EdD, District Leadership
Make An Impact in Every Students' Learning
Program Overview
Designed for students who have successfully completed the Ed.S. degree and are seeking both superintendent certification and a doctoral degree, this program prepares educational leaders to improve student learning and achievement by working with district personnel and the larger community to augment the professional skills of colleagues, strengthen the culture of the district through learning communities and improve the quality of instruction through research and data-based decision-making.
The Ed.D. program coursework is focused on preparing candidates with advanced knowledge in educational research practices, assets and challenges of children living in high-poverty contexts and an understanding of innovative education solutions.
Earn Superintendent Certification + Doctoral Degree
The EdD program aligns with Kentucky’s superintendent certification. Candidates build advanced expertise in research, district leadership and data-based decision-making while focusing on the needs of children living in high-poverty circumstances.
Built for Working Education Leaders
The cohort model program begins in the fall and meets on six weekends over the course of each semester to accommodate schedules. Students complete 30 hours of coursework plus six dissertation hours, then move into dissertation pacing that supports continued progress while working in the field.
“As an educator who embarked on a career in teaching to change the world, the focus of the program is to challenge you to be the change you wish to see. If you are a change agent committed to challenging the status quo and changing the narrative about the purpose of school, and how to positively impact ALL students, this is the program for you.”
Robert E. Gunn Jr., Principal, W.E.B. DuBois Academy
36
Doctoral Credit Hours
6
Weekend Meetings/Semester
66
Total Hours Beyond Master’s
A candidate in this program will be challenged to reflect continuously upon leadership components, coaching and mentoring, analysis of assessment data to impact instruction and district leadership and operational systems, strategies for closing the achievement gap through instructional best practices, the need to address equity and diversity in schools and collaborative efforts to include colleagues, parents and the community in comprehensive efforts for school and district improvement.
Courses are offered in person on Bellarmine’s campus. Classes meet on six weekends over the course of each semester in order to accommodate the busy careers and lives of students in doctoral programs. Classes are on Friday evenings from 5 - 9 p.m., and two class sessions on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - noon and 1 - 5 p.m.
Candidates must hold an Ed.S degree and a valid Professional Teaching Certificate. Additionally, candidates must have at least two years experience as a principal, supervisor, guidance counselor, DPP, DoSE, school business administrator, vocational school coordinator or coordinator/administrator/supervisor of district-wide services.
- Admission to Bellarmine’s graduate school
- Completion of an Ed.S degree
- At least two years of successful qualifying leadership experience
The Ed.D. program seeks to prepare candidates who:
- promote the success of each P-12 student by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by all stakeholders;
- advocate, nurture and sustain a district culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth focusing on 21st Century and College and Career Readiness Skills;
- provide district leadership by ensuring management of the organization, operation and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment;
- collaborate with community members, respond to diverse community interests and needs and mobilize community resources;
- act with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner promoting cultural diversity and equal access to district resources and initiatives; and
- evaluate secondary research and formulate an original argument, then design, implement, analyze and disseminate an applied research study.
How long does it take to complete the program?
- 36 hours (30 hours of coursework + six dissertation hours)
- Cohort model that begins in fall semester
- Six hours per semester for five semesters: fall 1, spring 1, summer 1, fall 2, spring 2
- Once 30 hours of coursework are completed, students sign up for dissertation hours based on their own pacing
What can I do with this degree?
The Ed.D. program is aligned with Kentucky’s superintendent certification program.
Students completing the degree will be eligible to apply for a superintendent certificate.
As the terminal degree in your field, someone with this degree could teach at the
post-secondary level in educational leadership programs, depending on professional
experiences. Students completing this program would also be eligible for administrative
positions at the district level overseeing programs and schools.
What is the course schedule like?
The courses are offered in person on Bellarmine’s campus and meet on six weekends
over the course of each semester.
How much does it cost to complete the program?
For current pricing, contact Sarah Shumway Schuble at 502.272.8271 or sschuble@bellarmine.edu.
How will this program help me as a leader?
The program focuses on producing educational leaders who are passionate about creating
innovative educational systems that ensure the learning of ALL students and designing
systems that are equitable and excellent in the face of adversity.
Here is a quick snapshot of a few of our faculty members. Read profiles of all of our distinguished faculty.
| Name | Title | Profile Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Amy E. Lein, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor of Special Education; Chair of the Education and Social Change (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) programs | Former public-school teacher and Master Coach for Minnesota Math Corps whose research interests include mathematics interventions for struggling students, student engagement and teacher preparation and development. |
| Will Wells, Ed.D. | Assistant Professor of Instructional Leadership and School Administration | Former superintendent of Oldham County Schools whose research interests include systems, structures and policies that improve teacher quality and build teacher capacity to ensure the learning of ALL students. |
| Grant Smith, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Research Design and Statistics | Researcher and former operations management leader whose interests include accountability measurements and the relationship of educational outcomes and economic opportunity. |
Please visit our Graduate Tuition Rates page for the most up-to-date tuition and fees information.
School districts may apply tuition supports for this program; please contact your school district’s personnel specialist. Students are eligible for federally supported forms of student aid. Financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at Bellarmine University (finaid@bellarmine.edu or 502.272.7300).
All advanced-level teacher education programs at Bellarmine University’s Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education are recognized by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board, and are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Contact
Admissions
admissions@bellarmine.edu
502.272.7100
All advanced-level teacher education programs at Bellarmine University’s Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education are recognized by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board, and are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. View CAEP Annual Reporting Measures
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