Prepare to lead your school district and manage its finances with confidence by earning your doctorate in Educational Leadership online from PennWest.
This fully accredited program focuses on fiscal responsibility. It prepares you to face financial challenges and make sound management decisions for your schools. Experienced faculty will help you navigate key areas of education administration and leadership, such as operations management, problem-solving, decision-making and communication. Along the way you will develop competencies in human resource relations, applied research in the educational setting, and ethics and integrity in education leadership.
Designed for seasoned education professionals who are eager to take the next step in their careers, this program offers asynchronous delivery of online coursework. This allows you to earn a doctorate in education without stepping away from your professional or personal responsibilities. You will grow along with a cohort of classmates and graduate with a valuable network of professional colleagues.
The rigorous program leads to the state-approved Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (SLE). If you already hold the SLE credential, you may enter this doctoral program with advanced standing.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2023
Percentage of current superintendents expected to retire or work in different positions within the next five years.
The Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership is accredited by CAEP, nationally recognized by ELCC and approved by PDE.
Our graduate programs are consistently ranked among the best online programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Average salary for school superintendents nationwide, according to AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
39 (Doctorate - Individuals holding the Superintendent Letter)
57 (Superintendent Letter + Doctorate)
100% online
With the addition of the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility certificate to your Doctor of Education in Education Administration (Ed.D.), you will have the knowledge and skills to manage a school district or other academic enterprises.
PennWest’s dedicated faculty will meet your individual needs and assist you along your leadership journey. They will become your mentors and guides as you delve into coursework that balances theory and practice. You will cover the full gamut of topics, from personnel leadership and school board policy to educational technologies and facilities, community relations and more.
This 100% online program includes two internships that will give you hands-on experience in the role of a district leader and prepare you to conduct and present a focus project on student achievement. Upon completion, you may sit for the PRAXIS School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) and assume your new role as a Superintendent of Schools.
Think of the Superintendent of Schools as the CEO of a school district. Among other things, the superintendent coordinates and supervises all school operations and the selection, training, placement, promotion, transfers and termination of staff. He or she keeps track of spending and budgets, and advocates for funding based on need. The superintendent is also responsible for ensuring school policies are understood and followed, as well as resolving problems. An effective superintendent can make the difference between a high-achieving school district and a troubled one.
Ed.D. Only Program Admission Requirements
Ed.D. Option should include Administrative Certification (ie. Principal’s K-12 Certification) or Supervisory Certification (ie. Curriculum Supervisor, Special Education Supervisor), and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility certification (refer to advanced standing). All submissions will be reviewed to verify that candidates meet the necessary state requirements as they pertain to certification.
Ed.D. with Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Certification Program Admission Requirements
SLE + Ed.D. Option should include Administrative Certification (ie. Principal’s K-12 Certification) or Supervisory Certification (ie. Curriculum Supervisor, Special Education Supervisor). All submissions will be reviewed to verify that candidates meet the necessary state requirements as they pertain to certification.
SLE + Ed.D. Option - Candidates must also meet the current Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements that are specified on the PDE website. These requirements include but are not limited to “evidence of six years of satisfactory school experience, of which three must be in a supervisory or an administrative capacity.”
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.