The Cabrini University School of Education is now offering its Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) program in a second modality: a new fully online option, in addition to the well-established hybrid format. Building on the success of the hybrid EdD, the online option will allow the University to provide the same high-quality academic programming to a wider group of students without the limitations of geographic location.
Each modality features an identical, rigorous, and research-based curriculum that promotes a social justice focus addressing today’s pressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Cabrini’s mission includes a commitment to social justice as well as academic excellence and leadership development—critical components for educational leaders seeking a terminal degree in the field.
“Our EdD program attracts students who are agents of change in their schools and districts, with a real focus on social justice and equitable environments,” said Beverly R. Bryde, EdD, Dean of the School of Education. “They connect in our community of like-minded scholars, and that will continue in the online space.”
The online program will feature a collaborative, interactive environment fostered by a cohort model of learning, which is also integral to the hybrid program. Online students will meet in synchronous classes throughout each semester, providing opportunities to network with fellow students, share work-life experiences, and benefit from intensive faculty support.
Professor of Education and Educational Leadership Department Chair Alia Sheety, PhD, says half of Cabrini’s EdD students come from underrepresented populations. The University is a member of The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), whose mission is to “transform the advanced preparation of educational professionals to lead through scholarly practice for the improvement of individuals and communities.”
“With a diverse group of students enrolled, each cohort is enriched by sharing with peers and faculty who are actively involved in local educational communities,” she said. “Doctoral students shift from being consumers of knowledge to being researchers, knowledge creators, and curators with support from involved faculty who actively mentor students.”
Guided by their faculty mentors, students have authored dissertations on issues such as gender identity, racial injustice in PreK–12 settings, challenges facing minority students in higher education institutions, standardized testing, and leadership in teacher preparation.
“The structure of the EdD program allowed me pursue topics of interest that related to my dissertation in every single course,” said Derrick Wood (EdD’20), an award-winning chemistry teacher in the Tredyffrin/Easttown, PA, School District. “The broad, applicable assignments and readings helped me to establish a foundation for my eventual dissertation from my first course to the very end of the three-year program.”
Cabrini’s EdD program is competitively priced and offered in a convenient eight-week format. Students can complete their doctorate in as few as three years but may take longer if needed. Concentrations in the following areas are available:
- PK-12 District Leadership with Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility
- PK-12 School Leadership with Pennsylvania PreK-12 Administrative I Certification
- Curriculum and Instruction Leadership with Pennsylvania Curriculum and Instruction Supervisory certificate.
- Higher Education Leadership
- Educational Leadership (general, non-certificate)
“Pursuing a doctoral degree is one of the most important decisions that you embark on during your professional journey,” said School of Education Assistant Dean Ronald W. Whitaker II, EdD, Associate Professor of Education. “We are excited about continuing to graduate educational leaders who are teachers, innovators, change agents, disruptors, and collaborators.”
Applications are due May 5 for the next hybrid cohort, which begins May 22, 2023.
Visit our Doctorate of Educational Leadership webpage to learn more about Cabrini University’s new online and traditional hybrid options.
Questions? Contact Graduate Admissions, graduate@cabrini.edu or 610.902.8501. For program-specific inquiries, email the Department of Educational Leadership at as3752@cabrini.edu.