Higher Education Leadership (EdD)

View the academic catalog for Loading... requirements.

Our doctoral degree program is a flexible, part-time program designed for working professionals. Complete your degree in just three years in an accelerated format, including your research and dissertation requirements. We offer a curriculum that mixes online, blended, accelerated, weekend, and on-campus coursework that you can complete at a pace that fits your lifestyle. 

Beginning graduate students may enter the Loading... and complete coursework in three consecutive semesters. The five courses are determined by advisement, which allows students to customize the certificate based on specific professional development needs and career goals

Widener's dissertation completion option is for students who have completed—or nearly completed—their doctoral coursework in Higher Education Leadership with only the dissertation remaining. 

Our faculty mentors will personally review your transcript to determine any doctoral requirements needed to put you on track for successful completion of the dissertation and success after graduation. For some, this will mean their 12 dissertation credits, which can be completed in as little as 4 semesters, while others will be guided to take additional coursework or research classes. 

• Application Deadline: June 15 
• Semester Start: Cohort begins fall semester
• Tuition: 12-credit minimum at the graduate tuition rate

Admissions Requirements

• Complete online application
• Resume or CV
• Two letters of reference
  • At least one letter must be from a faculty member in the student's former program, preferably from the dissertation chair or academic advisor. Letter must indicate that the student was in good academic standing when they left the program.
  • Letters must address the student's writing ability, academic ability, and work ethic
• Official transcripts, including transcripts with master's degree conferral
• Students must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their former doctoral programs
• Academic writing sample, such as a current draft of the student's dissertation or a paper
  • Writing sample must be at least 10 pages long
• Personal statement indicating the following:
  • The student's research interests
  • The current status of the student's dissertation
  • Widener faculty the student is interested in working with as Dissertation Chair

View the Loading... for more information. All questions can be directed to the graduate program director.

• Complete the application form.
• Submit your resume.
• Submit a personal statement.
• Have an official transcript sent from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs.
• Submit three letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors.

You will have an admissions interview with a faculty advisor.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We accept applications for students to begin in the fall, spring, or summer terms.