Leadership, Ed.D. (Ed.S. or ABD to Ed.D. Pathway)

Individuals who have completed an Ed.S. degree or have completed all doctoral coursework but not completed the dissertation (ABD) are eligible for this pathway. The courses listed are to be completed at ACE to earn an Ed.D. in Leadership. Please note: students who have not completed at least 6 credits in research prior to enrolling at ACE will need to take additional research credits per the Prior Credit Considerations Grid found here .

Program Description

The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership prepares students to contribute to their professional communities as leaders who address real-world problems through evidence-based decision-making. Doctoral students select a focus of study to complement their leadership degree coursework. In addition to high quality, project-based coursework, students will conduct original research in leadership under the direction of a dissertation committee and doctoral faculty.

Program Outcomes

Collaborate in diverse communities and learn how to build partnerships within and across organizations.
Contribute to solutions for complex problems of practice with actions based upon professional models, theories, and research.
Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership.
Demonstrate evidence-based decision-making, integrating principles of equity, ethics, and social justice of civic concern in local and global communities.
Develop and utilize personal- and organization-level knowledge and skills.
Demonstrate mastery of content knowledge through the utilization of critical and creative thinking.
Demonstrate competence in the application of multiple research methods.
Contribute to professional knowledge bases through the dissemination of applied research.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership program is to utilize evidence-based learning, application-based problem solving, and leadership development in an innovative and high-quality educational experience. The program prepares students to lead and serve in global, evolving, and diverse communities.

Credits Transferred from Prior Education (27 Semester Credits)

Course List (37 Total Semester Credits)

Leadership Courses (21 Semester Credits)

LEAD6001 - Introduction to Advanced Studies (1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format) (Initial Course)
LEAD6011 - Leadership as a Reflective Practice (1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format)
LEAD6021 - Leadership Seminar (1 Semester Credit; 5-wk Format)
LEAD6113 - Ethical Leadership and Social Justice
LEAD6123 - Management of Financial Resources
LEAD6133 - Models of Leadership and Coaching
LEAD6143 - Strategic Operations Planning and Innovation
LEAD6163 - Management of Human Capital
LEAD6323 - Organizational Behavior and Culture

Research Courses (6 Semester Credits, 2 Courses Required)

Two courses will be required based on transcript review. If a student does not have 6 research credits on their transcript (rare) additional credits could be required.

Dissertation Courses (10 Semester Credits)

Additional Support Courses (if required or desired)

Courses may be required if progression is not achieved in courses OR students can elect to take courses to support their progress. If an Ed.D. student is required to take either the Research or Dissertation Boot Camp (RES6223 or RES6233) course, they will be charged for the tuition and fees associated with the Boot Camp course and not the tuition and fees associated with the dissertation sequence course they are retaking with the boot camp (RES6512, RES6521, RES6531, RES6541, or RES6551).

CITI Training

All students pursuing advanced degrees are required to have completed a certificate of completion for the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) in Human Subjects Research. There will be no additional fee. This is strongly recommended for students who anticipate conducting dissertation research involving human subjects. The CITI offers training modules for a Social-Behavioral-Educational (SBE) track, as well as additional modules of interest. More information can be found in Student Commons. Scroll down under Doc Program Resources where you will find the CITI Program Guide.

This program also offers two additional pathways for students transferring in a completed Ed.S. degree or entering as an “All But Dissertation” (ABD) student.

A student with a confirmed 3.0 GPA in an Ed.S. program or has been confirmed to have completed all Ed.D. work besides their dissertation (ABD) at a 3.0 GPA are eligible to transfer their prior coursework/degree to ACE in its entirety and complete. Please see the Ed.S. or ABD to Ed.D. Pathway option.

Note

This program is neither designed nor approved (as of the publication date of this Catalog) to prepare students for licensure, certification, or endorsement in any state.
Check availability in your state on the Programs by State section of the ACE website.
This pathway does not include a Focus of Study. Please note that if you are a Georgia educator seeking an in-field certificate upgrade, you may require a concentration (Focus Of Study) in a field in which you are currently certified. This may be determined by utilizing the Georgia Professional Standards Commission - Certificate Upgrade Advisor site.