Doctorate of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration

Doctorate of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration (EdD)

West Chester University's Doctor of Education in Policy, Planning, and Administration prepares regional professionals in all aspects of educational leadership. This professional doctorate offers a practical, research-based, and clinically oriented terminal degree that builds on the strong, dynamic programs that West Chester University has offered throughout the years. The program provides professional educators in a variety of settings the skills necessary to identify challenges/questions in their practice and develop research agendas to inform possible solutions and initiatives.

Program Goals

Program completers will:

Demonstrate knowledge of the purpose of applied research within the contemporary education environment;
Demonstrate knowledge of the process of applied research within the contemporary education environment;
Strategically plan and organize professional pursuits to affect successful outcomes and policy formation;
Exhibit a sense of integrity, purpose, fairness, and ethical behavior;
Exhibit the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to positively impact the learning of all students;
Conduct applied research that produces reliable findings to make informed decisions, produce effective planning, and contribute to the development of relevant education policy;
Work collaboratively with others by recognizing the diversity of the talent and skills of all while providing leadership, as appropriate;
Articulate current trends in education that affect multiple stakeholders across various contexts; and
Effectively lead or participate in dialogue about critical issues in education within the educational setting.

2 Tracks

Higher Education Administration Track

The Higher Education Administration Track is designed for educators in higher education settings and/or educators who wish to learn more about the higher education environment. Courses in the Higher Education Administration concentration assist students in understanding the university environment and the policy/planning issues that confront educational leaders and administrators. This concentration provides professional educators the opportunity to learn how to manage the challenges in higher education and to develop strategies to initiate and implement change.

Curriculum and Instruction Track

The Curriculum and Instruction Track is designed for educators working in Pre-K-16 education and/or educators who wish to learn more about curriculum and instruction. Courses in the Curriculum and Instruction track assist students in understanding the policy and planning issues that confront educational leaders and administrators. This track provides professional educators the opportunity to learn how to develop strategies to initiate and implement change in educational settings.

Certification Opportunity

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership (Superintendent Letter of Eligibility) is comprised of four courses (three credits each). Completion of the four courses is necessary for candidates for a Letter of Eligibility (LOE) for Superintendent. These courses can be added on as a certificate to the Ed.D. in Policy, Planning and Administration. Ed.D. candidates may also use 9 credits of the certificate as elective credits in the Ed.D.

***Candidates who are not enrolled in the Ed.D. program may enroll in the certificate to obtain the Superintendent LOE.

Admissions

Priority Consideration

The Ed.D. program has a priority consideration for the Fall semester. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed applications and all required materials by January 15th. Admission decisions will be rendered in early March. After the priority application date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.