Educational Leadership (EdD)
Program: Educational Leadership
Credential: Doctor of Education (EdD)
Program Overview
The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program prepares Christian students for leadership in education at the local, state, national, and international level. The program is designed for currently practicing educators who want to remain in the profession and make a difference through servant leadership; who are inspired to lead positive, systemic change to influence teaching and learning for all students; who have the desire to navigate complex problems and design solutions; and who have the capacity to collaborate, listen, and reflect.
With an emphasis on the integration of theory and practice, the EdD prepares students to:
· Employ research-based leadership practices in a variety of educational settings
· Utilize data-informed decision-making principles in a methodologically sound manner
· Steward human and financial resources for student learning
· Apply successful strategies for leading change in educational organizations
· Engage in systematic study of complex problems of practice
· Apply research findings to professional education contexts
· Translate visionary ideas into strategies and actions
· Make decisions that promote student success based on ethical and legal principles, professional integrity, and fairness
· Navigate the rapidly changing demands of education with a solid grounding in the enduring truths of Scripture
Students will be prepared to employ these skills and practices in system-level leadership positions in schools, school districts, and state and federal departments; and in roles such as head of school, division director, chief academic officer, curriculum director, executive director, and other leadership positions.
Significant Features:
· 54-credit cohort-based program delivered fully online with one 30- to 60-minute weekly synchronous session for each course
· Scholar-practitioner model enables students to continue serving in their current setting while engaging in studies
· Integrates theory and practice
· Teaching and learning takes place through the lens of a biblical worldview
Program Mission Statement: The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership prepares Christian scholar-practitioners for relevant, relational, and reflective leadership in education at the local, state, national, and international levels
Program Outcomes: As a result of this program, the student will do the following:
1. Articulate a biblical and personal philosophy of educational leadership.
2. Apply leadership theory and research to professional education contexts and practice.
3. Make decisions that promote student success based on ethical and legal principles, professional integrity, and fairness.
4. Utilize data-informed decision-making principles in a methodologically sound manner.
5. Engage in systematic study of complex problems of practice.
6. Steward human and financial resources for student learning.
7. Apply successful strategies for leading change in complex educational organizations.
Location: Online
Curricular Structure/Degree Requirements
Educational Leadership (54 credits)
| BTC 503 | Foundations for Integration | 3 |
| OR | |
| BTC 504 | Perspectives on Integration | 3 |
| EDL 801 | Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Strategic Educational Leadership | 3 |
| EDL 805 | Organizational Behavior and Change | 3 |
| EDL 810 | Faith, Ethics, and Equity in the Educational Context | 3 |
| EDL 815 | Instructional Supervision and Professional Development | 3 |
| EDL 820 | Data Analysis and Evidence-Based Improvement | 3 |
| EDL 825 | Politics, Policy, and Governance | 3 |
| EDL 830 | School Law | 3 |
| EDL 835 | Planning and Managing Financial Resources | 3 |
| EDL 840 | Personnel Management | 3 |
| EDU 845 | Curriculum Design, Management, and Evaluation | 3 |
| EDL 850 | Technology for Educational Leaders | 3 |
| EDL 860 | Systematic Study of Complex Problems of Practice | 3 |
| EDU 829 | Collaborative Team Approach | 3 |
| EDL 901 | Action Research Proposal | 6 |
| EDL 902 | Action Research Dissertation | 6 |
Application, Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the EdD program must hold an earned and accredited master’s degree in an appropriately related field. Applicant’s transcripts should reflect a background in education or related studies at either the bachelor’s or master’s level. Those applicants who have not completed course work in education or related studies may be required to successfully complete “leveling” work to prepare the applicant for the educational component of the program.
Several options for leveling academic deficiencies are available to students. Applicants should discuss deficiencies with the Director of EdD in Educational Leadership. Equivalency options through the completion of additional approved academic courses include: campus-based courses; web-based courses; completing academic courses at another accredited institution; etc.
Applicants should be currently practicing educators who have at least three years of leadership experience and want to remain in the profession.
The minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) for admission to a doctoral program is equivalent to the letter grade “B” (3.00 on a 4.0 scale).
Applicants may be asked to take the MAT (Miller Analogies Test, www.milleranalogies.com) or GRE (Graduate Record Exam, www.ets.org/gre/general/register) and submit their score as per the application process. The test scores may not be more than five years old at the time of application.
Applicants whose first language is not English must attain a minimum test score of 600 on the paper-based TOEFL General Test (250 on the computer-based exam or 100 for the Internet-based test) or an equivalent demonstration of the ability to read, write and do academic research in standard English.
Application Process
Application for admission to the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) should begin with as much lead-time as possible, as some application requirements involve time delays.
EdD administrators and faculty only review fully completed files because a partially completed application does not always give an accurate picture of the ability to do doctoral work. Thus, applicants with borderline cumulative or area grade point averages but with significant successful ministry experience can be evaluated on the basis of both achievements, not just the GPA. Some applicants mistakenly assume a short-coming in one admission criterion automatically disqualifies them from admission. In reality, significant achievements in other admission criteria may accommodate a short-coming in one area.
Steps to Apply
1. Complete the Application Form (include $40 non-refundable application fee): EdD Application
2. Submit Additional Documents
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended;
- One Recommendation for Admission (one professional)
3. Statement of Purpose (750-1000 words)
-The Statement of Purpose should outline the applicant’s leadership experience, current role in education, and purpose for pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership.
4. Complete Standardized Testing
- If required as an additional assessment by the Director of the EdD in Educational Leadership program, applicants must take and submit official test scores for the GRE or MAT.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language exam (TOEFL).
5. Current resume or curriculum vitae
6. All applicants must complete an admissions interview with the program director. If necessary for additional assessment, applicants will be asked to write a field essay on a topic related to leadership.
Application Response
Once the applicant’s file is completed in full, the Capital faculty evaluates the applicant’s profile in terms of demonstrated and potential ability to complete doctoral studies successfully at the research doctoral level. The committee makes a consensus admission decision on applicants (five decisions are possible) using the following scale.
Full Acceptance: The applicant is fully accepted with no deficiencies or leveling requirements.
Accepted with Deficiencies: The applicant is accepted into the program with admissions academic deficiencies identified.
Accepted on Review Status: The applicant is admitted pending further review.
Delay: The applicant may receive an application delay. This may be due to the program being filled, a change in the student’s life situation, or an event preventing the applicant from attending the first program session. Delayed status applicant will not have to reapply to the program but must pay the program down payment fee.
Declined: The applicant who is declined will be notified by mail or email. Specific reasons for the decline are not provided.
Applicants will be notified of the admissions decision within three weeks of the submission of all application materials.
Retention
A student must receive at least a B- in each course to advance to the dissertation stage of the program.
Graduation
In addition to the Retention requirements, a student must pass the dissertation defense in order to graduate. A student also must be in good standing with the Business Office.
Program Director: Dr. Robin Bronkema, PhD
Growing up, Dr. Bronkema thought most children enjoyed playing school as much as she did, but it turns out that favorite pastime was a reflection of the love of teaching the Lord had placed in her. She went on to become a teacher in public schools in PA and CT, and then supervised student teachers at a liberal arts college for several years. Discovering that her passion for education and serving the Lord could be combined in Christian Education, she moved into administrative roles in a Christian K-12 school. Those experiences gave birth to her doctoral research, which focused on the leadership development of female Christian school leaders. With a heart for college-age students, she is now thrilled to bring all of those experiences to bear here at LBC.
Outside of campus life, she enjoys long walks with her dog, tennis, and street hockey with her husband and three children, meals with friends, and a strong cup of Earl Grey tea.
PhD in Organizational Leadership, Eastern University
EdM in Human Development and Psychology, Harvard University Graduate School of Education
BA in Psychology and Linguistics, Swarthmore College
Faculty
Dr. Robin Bronkema, PhD
Dr. Justin Harbin, EdD
Dr. Stacey Martin, EdD