Leadership and Policy Studies, Doctorate of Education

This program is designed for educators and administrators seeking a deeper understanding of the powerful role education plays in the lives of all learners, and prepares candidates to make substantial contributions to the educational profession as writers, speakers, teachers/administrators, and researchers.

Program Distinctives

The Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy Studies Program combines several distinctive features to enhance graduates' learning experiences

• Program developed by and courses taught by literacy experts
• Dissertation process with integrated support throughout the program
• Authentic benchmark assessments as opposed to a traditional comprehensive examination
• Classes held one night a week and one Saturday a month during the school year (summer calendars vary)
• Intentional focus on literacy/leadership
• Small and dynamic cohorts
• Course texts included with tuition
• Cohort trips to two national conferences included with tuition
• Three-year membership provided two two national associations
• Subscription to two major journals included throughout the program
• Complimentary attendance at Literacy in Motion conferences
• Complimentary attendance at A Day at Judson seminars
• Skype and/or live opportunities to meet and talk with prominent authors and researchers
• Program completed in four years

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy Studies Program will...

Exhibit Content Confidence

Graduates will develop expertise for critical thinking and informed decision-making.

Deliver Exemplary Leadership

Graduates will cultivate students to become critical and creative thinkers.

Articulate a Comprehensive Knowledge of Educational Leadership

Graduates will demonstrate scholarly proficiency in critiquing, synthesizing, conducting, and applying research in the field of educational leadership.

Produce Exemplary Written Communication

Graduates will apply exceptional skills when writing for a variety of audiences and purposes.

Speak Effectively to Listeners in a Variety of Setting

Graduates will synthesize the process of preparing and organizing content for delivery that engages audiences.

Provide Leadership in the Profession

Graduates will foster growth in practitioners and other educational leaders that deepens their understanding of best practice, encourages engagement, and promotes collaboration.

Important Notes

• No grade lower than C is accepted. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.35 is required.
• A maximum of 12 credit hours may transfer into the program. Courses approved for transfer must have been completed within five years of the candidate's matriculation at Judson, and the request for transfer must be made in writing to the program directors a minimum of 90 days prior to matriculation.
• In addition to successful completion of all courses, students must have successfully completed four doctoral benchmarks and a final dissertation.
• Students must be approved by the Program Directors of the Doctor of Literacy Program, the Division Chair of Education and the faculty for graduation.
• Students who completed Judson's Master of Education program are not required to re-take EDD605 Communication in Professional Settings (3 c.h.).

Major Requirements