Doctor of Education (Ed.D)

Advance Your Career with a Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree at Marywood University is a 48-credit post-master's doctoral program that is designed for school leaders and scholarly practitioners committed to advanced scientific inquiry and the improvement of educational practice. Grounded in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) Framework, the program emphasizes the investigation and resolution of applied Problems of Practice in PK-12 Schools and higher education settings. Through advanced coursework and a culminating doctoral experience, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex educational challenges and lead meaningful change.

The program offers six distinct pathways: four focused on PK-12 Educational Leadership, including Pennsylavania administrative certification, and two for Higher Education leadership. The pathways include: PK-12 Principal, Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor, Special Education Supervisor, Superintendent, Educational Leadership, and Higher Education.

Program Highlights

Flexible, 100% Online Learning

Advance your education while balancing your career and personal commitments. Marywood’s online programs allow you to pursue a terminal degree without putting your professional life on hold.

Four Specialized Leadership Tracks + Two Higher Education Tracks

Choose a pathway aligned with your career goals in educational leadership, with specialized tracks in Principal, Special Education Supervisor, Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor, or District Superintendent. You can also pursue higher education leadership through tracks in Higher Education Administration or Faculty. Build the knowledge and skills to lead, teach, and make an impact across educational settings.

Designed for Career Advancement

Develop the confidence and leadership skills to take the next step in your career through a 48-credit doctoral program. Learn from experienced faculty and prepare to become an effective, innovative, and collaborative leader in education.

About the EdD Program

Program Highlights

A 48 credit Post-Master's EdD program
Tuition: $650/credit
All programs are offered 100% online
Flexible course scheduling including Fall, Spring, Summer I, Summer II, and Summer III sessions
Post-Master's Transfer credits are considered/accepted
Course instruction includes synchronous and asynchronous learning with recorded options to accommodate your schedule
Estimated Timeline for completion: 3 years
Courses are Act 48/45 Eligible
Opportunities for short-term Study Abroad during Summer Session
Classes are taught by experienced school leaders

Admissions Requirements

A completed application
Official Transcripts
A Personal Statement Letter (optional but recommended)
Letters of Reference (optional but recommended)

Visit Admissions

Facilities & Technology

Even though the program is online, for those that would like to connect in person, faculty is on campus for your needs. You also have access to all the services and campus amenities, so we hope to see you around campus!

McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies

The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located at the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical and professional spaces for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, and Education students. The Center for Well-Being and Market Marywood are also located in the building.

The McGowan Center is home to the School of Education and the Department of Psychology and Counseling. The Center for Well-Being, formerly the Counseling/Student Development Center, is also located here and provides resources and services that support the overall well-being and success of the Marywood community.

The building features modern classrooms, computer labs, and controlled laboratory settings for the Psychology and Communication Sciences and Disorders programs. Students in the School of Education may utilize the Curriculum Lab, which houses hundreds of school textbooks, teacher manuals, and other teaching materials to support their academic and professional preparation.

Market Marywood is a convenience store located on the first floor of the McGowan Center. It features a variety of favorite beverages, snacks, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, on-the-go sandwiches, fruit, salads, and other convenient options.

Learn More

McGowan Center Classrooms

The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, and Education students.

The Communication Sciences and Disorders program has many facilities and features a Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, where students have the opportunity to work with individuals with speech, language, and hearing difficulties. The clinic is equipped with video monitors and a complete audiological evaluation facility.

The Psychology and Counseling program features distinctive teaching and research facilities to support counseling and psychology students.

The School of Education maintains a curriculum lab of texts, manipulative materials, and software designed for K-12 programs. For those interested in working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, there are ample opportunities to observe and teach right on campus.

Learn More

Learning Commons

The Learning Commons changes minds about what a library is, how it works, and what it's supposed to do. By seamlessly navigating the ever-changing learning landscape, The Learning Commons in effect removes previous barriers to knowledge creation. Since it is far more than a repository for information, the facility instantly became a place where people collaborate and create knowledge, using the latest technology and the energy that is borne of intellectual exchange and inspirational spaces.

Learn More

Learning Commons Classrooms

Classrooms are on the second and third floors of the Learning Commons. These learning spaces are open and collaborative.

Learn More

Scholarships

Fulbright Program

Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs , the Fulbright Program provides funding for students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. The flagship international educational program sponsored by the U.S. Government, the Fulbright Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and the people other countries.

View Scholarships

Faculty

Curriculum and Courses

Content-Specific Course Sequencing:

Pk-12 Principal Track

Course Number	Course Name	Total Credit Hours
EDUC 1045	Administrative Theory for School Leaders	3
EDUC 1047	Curriculum Planning for School Leaders	3
EDUC 1048	Supervision & Evaluation of Faculty & Staff	3
EDUC 1049	School Law	3
EDUC 1051	School Finances	3
EDUC 594	C & I Supervisor Internship	3
2 ELECTIVE COURSES IN EDUC, SPED, HE, or SLAS		6

C & I Supervisor Track

Course Number	Course Name	Total Credit Hours
EDUC 1045	Administrative Theory for School Leaders	3
EDUC 1047	Curriculum Planning for School Leaders	3
EDUC 1048	Supervision & Evaluation of Faculty & Staff	3
EDUC 1049	School Law	3
EDUC 1051	School Finances	3
EDUC 594	C & I Supervisor Internship	3
2 ELECTIVE COURSES IN EDUC, SPED, HE, or SLAS		6

Special Education Supervisor Track

Course Number	Course Name	Total Credit Hours
SPED 1100	Law & Special Education	3
SPED 1107	Characteristics and Remedial Strategies for Mildly Impaired Learners	3
SPED 1111	Curriculum Adaptations for Special Learners	3
SPED 1139	Behavior Management Approaches	3
SPED 1140	Administration of Special Education Programs	3
SPED 520	Special Education Supervisor Internship	3
2 ELECTIVE COURSES IN EDUC, SPED, HE, or SLAS		6

Educational Leadership Track

Course Number	Course Name	Total Credit Hours
EDUC 1004	School, Community, and Public Relations	3
EDUC 1025	International School Systems Abroad	3
EDUC 1045	Administrative Theory for School Leaderes	3
SLAS 6006	Administrative Law	3
SLAS 6004	Program Assessment & Evaluation	3
2 ELECTIVE COURSES IN EDUC, SPED, HE, or SLAS		6

Higher Education Track

Course Number	Course Name	Total Credit Hours
HE 1005	Communication Theory & Organizational Dynamics	3
HE 1025	Student Issues in Higher Education	3
HE 1040	Enrollment Management Principles & Practices	3
HE 1009	Law & Policy in Higher Education	3
EDUC 1054	Contemporary Learning Theory	3
2 ELECTIVE COURSES IN EDUC, SPED, HE, or SLAS		6

ALL EdD Program Tracks include the following Research Coursework:

EDUC 1000 - Introduction to Doctoral Research in Education
SLAS 6008 - Qualitative Research Design
SLAS 6009 - Quantitative Research Design
EDUC 1050 - Mixed Methods Research in Education
EDUC 1075 - Pre-Dissertation Seminar in Education
EDUC 1090 - Qualifying Seminar in Education

All EdD Program Tracks include nine (9) credits of Dissertation Writing

Centers of Excellence

Marywood University hosts three academic Centers of Excellence on campus; The Center for Law, Justice and Policy, The Center for Urban Studies, and The Mother Theresa Maxis, IHM Center. Each center provides students with the tools and resources to excel in their academic endeavors, fostering a dynamic environment where they can engage deeply with their respective fields of study and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

Accreditation

Member: Carnegie Project on the Educational Doctorate (CPED)
Administrative Certification Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSHE). / ADDRESS / 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104. | Phone: (267) 284-5000

Advance Your Career with a Doctor of Education

Program at a glance