M.S. in Biology
The M.S. in Biology at Western Illinois University is a graduate program leading to a M...
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
Quad Cities (Moline)
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at WIU is a 60-semester-hour program that culminates in a dissertation. It has two main options: a traditional PreK-12 option for educators aiming for roles like principals, superintendents, and central office administrators, and a newer Organizational Justice, Equity, & Inclusion (OJEI) track which focuses on leading change in a broader range of educational and organizational settings. The program uses a cohort model, fostering collaborative learning and networking among practicing professionals. Classes are typically delivered in a blended format, utilizing both in-person Weekend Academy sessions (Saturdays and Sundays) and online components. Students typically begin doctoral study after acquiring a master's degree, and up to 24 semester hours from WIU's superintendent licensure coursework can count towards the doctoral degree, allowing for seamless progression.
Curriculum: The 60-semester-hour Ed.D. curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive and rigorous educational experience. It includes a Doctoral Core (12 s.h.) covering topics like "Global Perspectives in Leadership," "Transforming Educational Organizations," and "Managing Organizational Resources." A significant Research Core (9 s.h.) includes courses such as "Field Studies in Qualitative Research," "Quantitative Research and Statistics I," and "Quantitative Research and Statistics II," building robust research competencies. The Dissertation Core (18 s.h.) is dedicated to the comprehensive examination and the doctoral dissertation. Additionally, students select 12 semester hours of coursework based on their chosen option (PreK-12 or Organizational Justice, Equity, & Inclusion), allowing for specialization in areas like program evaluation, human resources leadership, or advanced topics in organizational justice.
Research Focus: The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Western Illinois University places a profound emphasis on research, preparing "scholar-practitioners" who can conduct original scholarship and use research to inform practice. The curriculum includes a dedicated Research Core (9 s.h.) with courses in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A candidacy examination assesses students' research skills and their understanding of learning theory and their specialization area. The culmination of the program is the dissertation (12 s.h.), which requires candidates to conduct original research that represents a substantial contribution to knowledge in their field. This dissertation process involves developing a research question, designing a study, collecting and analyzing data, and publicly defending their findings to a faculty committee, ensuring graduates are adept at evidence-based problem-solving.
Industry Engagement: Western Illinois University's Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program is deeply committed to engaging with the educational and broader organizational landscape. The program is designed for "practicing professionals" and utilizes a cohort model, which promotes collaborative learning and builds a professional network among peers who are actively working in the field. Faculty members often have extensive administrative, leadership, and teaching experience, bringing real-world insights into the classroom. The program's focus on developing leaders who can "resolve the issues educational leaders regularly face" directly addresses industry needs. While the Ed.S. program for superintendent licensure includes a mandatory internship, the Ed.D. is more focused on advanced research and leadership theory for existing administrators, preparing them to make systemic changes within their organizations. The program's outcomes emphasize the ability to lead organizations to "exceed" regardless of obstacles, reflecting its practical orientation.
Global Perspective: The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Western Illinois University incorporates a global perspective through its core curriculum and its focus on justice, equity, and inclusion. A required course, "EDL 710 Global Perspectives in Leadership," directly addresses this dimension, preparing leaders to understand and navigate an interconnected world. Furthermore, the Organizational Justice, Equity, & Inclusion (OJEI) track inherently encourages students to examine issues of diversity, power, and equity within broader social and global contexts, recognizing how these factors influence educational and organizational leadership. The program aims to prepare leaders to "create a more just and equitable future," which necessitates an understanding of global trends and diverse cultural perspectives that impact educational systems and communities. This emphasis ensures graduates are equipped to lead in an increasingly diverse and globalized society.
Location
Quad Cities (Moline)
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 73 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 49 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Western Illinois University – Quad Cities offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in pursuing their academic goals affordably. These scholarships recognize academic merit, leadership potential, and community involvement, helping ease the financial burden for students coming from abroad.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at WIU-QC can qualify for merit scholarships based on their high school or previous college academic performance. These scholarships reward outstanding grades, test scores, and other achievements, encouraging students to maintain excellence throughout their studies.
Western Illinois University International Student Scholarships: WIU provides dedicated scholarships for international students enrolled at the Quad Cities campus. These scholarships often cover a portion of tuition fees and are competitive, requiring students to submit applications demonstrating academic promise and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at WIU-QC offer specialized scholarships for students pursuing specific majors. These awards target disciplines such as business, education, engineering, and health sciences, supporting students who demonstrate and leadership within their field.
Graduates of Western Illinois University's Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program are equipped with a sophisticated understanding of leadership theory, rigorous research skills, and the practical acumen to drive significant improvements in educational and organizational contexts. Their doctoral-level preparation makes them highly competitive for executive-level positions that require strategic vision, policy expertise, and the ability to conduct impactful research.
Superintendent of Schools: This is a primary and highly sought-after role for Ed.D. graduates, overseeing all administrative, instructional, and financial aspects of an entire school district, leading strategic planning and ensuring educational excellence.
Assistant/Associate Superintendent: Graduates can hold senior district-level positions, often specializing in areas like curriculum and instruction, human resources, finance, or student services, playing a crucial role in implementing district-wide initiatives.
Chief Academic Officer (CAO)/Chief Learning Officer (CLO): These executive roles, increasingly found in large school districts or educational organizations, involve leading all aspects of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
University Professor/Department Chair (Educational Leadership/Studies): With a doctorate, graduates are qualified to teach at the university level, prepare the next generation of educational leaders, conduct research, and potentially lead academic departments within colleges of education.
Educational Consultant (High-Level): Graduates can work as independent consultants or for consulting firms, advising school districts, government agencies, non-profits, or private educational companies on complex issues like systemic reform, leadership development, program evaluation, or strategic planning.
Director of State/National Educational Agencies: Opportunities exist within state departments of education or federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Department of Education) where graduates can influence educational policy, develop statewide initiatives, and oversee large-scale educational programs.
Executive Director of Non-Profit Educational Organizations: Graduates are well-prepared to lead non-profit organizations focused on educational reform, youth development, advocacy, or community outreach, leveraging their leadership, strategic planning, and justice-oriented skills.
Dean of Students / Associate Dean of Students (Higher Education): For those interested in collegiate administration, an Ed.D. can lead to roles overseeing student affairs divisions, ensuring student well-being, fostering inclusive campus environments, and managing a wide range of student services.
Director of Organizational Development/Training (Corporate/Non-profit): The Organizational Justice, Equity, & Inclusion track, in particular, prepares graduates to lead internal training, talent development, and organizational change initiatives within large corporations or non-profits that value educational principles and equitable practices.
Educational Policy Analyst/Researcher (Think Tanks/Government): Graduates can engage in research and analysis of educational policies, contribute to policy development, and advocate for educational reform at local, state, or national levels, leveraging their advanced research and critical thinking skills.
