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Washington State University
College of Education

Education, Academic

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Curriculum

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Program requirements, schedule and time to completion

  • The program requires a minimum of 72 semester credits which includes 42 credits of graded coursework (14 classes).
  • Upon completion of graded coursework, students must successfully pass a Preliminary Exam before advancing to candidacy for the Ed.D. degree. The exam is designed to assess knowledge the student has gained while completing coursework, and it is a measure for determining whether the student is adequately prepared to complete the dissertation.
  • The program is designed as a part-time program for working professionals. During the fall and spring semesters, courses are offered one night per week (per class) in the evening from 5:45–8:30 p.m. Summer classes (required) are typically taught using a hybrid schedule, which would include a combination of videoconference class sessions, online activities, and one or more face-to-face weekend sessions on a WSU campus.
  • Students enrolled in two classes each semester will finish the coursework portion of their program in two and a half years. Students making continual progress could complete the degree in four years, though it is common for students balancing educational, professional, and personal demands to finish in four to five years. The maximum time to complete is 10 years.
Sample Ed.D. Program of Study Planning Sheet
  • ED_AD 501: Philosophy of Education
  • ED_AD 503: Values and Ethics in Education
  • ED_AD 512: Leadership Studies for Social Justice
  • ED_AD 521: Leadership Theory
  • ED_AD 522: Race, Identity, and Representation in Education
  • ED_AD 539: Applied Research for Educational Leaders
  • ED_AD 561: Intro to College Student Development
  • ED_AD 580: Organizational Theory
  • ED_AD 582: Policy in Education
  • ED_AD 591: Action Research
  • ED_AD 800: Preliminary Exam, Dissertation Proposal, Dissertation Defense
  • ED_PSY 508: Educational Statistics
  • ED_RES 563: Principles of Research
  • ED_RES 564: Quality Research
  • TCH_LRN 577: Curriculum Theory

View Sample Ed.D. Program of Study Planning Sheet

SPOKANE

Program Components

The program requires a minimum of 72 semester credits which includes 42 credits of graded coursework (14 classes). Upon completion of graded coursework, students must successfully pass a Preliminary Exam before advancing to candidacy for the Ed.D. degree. The exam is designed to assess knowledge the student has gained while completing coursework, and it is a measure for determining whether the student is adequately prepared to complete the dissertation. More information about program milestones can be found in the program handbook.

The program is designed as a part-time program for working professionals. During the school year, courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening. Students enrolled in two classes each semester will finish the coursework portion of their program in two and a half years. Students making continual progress could complete the degree in four years, though it is common for students balancing educational, professional, and personal demands to finish in four to five years. The maximum time to complete is 10 years.

Application Process

Priority application deadline is February 1 for fall admission

The priority application deadline is February 1 each year, for fall semester start. Please note that application is a multi-step process and often takes four to six weeks to complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Steps to application:

  • Apply online to the WSU Graduate School for acceptance to the university.
  • Submit supplemental materials to the department for acceptance into the degree program.

For application instructions, please refer to the Checklist and Instructions for Admission Requirements provided with the application packet.

Programs in Educational Leadership (EdM, MA, principal certification, superintendent certification, EdD and PHD) do not accept state tuition waivers.

Spokane Contact:

Jennifer Gallagher
Academic Coordinator
j.gallagher@wsu.edu

More information about program milestones can be found in the program handbook (PDF)

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)


Experienced. Expert. Equity-driven.

Earn your doctorate from Washington’s premiere Ed.D. program.

Learn from distinguished faculty supported by hundreds of alumni transforming education across the state and nation.

Statewide program delivery

Courses originate on one of the WSU campuses (Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver) and are available to students at all other WSU campuses via WSU’s videoconferencing system. Some courses may be taught using a hybrid model or augmented through online and/or alternative forms of videoconferencing. Attending classes synchronously via Zoom might be possible for students who live 50+ miles from a WSU campus.

Further details can be found in information below.

Program requirements

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Application

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Program objectives

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Ed.D. Handbooks

Textbooks

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership


Move your K-12 leadership skill set from basic to advanced!

The Ph.D. program focuses on developing and applying theoretical and research knowledge and skills in the field of K-12 educational leadership. The program is recommended for students who intend to become professors and/or to conduct empirical research in other professional roles. All Ph.D. students are encouraged to focus their research on problems of practice in K-12 schools.

The program of study for the Ph.D. requires:

  • A total of 72 semester hours.
  • At least 42 semester hours of graded course work.
  • At least 24 semester hours of EdAd 800 for completion.
  • Defense of the doctoral dissertation.
  • In addition to core courses in Educational Administration, a cognate area of at least nine semester hours of graded coursework is required; the cognate may consist of a special emphasis within the College of Education (e.g., educational psychology, cultural studies) or outside the College of Education (e.g., anthropology, political science, economics, public administration).

Ed leadership PhD handbook

Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Educational Leadership – Pullman


Ed.M. at WSU Pullman

Coursework

The Ed.M. program requires successful completion of graded coursework and a pass/fail comprehensive exam. Coursework is distributed across three areas: foundations, research and leadership. A typical program of study looks like this:

  • ED_PSYCH 505: Research Methods
  • ED_AD 503: Values and Ethics in Education
  • ED_AD 507: Social Foundations of Education
  • ED_AD 509: Leading School Improvement*
  • ED_AD 516: Instructional and Curricular Leadership*
  • ED_AD 522: Race and Representation in Education
  • ED_AD 580: School Organization and Administration
  • ED_AD 583: Community and Communications*
  • ED_AD 585: Financial Management in Education*
  • ED_AD 588: The Law and Education*
  • ED_AD 589: Leadership Development Seminar*
  • ED_AD 702: Master’s Exam

*Indicates courses required for the Administrator Certificate

Master’s Exam (ED_AD 702)

This is a take-home exam based on a case study and students are evaluated on their ability to synthesize their learnings in coursework. The exam is completed over four weeks and asks students to write a response that shows the multiple leadership lenses through which issues identified in the case study would be addressed. The evaluation of the exam (pass/fail).

Alignment with Certification Programs

The Ed.M. program is closely aligned with the Administrator Certificate programs. All required graded courses for the certificate can be applied to the Ed.M. program of study. Combining the Ed.M. degree with the Administrator Certificate increases the total required credits from 35 to 41. Course sequences are designed to permit students to complete both the degree and certificate in approximately three years.

Application and admissions

Applications for the Ed.M. program as well as the combined Ed.M. plus Administrator Certificate are revised and available in January of each year. For more information, or to request an application, please contact the appropriate academic coordinator.

Pullman/Spokane: Kellie LaGrutta, lagrutta@wsu.edu, 509-358-7942

Both the Ed.M. program and the Ed.M. plus Administrator Certificate programs admit students to begin in either summer (May) or fall (August).

  • Summer applicants: submit applications by March 1, but no later than April 1. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis through April 15.
  • Fall applicants: submit applications by June 1, but no later than July 1. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis through August 1

NOTE: Degree and certification programs in Educational Leadership do not accept state of Washington tuition waivers. This includes the following graduate programs: Ed.M., M.A., Ed.D., and Ph.D., as well as these certification programs: principal, program administrator, and superintendent.

 

As described in the handbook, applicants must complete the departmental application form as part of the application packet.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Leadership


One degree across all four campuses.

The Master of Arts Degree (M.A.) in Educational Leadership can be completed on all four campuses.

The M.A. is recommended for students who plan to subsequently pursue a doctoral program.

The program of study for the M.A. requires:

  • Thirty semester hours.
  • At least 21 semester hours of graded course work.
  • At least four semester hours of EdAd 700 for completion.
  • Defense of the master’s thesis.

Students who are interested in the M.A. may personalize their program by choosing an emphasis in K-12 educational leadership.

This degree is offered at Pullman campus.

Ed leadership master’s degree handbook

As described in the handbook, applicants must complete the departmental application form as part of the application packet.

FROM SPOKANE PAGE

Master’s in Educational Leadership

Master’s degree options in educational leadership include the Master in Education (Ed.M.), a non-thesis degree designed for professional educators preparing for leadership positions in K-12 schools, and the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.), a thesis degree designed for professional educators who plan to subsequently pursue a research-based doctoral program.

WSU’s master’s degree programs in Educational Leadership have several unique features:

Statewide program delivery

Master’s degree students can access courses and work with advisers through all of WSU’s campuses (Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver).

A practitioner-scholar approach

Program content combines the best of both worlds—issues important to professional educators who are preparing for leadership positions in K-12 schools and the scholarship that can help to analyze and address these issues. The program faculty blends the strengths of academic scholars and experienced practitioners; while several faculty members are highly successful, experienced administrators, others are highly regarded academic scholars. Both contribute to the central purpose of the program, to prepare practitioner-scholars for leadership for school improvement.

Alignment with Certification Programs

WSU’s Educational Leadership master’s degree programs are closely aligned with the Principal and Program Administrator certification programs. All required graded courses for these certification programs can be applied to the master’s degree program of study. Course sequences are designed to permit students at any of WSU’s campuses to complete both the master’s degree and the principal or program administrator certification program within two or three years.

Master of Education degree (Ed.M.)

The Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership is a non-thesis degree program designed for professional educators preparing for leadership positions in K-12 schools. For the Ed.M. degree, the Program of Study requires a minimum of 35 semester hours, including at least 33 hours of graded coursework and 2 hours of EdAd 702 for completion of a master’s comprehensive examination.

Master of Arts degree (M.A.)

The Master of Arts Degree in Education is a thesis degree program designed for professional educators who plan to subsequently pursue a research-based doctoral program (Ph.D.). For the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree, the Program of Study requires a minimum of 30 semester hours, including at least 20 hours of graded coursework and 4 hours of EdAd 700 for completion and defense of the master’s thesis. The application process for the MA degree requires an interview to explore research interests with program faculty.

Application Process

Please note that application is a multi-step process and often takes four to six weeks to complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Steps to application:

  • Apply online to the WSU Graduate School for acceptance to the university.
  • Submit supplemental materials to the department for acceptance into the degree program.

Application deadlines:

  • June 30, last day to apply for fall semester (August start)

For application instructions, please refer to the Checklist and Instructions for Admission Requirements provided with the application packet.

Important note. Programs in Educational Leadership (EdM, MA, principal certification, superintendent certification, EdD and PHD) do not accept state tuition waivers.

 

Educational Leadership Overview


We’re a dynamic statewide program!

Education touches every corner of the state. So why shouldn’t we?

As we help prepare the leaders necessary to meet student needs in our current K-12 landscape, here are a few of the highlights:

  • WSU’s Educational Leadership program is one of 70 doctoral-granting programs nationwide selected for membership in the University Council for Educational Administration, a national consortium dedicated to the improvement of educational leadership preparation and practice. WSU’s graduate students have the opportunity to participate in UCEA’s annual convention and other professional activities.
  • WSU’s administrator certification programs are organized around the National Educational Leadership Program (NELP) standards, which have been adopted as the certification standards for Washington State licensure.
  • Priority deadline is January 10 for fall admission. Apply.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education

Master of Education (Ed.M.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Superintendent Certification

Principal Certification

Program Administrator Certification

COE Graduate Application Checklists/Info


The College of Education applications are program-specific.

We have multiple programs with different application deadlines, priority deadlines, etc. While each application is fulfilled in GradCAS, the information needed on each may vary. It’s vital that the applicant know each program’s dates and information.

Applications received prior to the respective program’s deadline will have first priority for full enrollment consideration, as well as for consideration for assistantships and funding. Applications received after the deadlines may be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Doctoral Programs

Master’s Programs

Graduate Certificates and Administrator Credential

Donor Profile Debbie Killinger


Sept. 2009

For Debbie Killinger, charity is a matter of heart and homework

By Julie Titone

Debbie Killinger has only recently taken an interest in jaguars.  But the Seattle philanthropist has a long history of helping Cougars.

Woodland Park Zoo’s jaguar breeding program is just one of many causes that she supports in her hometown. She also extends her generosity beyond the Puget Sound, notably to Pullman and Washington State University.  This year, she gained Benefactor status for having donated more than $100,000 to WSU’s College of Education.

Most of that money funds annual scholarships, some of which are designated for single mothers. Killinger was moved by a request from Judy Mitchell, late dean of the college, to help single moms continue their education.

“When I agreed to do it, I realized that if I were at a different point in my life when I divorced, I would have been a single mom,” she said. “Judy Mitchell got to me.”

Killinger also supports scholarships for students of color because, she said, “Milt Lang and Sam Smith got to me.”  Lang is WSU’s associate vice president of student life, and helped establish the Future Cougars of Color and Future Teachers and Leaders of Color programs.  Smith is WSU president emeritus and a longtime friend of Killinger and her ex-husband Kerry Killinger, former Washington Mutual Bank president.

“We were among the first people Sam met when he came to WSU,” Killinger said.

Although both of her sons attended Washington State, Killinger didn’t earn a college degree. Instead, she married right after graduation from North High School in Des Moines, Iowa, which has benefited from her contributions. She also supports the arts and several human services agencies, including the Seattle Men’s and Women’s choruses, the Bailey-Boushay hospice for AIDS patients, and the Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Before giving to any non-profit, she researches organizations by reading their tax returns, checking with the secretary of state’s office, and learning how they are ranked by charity rating organizations, such as Guidestar.

“I take giving very seriously,” she said. “Every year I set a budget. I keep records.”

“Debbie’s attention to her giving is so appreciated,” said Kim Holapa, College of Education development director. “The fact that she’s supporting our students through scholarships means that she trusts us and values the students.”

Debbie doesn’t deny the emotional component of her decisions to give. Most gifts result from personal contacts and, often, personal involvement.  For example, she served on the board of a school for homeless children and lent her support to the Foundation for Early Learning because Jeanne Anderson, the former executive director, “was very nurturing.”

She specifically recalls the warmth of Smith, and walking around the Pullman campus with him when he was president.

“People were hitting him up to buy raffle tickets,” she said.  “There’s a small town feel combined with a college that does a great job. That’s part of what draws me to WSU.”