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EdD in Educational Leadership Community College Leadership

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Key Considerations

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48

Months to complete (Average)

60

Credits

$983

Per Credit

Flexible learning and course delivery

Earn your online doctoral degree on your terms

Our Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed. D.) program is designed with 100% online coursework. Whether you’re working to complete your degree as quickly as possible or trying to fit it into your busy schedule, we will help you meet your career goals.
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Program Overview

The Rowan Experience
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Our online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) program develops social justice leaders who are change agents, ethical leaders, and scholar-practitioners. By tightly connecting theory and practice in coursework, the program supports students in applying learning immediately in coursework and in the workplace. This EdD program offers students a unique opportunity to engage in applied inquiry throughout the program with the deliberate focus on preparing practitioners to lead initiatives and organizations that redress inequities and promote social justice.

The Community College Leadership Initiative track of our EdD program is designed for individuals who are working in the community college sector and looking to gain advanced knowledge in the field with a special focus on community college. The cohort benefits from faculty whose focus is on community college research; New Jersey community college presidents who teach in the program and serve on dissertation committees; access to senior educational and policy leaders within the State; and a growing network of successful and innovative community college leaders who are graduates of the program.

Curriculum
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Our Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed. D.) program requires the completion of 60 graduate credits made up of 16 courses (48 credits) and 12 credits of dissertation. The program includes three distinct benchmarks. All cohorts are required to attend a one-day orientation in combination with an online orientation residency.

An Inside Look at Coursework

Below, you will find a list including titles of foundational coursework for the EdD in Educational Leadership program: 

  • Leadership for Social Justice
  • Inquiry I: Theory to Practice
  • Reforming Organizations
  • Inquiry II: Program Evaluation
  • Public Policy, Ethics and Contemporary Issues
  • Inquiry III: Public Policy, Ethics and Contemporary Issues
  • Sustainable Institutional Change 
  • Inquiry IV: Inquiry for Improvement
  • Introduction to Writing a Research Literature Review
  • Leader Scholar Community I
  • Leader Scholar Community II
  • Leader Scholar Community III

Elective study for the Community College Leadership Track of the EdD program includes the following courses: 

  • History and Context of American Community Colleges
  • Community College Governance and Leadership
  • Legal and Administrative Issues in Community Colleges
  • Leadership and Advocacy for Community College Student Success

Note: The course information shown above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan University Office of Admissions will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

 

  • Submit an Application
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Master's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume
  • Three letters of recommendation

    • Applicants with Master's degrees completed within the past 5 years should include as one of their recommenders an instructor from their Master's program.
  • Recommended GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale): While certification is not required for the program, the Faculty Admissions Committee asks applicants to please submit a copy of any educational certifications held.
  • Three typewritten essays as follows:
    • In 500 words of fewer, describe your reasons for wanting to enroll in the Educational Leadership Doctoral program.
    • In 500 words or fewer, describe the characteristics of an effective leader. In what ways do you demonstrate those characteristics? In what ways can you improve?
    • In 1000 words or fewer, describe a pressing issue facing education today. If it were your responsibility to address the issue on a national level, how would you approach the problem? With whom would you collaborate to develop your plan?
  • Interview with the Faculty Admissions Committee: Those selected to move forward by the Admissions Committee will be contacted directly regarding the interview. The interview can be in person or via telephone.
Career Outlook

Higher Education Career Paths and Job Opportunities

As a student in our EdD in Educational Leadership: Community College Leadership Initiative program, you will strengthen your skills and better position yourself to pursue a variety of careers in the field of Higher Education. Check out the projected career outlook for a variety of job opportunities in Higher Education.

Application Deadlines

Be sure to submit your application and supporting materials in advance of the application deadlines listed below for your desired entry term.

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2/15

Fall Module Entry (Early Decision)

7/1

Fall Module Entry

6/1

Summer Module Entry

We invite you to join us for a

Virtual Information Session or Event

Rowan University hosts a series of on campus and virtual events throughout the year to help you get to know us. From general information sessions, to program specific meetings with advisors, to webinars on timely and thought-provoking topics, these gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions, network with academics and future students, and learn from some of the most innovative and informed faculty in higher education today.
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Additional Information

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

    I was able to study my own leadership and look at leadership theory. As I was in the program more and more, I wanted to continue to move up in community colleges.

    Stephen N. President, Danville Area Community College (Ill.)

    Stephen stands with DACC graduates
    Each member of my cohort works at a different college or university, which allows us to share different perspectives. It makes more learning opportunities.

    Ketan G. CFO, Sussex County Community College

    Ketan sitting at his desk
    The main reason why I chose Rowan's Ed.D. program was because of the Community College Leadership Initiative and its focus on community college.

    Jennifer G. Passaic County Community College

    Jennifer leans against a bench outside.
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