traditional public schools, charter schools, independent schools, faith-based schools, and organizations focused on k-12 education. Similarly, our lineup of instructors provides opportunities for students learn about different educational contexts and settings.
The program also regularly offers opportunities outside of the classroom for students to further expand their learning and networks. For example, we have hosted a supper and book club, a salon night at the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, and a move night. We have also sponsored traditional learning opportunities, such as a lecture on effective implementation of multi-tiered systems of support.
Our instructors also have a wide array of experiences. Students also have worked with research faculty to publish papers and present studies at state, national, and international conferences.
Doctoral students complete 60 credits (post master’s) in such areas as organizational leadership, school-community relations, school law and ethics, special education law, policy and politics in public education, data-based decision-making and curriculum design. Full-time and part-time options are available and most classes are held in the late afternoon and evening for the convenience of working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, students take 2 courses in the fall, 2 courses in the spring, and 1-2 courses in the summer.
Graduates of the Educational Leadership doctoral program work as K-12 school administrators, heads of community organizations/institutions, researchers and leaders in government agencies, university faculty, educational researchers and educational policy analysts.
This program typically takes 4-5 years to complete depending on course loads.
Faculty and Staff
Cynthia Deutsch
Program Coordinator, Educational Leadership and Online Programs
Dr. J. Cameron Anglum
Associate Professor
Dr. Floyd D. Beachum
Professor
Dr. Julie Fogt
Director of Centennial School and Affiliated Professor
Dr. Craig Hochbein
Associate Professor and Program Director
Dr. Brian G. Osborne
Professor of Practice
Application Requirements
- Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate)
- Transcript Evaluations: Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.
- Proof of English proficiency
- Personal statement
Still have questions?
- Talk with a Student Ambassador
- Contact Admissions Office at (610) 758-3225 or coe-admissions@lehigh.edu