Chair's Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Educational Leadership, where we prepare students to develop educational practices and communities that are committed to institutional and community transformation, equity, and social justice. Our interest is in the study of education and leadership across educational K-16 systems. Faculty and students in the department share a common interest in linking research and practice, in the intellectual study of schools, as well as in the cultural, social, and political contexts of schools, colleges/universities, and their communities.

The overarching areas of focus for graduate programs are K-12 educational leadership and leadership in student affairs in higher education. Our department offers master’s degrees in School Leadership and Student Affairs in Higher Education (SAHE). We also offer three doctoral degrees: Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership, Curriculum, and Culture; Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Interdisciplinary Studies; and a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership. Two K-12 administrative licensure programs are also offered through the department. Our graduate coursework is primarily based on the content areas of K-12 schooling and higher education viewed through different cultural and theoretical lenses including critical race theory, feminist studies, organizational and leadership theory, student development theory, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and the history of education.

Our graduates follow professional paths including administrative positions as a college president or school superintendent, consultant, school founder, teacher leader or supervisor, school principal, college professor, or student affairs professional. Many of our graduate students come to us as a part of a life or career change or to follow, more deeply, an intellectual interest. Recent studies in EDL have developed research interests in such topics as youth culture and educational practice, math, and science education, women in educational leadership, African American spirituality in education, school-community partnerships, and service learning and civic activism.

Our undergrad programs include a Community, Leadership, and Social Change minor and an Outdoor Leadership certificate. We also sponsor a number of courses housed in the Division of Student Affairs in the areas of leadership, service learning, career development, and university life. Undergraduate alumni pursue careers in the education and non-profit sectors, educational policy research, youth programming, and other areas.

Please feel free to visit our main office at McGuffey Hall 304, or contact any of our faculty or staff with further questions.