Program Overview
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at National Louis University prepares individuals to lead PK-12 educational excellence and equity. The program develops leaders through projects, guided experiences, and assessments, offering concentrations in District Level Educational Leadership, Strategic Educational Leadership, and Educational Leadership & Administration. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in educational institutions, including district-level leadership and beyond principal or superintendent positions.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at National Louis University is designed to develop educational leaders who are passionate about PK-12 educational excellence and equity. The program prepares individuals to lead learning design, data-driven decision making, and systemic change.
- Objectives: The program aims to foster leadership capacities based on national building-level standards, including:
- Developing a shared vision of learning
- Sustaining positive and safe school cultures and instructional programs
- Managing school operational systems
- Using performance information to improve school programs
- Leading with integrity and equity within professional, legal, and policy frameworks
- Advocating for school students, teachers, staff, families, and caregivers
- Program Description: The program develops leaders through substantial and sustained educational leadership projects, guided application experiences within educational settings, and key assessments of proficiency in developing leadership competencies. For Florida students, this is a Florida state-approved modified program in Educational Leadership.
Outline:
- Curriculum: The program requires 60 SH for completion. Candidates select one of four concentrations:
- District Level Educational Leadership: Leads to eligibility for Illinois Superintendent endorsement on the Professional Educator's License (PEL) or the Florida Educational Leadership Certification.
- Strategic Educational Leadership Major: Prepares students for leadership roles beyond principal or superintendent positions, in organizations focused on teaching-and-learning, training, curriculum-and-instructional design, and other education-related functions.
- Educational Leadership & Administration - IL: Prepares candidates for instructional, operational, organizational, and ethical leadership roles in school districts and other complex educational systems. Candidates in this major are not seeking the superintendent endorsement.
- Educational Leadership & Administration - FL: Prepares candidates for instructional, operational, organizational, and ethical leadership roles in school districts and other complex educational systems. Candidates who complete the 600-level Ed.D. major in Educational Leadership & Administration may take the Florida Educational Leadership Examination to earn their certification in Educational Leadership.
A lot has changed in the past 130 years, but the mission of NLU remains the same: to provide a superior education that makes a difference. We serve more than 8,000 students at seven locations in Illinois and Florida. We work hard to improve schools and businesses through community partnerships and applied research.
Services
Student services
The NLU Student Assembly serves as representative delegation of the student body and provides advice and guidance on policies that improve the student experience. In addition, the Assembly serves as student ambassadors on behalf on National Louis University at community, civic and municipal events, and provides leadership and service on behalf of students it represents.
Housing services
- Located five blocks from campus, the University Center offers residents a unique living experience in a high-rise building located in the heart of Chicago - steps from the best the city has to offer - from summer festivals and year-round entertainment to great restaurants and shopping. Campus housing is located close to many forms of public transportation to get around the city with ease.
- Each resident has a single bedroom within the shared apartment. All bedrooms come with a standard twin size bed (lofting option available), desk, chair and custom closet.
Library services
The University Library provides access to high quality resources and enriches the critical and intellectual inquiry of students, educators, and researchers through engaged teaching and scholarship.
Medical services
National Louis University is committed to the health and welfare of all its students and, consequently, all students in the following programs are required to obtain health insurance:
- International students residing in the United States
- Students enrolled in the Kendall College programs in Culinary Arts or Baking and Pastry enrolled in 6 quarters hours or more
- Students living in on-campus housing
Student Life
Campus life
NLU’s Chicago campus on Michigan Avenue occupies five floors of the historic Peoples Gas Building. This landmark building, across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park, is easily accessible by train, bus and car and is surrounded by restaurants, parking lots/garages and shops.
The second floor, which houses student services and administrative offices, includes a Tiffany ceiling in the large atrium that is used for conferences, workshops and seminars.
The campus includes 36 classrooms, four computer labs with high-speed Internet access, two language labs, conference rooms and a state-of-the-art training center with an auditorium that seats 150.
Sports facilities
- The Commons is perfect for taking a mid-day break or catching up on some homework. The Commons offers two large televisions for staying up to date on current events or playing Mario Cart with friends.
- The Game Room is perfect for a small group of friends looking to shoot some pool or throw it back with some old school board games.
- The Fitness Center offers free weights, treadmills, elliptical trainers, standing weight machine, and stair climber. Mediation, Zumba, Yoga and Red Cross CRP classes are available in throught the NLU Fitness Center.
Student clubs
- ALPFA
- The Black Student Union
- DALE 312
- Educator’s Rising
- International Club
- NLU Counseling Association
- NLU Pride Club
- NLU Science Club
- NLU Entrepreneur Club
- Sigma Gamma Rho
- SPO-School of Psychology Organization
- Student Engagement Club
Accreditation
National Louis University (NLU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional institutional accreditors recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
