About the Ed.D.
Educational Leadership | College of Education

The distinguishing feature of the program is the development of proactive leadership competencies that include problem identification, problem solving, and decision making in addition to the acquisition of human relations and technical abilities. Designed for educational practitioners, the program allows students to continue full-time employment while pursuing the degree as part of a cohort.

A cohort is a group of students who enroll and begin the program at the same time and progress through it together, taking the same classes until the completion of course work.  As a member of a cohort you become part of an ongoing fellowship of learners who are experiencing similar personal and academic challenges and rewards.  Thus members of the cohort lend mutual support as they work together as a unit and as individuals, building strong, enduring professional relationships.

The program requires a minimum of 48 semester hours beyond a master's degree.  Coursework is completed in three years; the dissertation should take from one to three years to write.  Most students will likely complete the program in five years.  There is, however, an eight-year time limit from the first semester of registration until completion of the degree.

Admission is in fall only at alternating campuses.  In years ending in an even number the cohort begins at the Downtown campus; in odd numbered years at the Schaumburg campus.

Six credit hours (2 courses) are taken each term, including summers.  Classes are scheduled one night per week, from 4:30-9:30 p.m., on alternate weeks—each course meets every other week.  The Schaumburg cohorts meet on Tuesdays; the Downtown cohorts on Wednesdays.

Courses in the Program:

• ELOC 533  Seminar on Diversity, Schools, and communities
• ELOC 534  Quantitative Research Methods
• ELOC 685  Advanced Quantitative Methods
• ELOC 535  Qualitative Research Methods
• ELOC 686  Advanced Qualitative Methods
• ELOC 536  The Dynamics of Maintaining and Improving School Culture
• ELOC 537  Advanced Legal, Financial and Social Issues in Educational Leadership
• ELOC 538  The Politics of Education
• ELOC 540  Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• ELOC 661  Program Evaluation
• ELOC 675  Seminar in Leadership Behavior for Effective Organizations
• ELOC 680  Seminar:  Ethics in Educational Leadership
• ELOC 663  Internship in Educational Leadership: Part 1
• ELOC 664  Internship in Educational Leadership: Part 2
• ELOC 689  Dissertation Writing Methods
• ELOC 690  Dissertation

   Elective (does not count toward the 16-course requirement)

• ELOC 589  Research Writing

Students are required to register for two courses each semester.  Transfer credit is not accepted, nor is it permissible to switch cohorts.

Admission Requirements 


1. A completed Roosevelt University Graduate Application and non-refundable application fee.

2. A master's degree in education, the behavioral sciences, public administration, or another field deemed appropriate for the Ed.D., with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 (on a 4 point scale).

3. An updated resume´ or vita.

4. Official transcripts from all colleges attended, both graduate and undergraduate.  

5. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last three years. A minimum score of 4.0 is required on the Analytical Writing section.

6. Three letters of recommendation with accompanying rating scales from individuals who can attest to your ability to pursue doctoral studies, academic potential, leadership potential and experience, as well as human relations and work skills. 

7. An essay covering your career goals and how a doctorate in educational leadership will help you achieve these.  Also discuss how, in your role as a leader, the doctorate would help you bring about organizational change.

When the admission file is complete, if you qualify, an admission screening interview will be held with an academic committee comprised of faculty members of the Educational Leadership Department.

Faculty (click for full list)

Please explore the links on the left for more detailed information. If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Susan Katz, Director, Ed.D. Program, at skatz@roosevelt.edu or 312 853-4761.