The Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in Educational Leadership

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The Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in Educational Leadership at Chicago State University is an innovative, cohort-based, practitioner-oriented program designed around the lives of working adults. The program was established in 2004; approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, June 8, 2005; Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools on April 27, 2005; and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to offer the Superintendent Endorsement on February 2, 2007.

The program is designed to: 1. Prepare individuals for educational and administrative positions in all levels of leadership and 2. Provide professional opportunities associated with teaching and research positions in higher education.

When the program began, it was housed in the Department of Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Foundations. On July 1, 2010, the College of Education at CSU was re-organized as a part of the new president's (Dr. Wayne Watson) right-sizing plan for the university. As a result of this reorganization, the Department of Doctoral Studies was created, and the Ed. D. in Educational Leadership Program became a separate unit, reporting directly to the dean of the College of Education. In line with the new president's vision, this department is positioned to become the center-piece of educational excellence and the signature program of CSU for additional doctoral programs (yet to be created). Appointed to head the new department is Dr. Carol Schultz, Associate Professor and Chair, with a doctoral faculty that includes: Dr. Chandra Cabraal, Dr. Leon Hendricks, Dr. Crystal Laura and Dr. Byung-In Seo.

Current and future plans for the department include:

• Building department infrastructure to support programs activities

• Reviewing existing curricula/courses to align with program goals and professional standards

• Strengthening the doctoral culture

• Focusing on scholarly research and connecting theory to practice

• Increasing faculty and student involvement in research projects, fellowships, and conferences at the national and international levels

• Improving student support and assistance

• Expanding cohort membership through recruitment, retention and graduation activities

• Integrating technology throughout department, program and course activities

• Marshalling and utilizing fiscal and non-fiscal resources efficiently.

Why CSU?