You will begin the program by attending an orientation where you will learn about the program and receive guidance for preparing and writing an IDP (Individual Development Plan). The IDP, describing how you plan to apply the 15+ competencies to your area of expertise, will evolve as a collaboration with your advisor. The development of each competency will be documented in a professional portfolio, which upon completion is presented at a formal oral defense. The EdD and PhD also require a dissertation.

The residential requirements include attendance at orientation at the beginning of your first year, followed by a three-day convention each successive July. During the course of your studies, you will continue working with your advisor and will meet with a national or international regional group, usually once a month, for support and synergy. All Leadership degree programs do have 3 core courses that are offered on-line.

The EdS degree also consists of a portfolio containing 15+ competencies. Instead of a dissertation, you will work on an “Action Research Project” for at least 6 credits to be included in the research competency of your portfolio. This degree consists of a minimum of 64 semester credits.

Credits for a doctoral program are as follows: 42 graduate semester credits (or 64 quarter) to be transferred (with grades of 'B' or above) from a Master's; 32 credits from the 15+ competencies; 16 semester dissertation credits totaling 90 semester credits. You would pay for a minimum of 48 credits.

For the MA, you will work on 10 competencies instead of 15+ and would earn 36 semester credits. In lieu of a dissertation, you will work on a research project.

For the educational administration program, please visit Educational Administration. 

What is Leadership?
How does Leadership work?
What are the Competencies?
Is Leadership for me?