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Graduate Programs
K-12 Educational Leadership (EdD)
Our K–12 educational leadership doctorate puts you on the fast track to a career in educational administration and leadership through a blended program, with working adults in mind.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Doctorate
Certification
Format
Hybrid (Online & On Campus)
Credits
Doctorate: 60
Certification: 27
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the K-12 Educational Leadership (EdD)
Build your professional reputation and skills while earning your degree at your own pace through online coursework that balances your professional and personal lifestyle with your career goals. Our courses are flexible and hybrid, giving you a customized approach to earning your master's degree full or part-time.
While enrolled in the doctoral program, you can also personalize your learning by pursuing a certification as a superintendent and/or a business concentration that will prepare you for positions such as superintendent or head of school, or central office administrator such as curriculum director, chief financial officer, or director of operation, in both private and public schools.
If you are seeking superintendent certification only, once you are finished, you can consider enrolling in the doctoral program, transferring the majority of your courses to apply toward the doctoral degree.
When you graduate, you'll have the skills and preparation to become a more exemplary administrator, principal, and/or superintendent.
K-12 Educational Leadership Program Options
Our curriculum includes online coursework that is challenging and rewarding for both skilled and novice educators. You'll gain a deep understanding of research methods, explore electives that fit your interest, and study the topics that help K-12 leader thrive including:
- Values & ethics in education
- Financial management
- Policy & public relations
- Technology leadership
View the academic catalog for Loading...
If your career goal is to become a school superintendent or work in district central office, you can become eligible for the appropriate Pennsylvania professional certification as part of your doctoral program.
View the academic catalog for Loading... for the superintendent (letter of eligibility) certification.
Educational leaders are increasingly required to be curriculum and instruction experts as well as skilled business-minded professionals who can design cost-effective processes and make data-driven decisions to lead their schools and districts in innovative and results-oriented ways.
Widener’s Center for Education, in partnership with the School of Business Administration, offers students a value-added business concentration within their doctorate in K-12 educational leadership. This concentration will prepare you for positions such as head of school, chief financial officer, or director of operation, in both private and public schools.
Earn your EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership with a focus on International and Independent Schools Leadership through our partnership with American Community Schools of Athens. You can finish your degree in as few as three years while working full-time.
In year one, you’ll travel to Athens for a 3-week summer residency. In year two, you’ll travel to the United States for a 3-week summer residency that includes educational experiences in Philadelphia, New York, and Washington, D.C.
During the school year, you’ll complete your coursework online.
Interested in bringing your children and family to your residency in Athens? A discounted summer camp program will enable them to experience one of the world’s most historic cities while you work toward your doctorate.
Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification to teach. It is the student’s responsibility to seek appropriate guidance before beginning any academic program. If you intend to seek certification outside of Pennsylvania, the University recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing agency to obtain specific licensure/certification requirements per state and the most up-to-date information.
To view Widener’s licensure eligibility by state/jurisdiction, please visit the Center for Education: Program Licensure page.
Widener's dissertation completion option is for students who have completed—or nearly completed—their doctoral coursework in K12 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.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for K-12 Educational Leaders
Why Study K-12 Educational Leadership at Widener?
A Professional Learning Community
At Widener, you’ll join a professional learning community where you and your fellow students share and learn from each other’s knowledge and work experience. That puts you on the fast-track to developing leadership, consultative, and collaborative skills.
Mentoring Relationships & Individualized Attention
Choosing Widener is an investment in you—your education, your career, and your future. Both full-time and part-time faculty members teach in the programs and all have earned doctoral degrees and have extensive administrative, leadership, and teaching experience in education. You'll benefit from individualized mentoring relationships with your professors and advisors.
Clubs & Organizations
K-12 Educational Leadership majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and outside of campus, including Kappa Delta Pi, and many more.
Student Stories
Our Faculty
"My philosophy for teaching graduate courses in educational leadership revolves around the importance of integrating theory and practice. I believe my courses need to be grounded in research and theory related to students' particular areas of study, and also provide opportunities for students to apply that research and theory to practice."
Recent News
Juggling a Doctoral Program and School Administrative Duties During a Pandemic
Several students graduating this month with doctorates in K-12 Educational Leadership were leading their schools and districts through COVID-19, while simultaneously finishing their dissertations. The lessons learned from their own studies has helped them navigate the challenges.
Research Projects Shape Students’ Futures
Hands-on research opportunities at Widener give students the chance to explore their interests, build a foundation of experience, and hone skills for their future professions.
New Jersey Superintendent of the Year Says Widener Provided Him with a Foundation for Success
New Jersey's 2021 Superintendent of the Year Joseph Meloche attributes his success in the field of education to his experiences at Widener University.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs
- Two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors
- Interview with a faculty advisor
- Personal statement:
- Please describe your experiences as an educational leader, what you hope to gain from advanced studies, and a brief description of your current dissertation research interests
Additional requirements for dissertation completion students:
- Resume or CV
- For your two letters of recommendation:
- 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
- For your official transcripts:
- Include 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
The K-12 Educational Leadership (EdD) and superintendent (letter of eligibility) certification accept applications on a rolling basis.
Dissertation completion applications are due by June 15 to start in the upcoming fall semester.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Save up to 50% on Your Master's by Stacking Certificates
Widener's stackable certificates enable you to achieve your master's or doctoral degree by saying yes to one affordable certificate at a time. Here, you'll follow a more relaxed timeline and course load while earning certificate credits at a significant cost saving. Most of our certificate courses cost 50% less than master's courses.
Learn more about stacking certificates
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Program cost for dissertation completion students will be 12-credits minimum at the graduate tuition rate.
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Graduate Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Kat LeConey
Assistant Director of Admissions & Enrollment
-
Hyatt Hall, Office #320
- (610) 499-1388
- ksleconey@widener.edu
Zora M. Wolfe
Associate Dean of the College of Health & Human Services
-
Bruce Hall
Room 110
- (610) 499-4622
- zmwolfe@widener.edu