How the Ed.D. in Education Program Works

The Ed.D. is composed of three interrelated program components – the core, a concentration, and a capstone/dissertation experience.

The Core

(24 credits)
A sequence of classes that provide all Ed.D. students with foundational knowledge and skills for leading in educational contexts in the 21st century, the core is organized around four areas: Leadership, Organizations, and Change; Social Contexts; Learners and Learning; and Inquiry.

Concentration

(24 credits)
Honing in on a specific area of leadership and practice, students select from
five areas of study:

Dissertation

(24 credits)
The Ed.D culminates with a year-long dissertation experience. The dissertation requires students to identify and investigate a problem of practice systematically using relevant research literature, and inquiry methodology.

The Schedule

Designed with full-time working professionals in mind, the program may be completed in three years plus one summer and features early evening courses.
Summer 1 Fall 1 Spring 1
Learning & Learners (3 credits)

Leadership (3 credits)

Inquiry I (3 credits)

Social Contexts (3 credits)

Concentration (3 credits)

Learning & Learners II (3 credits)

Concentration (3 credits)

Summer 2 Fall 2 Spring 2
Leadership II (3 credits)

Social Contexts II (3 credits)

Concentration (3 credits)

Inquiry II (3 credits)

Concentration (3 credits)

Concentration (6 credits)
Summer 3 Fall 3 Spring 3
Concentration (6 credits)

Capstone (3 credits)

Capstone (6 credits) Capstone (6 credits)
Summer 4
Capstone (9 credits)
Take the Next Step
Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback form.

Copyright © 2024 Rutgers GSE
Scroll to Top