A Master of Education (M.Ed.) or an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership prepares you as a leader in education administration. These degrees place you on the forefront of theory, and positions you to have an influence on policy-making and improving educational institutions. These degrees are for teachers and administrators who desire to be on the leading edge of their professions. With the degrees, professionals will learn the skills to make important changes in the educational field at the local, regional, state and national levels. Students should have leadership skills and a desire to make positive changes in education.
The College of Education has established several educational leadership cohorts in communities where schools encourage personal growth. Cohorts in Sandpoint, Meridian and Grangeville have provided unique learning opportunities for teachers seeking to progress their education while continuing to teach. This degree is available online, at the Boise campus, at the Coeur d' Alene campus and with various cohorts throughout the state. With these degrees, students receive Idaho endorsement as school principals or school superintendents, making them eligible to seek employment in these careers. This program is accredited by the State of Idaho and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
A Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Educational Leadership program prepares visionary leaders who create high achieving, inclusive schools and with interests in teaching and scholarship in higher education. The doctorate can also open doors in the private sector as a consultant and CEO. You must read the College of Education doctoral guide for official policy.
The EdD is for candidates who will continue as practitioners and apply research to current issues. The PhD is for candidates who will move into full time roles as researchers with a publication record. Both degrees are recognized by the Carnegie Foundation and higher education as capstone degrees of distinction. However, the dissertation requirements are different and reflect the needs of either the practitioner or the researcher. This overview will be explained by your advisor with a detailed Study Plan.
The doctoral degree Study Plan, then, is designed to accommodate specific goals. Each study plan has four parts: 1) The Major Area requires at least 30 credits in leadership; 2) the Cognate Area requires at least 18 credits in a related discipline; 3) the Research Area requires at least 18 credits with specialization in either quantitative or qualitative research; 4) the Dissertation area requires at least 18 credits which combines your approved independent research and dissertation writing under the direction of your Doctoral Committee Chair. The term at least indicates minimums; core program requirements or the need to update competencies and content may require additional credits.