Doctor of Education (EdD) SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

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Program Description DISSERTATION Seattle Pacific University’s Doctor of Education degree The EdD dissertation is designed to integrate theories (EdD) is designed to prepare students for a variety of and tools learned throughout the program, and should leadership positions in the K–12 educational system, demonstrate mastery of concepts and methods. The including superintendent, other district-level administrative dissertation focuses on an educational problem and areas, building-level leadership, and teacher leadership. results in a written, orally defended report. It may also In addition, the program also serves students who are take the traditional form of a research study. interested in other related careers in education, including At the suggestion and review of faculty members, non-profit and higher education administration, and other students choose problems of practice originating from education-related professions. external practitioners and policymakers. External Designed for working professionals, the EdD program practitioners may include school districts, educational offers classes on weekday evenings and on Saturdays. service districts (ESDs), universities, state agencies, and In summer, some classes are offered during the day. research groups. The program consists of 90 quarter credits for a student holding a master’s degree. Program Distinctives To maximize the experience for those seeking leadership Program Completion Requirements positions in education, SPU’s EdD program: In addition to the program’s course curriculum, EdD • Offers students seeking school leader certificates, students must fulfill the following requirements to such as superintendent and program administrator, complete the degree: relevant educational theory and practice applicable • Completing coursework with 3.2 GPA or better to current K–12 school issues, including models of • Passing mark on a publishable colloquium paper leadership, ethical decision making, school change, educational policy, and organizational systems; • Passing mark on two comprehensive examinations (research, foundations) • Focuses on research that has immediate value and also meets the needs of school leaders; • Passing mark on written dissertation • Aligns its curriculum for school leaders (both • Passing grade on oral defense of dissertation certification and degree) with best practices at regional competitors and exemplary national programs; AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION/COURSES • Makes clear distinctions between empirical, research- The program encourages students to develop an area of focused and practitioner degrees. To accomplish expertise appropriate to their professional and academic this, SPU now offers a PhD in Education in addition goals. Areas of specialization include educational to its long-standing EdD. leadership, curriculum and instruction, literacy, educational technology, special education, or a self- designed specialization. Earning certification as a superintendent, principal, or program administrator can be accomplished while working on the doctoral degree. For a complete listing of doctoral courses, and a suggested four-year completion sequence, go to spu.edu/soe-doctoral.

“The SPU doctoral program gave me a better understanding of the foundation and history of education. I’ve learned how schools run and have used that information in developing better educational programs for our district’s students.”

Lynn Johnson, EdD, Migrant/Bilingual Director Sedro-Woolley School District, Washington

Entrance Requirements • Research component: PhD students are required The following items are required for application to the to conduct and understand empirical research that EdD program: leads to publishable scholarly work. EdD students are trained to be evaluators of research for pract- • Application and fee itioner purposes. • Official transcripts documenting excellent under- • Dissertation focus: PhD students are required to graduate and graduate GPAs complete an empirical, research-based dissertation. • Master’s degree in education or related field EdD students complete a dissertation that explores an • Minimum of three years successful experience as an educational issue related to curriculum, administra- educator in K–12 schools (public or private) tive models, field testing of a diagnostic tool, or some • Either Revised GRE (after 8/1/11) or Miller Analogies similar practical application. Test (MAT). Preferred minimum score on the GRE: Verbal Reasoning –151; Quantitative Reasoning –149. QUESTIONS? On the MAT, preferred minimum scaled score – 400. For complete information about the Doctor of Education • Four (4) letters of recommendation (two must be (EdD) program, go to spu.edu/soe-doctoral. If you have academic recommendations and two professional) questions about either doctoral program or your candidacy, • Personal statement, including goals and proposed contact Dr. Nyaradzo Mvududu at 206-281-2551 or via email area of study (no more than 500 words) at [email protected]. • Personal interview with at least two SPU core For questions regarding admission requirements, contact doctoral faculty members Graduate Admissions at 206-281-2091, 800-601-0603, toll free; or via email at [email protected]. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) The School of Education at Seattle Pacific University also offers the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education GRADUATE ADMISSIONS degree. The PhD is a research-based program designed Seattle Pacific University to educate and prepare students to serve as college and 3307 Third Avenue West, Suite 320 university-level educators who can conduct publishable Seattle, WA 98119 research and other scholarly work. Although both EdD and spu.edu/graduate PhD students overlap in core doctoral courses, there are key differences between the programs, including:

• Curricular focus: PhD students strive to develop as scholar-teachers with an ability to conduct research and teach at the university level. EdD students are typically school leaders who focus on effective teaching and administrative practices within PK–12 school contexts. Revised 09.21.17 Revised