Ed.D. Program: Teacher Leadership

Students who complete this 60-credit program will exit having developed the theoretical frameworks and critical perspectives needed to use research to address issues, and effectively influence change in the educational communities they serve. The core courses of the Ed.D. program will explore topics including the sociocultural foundations of education, the history of educational reform, and educational leadership as it relates to communities and organizational change, amongst others. Courses required for the Teacher Leadership concentration will prompt deeper inquiry into models for professional development and change as well as teacher leadership theory and practice. Elective course requirements will also allow students to shape a specialization in a particular area or set of areas to meet their own practical and intellectual goals. Graduates who complete the program will exit equipped to utilize research on teaching, learning, and leadership to support effective instructional practices, identify problems of practice to facilitate instructional change efforts, and advocate for, design, implement, and evaluate sustainable learning environments for pre- and in-service teachers.

For more information about the courses in this program, please visit the course catalog and online schedule of classes.

This program typically takes over 3 years to complete and requires:

• 60 Graduate Course Credits
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 1st Summer
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 1st Fall
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 1st Spring
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 2nd Summer
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 2nd Fall
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 2nd Spring
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 3rd Summer (Dissertation)
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 3rd Fall (Dissertation)
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 3rd Spring (Dissertation)
  • 6 Credits – Completed in the 4th Summer (Dissertation)

• Dissertation 
  • The Ed.D. Program culminates with a yearlong capstone/dissertation experience. The dissertation requires students to identify and investigate a problem of practice systematically using current literature, and inquiry methodology. Students are to write a final report that is presented publicly that may include a conference presentation, journal article or book chapter, or presentation to a local community. Students will have the option of working on their dissertation projects individually or in groups organized around key topics of interest.

Dan Battey
Alisa Belzer
Mary Elizabeth Curran
Nora E. Hyland
Amy Lewis
Carrie Lobman
Carolyn A. Maher
Melinda Mangin
Cheryl A. McLean
Lesley M. Morrow
Angela M. O’Donnell
Sharon K. Ryan
Keith Weber
Dake Zhang

Graduates of the Ed.D. program and the Teacher Leadership concentration are prepared to be change agents in the educational communities they serve. They are poised to pursue leadership roles that directly involve the development, oversight, regulation and improvement of education and professional programs designed to prepare and advance teacher service and instructional practice. Graduates may work in higher education in college or university settings, or in settings where they are responsible for professional development of educators. 

• Personal Statement
• Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic Writing Sample
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts
• Official Graduate Transcripts
• 1-2 Letters of Recommendation (optional)

Click here for more information on the Ed.D. Program Admissions Requirements.

1. Collect the materials required for admission
2. Submit your application online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/
3. Submit supporting materials online
4. Any supporting materials that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to Graduate Admissions’ New Brunswick office. Their mailing address can be found here: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/about/contact-us

Tuition: 

For tuition and fees information please visit the tuition landing page.

Financial Aid:

While students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are a number of other merit- and need-based support options, including loans and college work-study programs within and external to Rutgers. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid website.

Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships:

Generous GSE alumni, friends, and community members have established and continue to donate to more than one dozen fellowships and scholarships to help deserving students reach their goals. These awards are granted on the basis of academic achievement and or financial need. While these awards are competitive, interested students are encouraged to apply for consideration and submit the required materials. Students must also submit a FAFSA application to be eligible.  

To review all current awards and learn more about the donors that established them, please click here.