EdS Educational Leadership

Program Overview

Emphasizing inquiry-driven learning, problem-solving, and ethical leadership, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in educational organizations, including schools, districts, and higher education institutions. The flexible online format allows working professionals to complete the program in two years without a dissertation requirement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The EdS Educational Leadership program at Shenandoah University is a 36-credit postgraduate degree designed for individuals who have completed the required 33 credits of program core and research coursework in Shenandoah's EdD in Educational Leadership (or EdD in Administrative Leadership) but will not complete the EdD degree. This option allows students to earn a degree reflecting substantial preparation in educational leadership and social science research.

Program Objectives:

• Prepare scholarly practitioners who apply theoretical and professional knowledge and skills in leadership, organizations, and research to their leadership roles in educational organizations.
• Foster a comprehensive approach to ethical leadership.
• Enhance understanding of the context in which schools, school districts, higher education institutions, and related organizations operate.
• Provide a learning environment for critical thinking, examination, and theoretical understanding of opportunities and challenges facing schools and higher education institutions.
• Develop scholarly professionals committed to equitable, ethical, and reflective practice.

Program Description:

The program emphasizes:

• Learner-Centered Approach: Learners bring a general area of interest to ground their studies.
The program works with individuals to shape and examine specific interests related to leadership in educational organizations.
• Inquiry-Driven Approach: Emphasizes question-asking, synthesis, and critical thinking over knowledge acquisition and fact accumulation.
• Problem-Oriented Approach: Learners examine problems of practice encountered in their educational organizations.
Students critically study these problems from diverse perspectives to gain deeper insights and positively impact their organizations.

Outline:

The program coursework integrates exploration of the core theoretical, professional, and research knowledge and skills of the educational leadership field. The program comprises the following components:

• Program Core (15 credits):
• LST 710 Leadership: Theory and Application
• LST 720 Societal Factors: Influence on Policy, Programs and Practice
• LST 735 Organizational Theory and Behavior
• LST 740 Governance and Public Policy
• LST 750 Contemporary Issues in Leadership
• Research Core (12 credits):
• RST 684 Introduction to Research Literacy
• RST 775 Quantitative Research Design and Data Analysis
• RST 776 Advanced Quantitative Research Design and Data Analysis
• RST 784 Qualitative Methods for Doctoral Research
• Applied Research (6 credits):
• RST 771 Quantitative Research – Proposal
• RST 772 Quantitative Research – Pilot
• RST 773 Qualitative Research – Proposal
• RST 774 Qualitative Research – Pilot
• Capstone (3 credits):
• One of the following courses will serve as the EdS capstone:
• LST 693 Directed Study in Organizational Leadership I
• LST 694 Directed Study in Organizational Leadership II
• RST 672 Outcomes Assessment and Statistical Applications in Organizations
• RST 678 Practitioner Research I

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the program include:

• Coursework: Assignments, presentations, projects, and exams assess students' understanding of course material and their ability to apply knowledge and skills.
• Research Projects: Students conduct independent research projects that demonstrate their ability to apply research methods and analyze data.
• Capstone Project: The capstone project is a culminating experience that requires students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific problem of practice in their organizations.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Interactive lectures: Faculty engage students in discussions and active learning exercises.
• Seminars: Small group discussions allow for in-depth exploration of topics and critical engagement with peers.
• Independent research: Students conduct independent research under faculty guidance.
• Collaborative projects: Students work together on projects to develop teamwork and communication skills.

Faculty:

The program features experienced faculty with expertise in educational leadership, research, and organizational development.

Careers:

Graduates of the EdS Educational Leadership program can pursue various leadership positions in educational organizations, including:

• School principal
• District superintendent
• Higher education administrator
• Curriculum coordinator
• Technology coordinator
• Policy analyst
• Research analyst
• Consultant

Other:

The EdS Educational Leadership program is designed for working professionals and offers a flexible online format. Students can complete the program in two years by taking courses during the evening and weekends.

• Leadership Degrees & Certificates: https://www.su.edu/academics/colleges-schools/div-ed-leadership/leadership-degrees-certificates
The program's emphasis on inquiry-driven learning, problem-solving, and ethical leadership prepares graduates for successful careers in various educational settings.