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Preparing the Next Generation of Educational Leaders. The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies’ Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Program prepares the next generation of educational leaders through its 4-year, cohort-based program designed for working professionals. The mission of the Department is to prepare educational leaders and policy practitioners with comprehensive knowledge, appropriate skills, and empowering attitudes to create and implement change in diverse educational settings, communities, and education-interested agencies. Why Choose Our Program? Career Prospects According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow 3% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Approximately 15,200 job openings are projected each year, driven by retirements and transitions [1]. For those pursuing PreK–12 leadership, demand for school administrators remains steady, especially in districts focused on equity, innovation, and student achievement. Competitive Salaries: Postsecondary education administrators earned a median annual wage of $103,960 [1]. School principals and district-level administrators also earn competitive salaries, with leadership roles often exceeding $100,000 annually depending on district size and location. Program Overview The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is a 4-year, hybrid, cohort-based program designed for working professionals across PreK–12 and postsecondary settings. Whether you’re leading in bilingual, multilingual, special education, early childhood, or central office roles—or shaping policy and leading in higher education—this program equips you to lead transformative change. Grounded in equity-driven, applied research, the program uses a problem-of-practice approach to help leaders identify and resolve critical issues within their professional environments. Careers Our program produces leaders with the skills, knowledge, and commitment to equity necessary to guide complex organizations through deep, lasting change. Graduates have assumed prominent positions of leadership in public and private school systems, postsecondary institutions, and research organizations in Connecticut, nationally, and throughout the world. Typical Job Titles
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[1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Postsecondary Education Administrators Our Graduates Become Leaders Graduates of our program assume prominent positions of leadership in public and private school systems, postsecondary institutions, and research organizations across the state of Connecticut, throughout the nation, and around the globe. They are prepared to lead improvement efforts, advocate for equity, and shape policy and practice across diverse educational environments—especially in roles that support bilingual learners, students with disabilities, young children and families, and system-level work through central office leadership and postsecondary leadership roles as academic directors, coordinators, and student support personnel. What our graduates say about our program: “The Ed.D. program gave me the tools and the confidence to lead boldly for equity and excellence.” Program Graduate, Class of 2022. Recent Graduate Highlights Dr. William Rice, EdD (Graduating Class of 2025) defended his dissertation “Mathematical Achievement Disparities Among Students: A Quantitative Intersectional Study” in Spring 2025. Dr. Rice’s research represents a significant contribution to the field of educational leadership and policy, addressing critical issues related to intersectionality and educational equity. His application of the Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA) framework  offers a groundbreaking way to analyze disparities in education. By providing empirical insights that have direct implications for educational policy and intervention strategies, his work has the potential to influence systemic changes that promote equity in schools. Dr. Rice is the recipient of the 2025 SCSU School of Graduate and Professional Studies Outstanding Doctoral Capstone Dissertation Award.What Makes Our Program Unique Students admitted to this program are provided a cohort model, rigorous hybrid courses, field-based leadership and research experiences, personalized faculty advisement, classes one night per week, online and campus-based supports/resources, opportunities to publish and present research, and access to professional organizations and networks intended for this most advanced level of study. Learn from Expert Faculty and Former Practitioners Our faculty are leading experts and scholars in the field of Educational Leadership. In addition, our faculty members bring a broad range of experiences from many areas: leadership roles (principal, superintendent, central office administrator, etc.), public and private schools, non-profit organizations, and policy sectors. Our faculty bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping students integrate research with day-to-day leadership work. Several faculty have direct experience in bilingual education leadership, special education leadership, early childhood education leadership, central office leadership, equity-centered practice, and language access advocacy in K–12 and post-secondary contexts. Faculty Highlight Dr. Gladys Labas Associate Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies  Dr. Gladys Barbosa Labas is being honored in fall 2025 with the prestigious Multistate Association for Bilingual Education (MABE) Lifetime Recognition Award. Over the course of her five-decade career, Dr. Labas has accomplished significant milestones, including becoming the first Latina administrator in an urban school district, coauthoring bilingual legislation in Connecticut, serving as the state’s director for equity and language in education, lecturing on bilingual and special education at UConn, and being honored with the prestigious Milken Educator Award. Next Steps  Contact Us EducationalLeadershipGrad@SouthernCT.edu College of Education Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies  | Application Requirements Application Submission Application Fee ($50) Official Transcripts Essay Essay Prompt As an aspiring leader in the field of education, you are expected to understand the current landscape of educational policy and leadership and envision the future of this field. Reflect on a significant challenge currently facing the education system in your state, country, or educational institution. In your essay, discuss: • A detailed analysis of the root causes and implications of this challenge. • Your proposed strategies or policies to address this challenge are supported by evidence or theories from educational leadership and policy studies. • How your experience and education have prepared you to implement these strategies. • The potential impact of your proposed solutions on different stakeholders in the education system, including students, educators, administrators, and policymakers. • How pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to turn your vision into reality. Your essay should demonstrate your critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to educational excellence and equity.  Capstone Requirement Dissertation *Additional Information This program may be taken concurrantly with the Intermediate Administrator (092) Post-Master's Certificate.  Virtual Tour Discover Your Future with Our Virtual Campus Tour! Are you ready to explore the possibilities? Our virtual campus tour offers a unique opportunity to experience our vibrant community from the comfort of your home. Dive into interactive 360-degree views of our state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque grounds, and dynamic learning environments. Join us and see firsthand why our institution is the perfect place to start your graduate journey. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research or a supportive and inclusive community, our virtual tour has it all. |
