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Washington State University
College of Education

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program Objectives

Program objectives

The primary objective of this program is to prepare practitioner-scholars for leadership in education at the local, state, national, and international levels.

This objective occurs through a combination of coursework, field experiences, and inquiry opportunities. We prepare educational leaders who work together toward the goals of educational and institutional improvement and social justice.

Specific learning outcomes of the program include preparation for students to:

  • Identify and analyze the theories, research, and policies related to the study of K-12 educational leadership: ethics and social justice, inquiry, policy, and leadership development.
  • Prepare and present written work to both academic and practitioner audiences.
  • Understand, evaluate, and apply educational theory and inquiry knowledge and skills to problems of policy and practice of educational leadership.
  • Design, conduct, report, and present clear and coherent research studies that contribute to understanding and solving problems of practice on multiple levels of educational leadership.
  • Articulate core values and model the guiding principles of the profession, including: commitment to social justice; understanding of ethical responsibilities of leadership; effective and respectful interaction with others of similar and diverse cultures, values, and perspectives; commitment to increasing achievement for all students through effective school improvement.