The Ed.D. is a three-year program that includes coursework, research, and a dissertation. The coursework is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective educational leaders. The research component involves conducting a study that contributes to the field of education. The dissertation is a major research project that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research.
Coursework
The coursework for the Ed.D. program typically includes courses in:
Research
The research component of the Ed.D. program typically involves conducting a study that contributes to the field of education. The study can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. The research process begins with the student developing a research proposal that is approved by the student's dissertation committee. The student then conducts the study and writes a dissertation that presents the findings of the study.
Dissertation
The dissertation is a major research project that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research. The dissertation is typically 100-200 pages long and is based on the student's research study. The dissertation must be approved by the student's dissertation committee and is defended in a public oral examination.
Career Opportunities
The Ed.D. degree prepares students for a variety of careers in educational leadership. Graduates of Ed.D. programs may work as superintendents, principals, curriculum directors, instructional coaches, and professors. The Ed.D. degree is also a valuable credential for educational consultants and researchers.