Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2023-2024 Graduate Academic Catalog
Program Type : Non-Term ( The EdD program in Educational Leadership is non-term . Courses run yearround , independent of any term structure .) Program Modality : Online with On-Ground Residencies
• First Doctoral Residency consists of an intensive weekend at the beginning of the program .
• Second Doctoral Residency consists of an intensive week during the summer following enrollment in the program .
• Third Doctoral Residency , typically one week in length , includes participation in an international educational conference .
Program Director / Coordinator : Dr . Raymond Bandlow
Description : The Doctorate in Educational Leadership ( EdD ) program is presented in an accelerated cohort model , delivered online with three residencies . It is built upon a foundation of coursework essential to leadership in any educational venue . This foundation is organized in nine courses , three credit hours each , for a total of twenty-seven ( 27 ) credit hours . Students will also elect one of three ( 3 ) areas of concentration , organized in five ( 5 ) classes for a total of fifteen ( 15 ) credit hours . All students will also enroll in four ( 4 ) directed study dissertation advisement courses for a total of twelve credit hours . The course of study totals fifty-four ( 54 ) credit hours . The three areas of concentration are as follows :
• Leadership in Pk-12 School and School Districts
• Leadership in Higher Education
• Leadership in Special Education
The purpose of the program , which can be completed in less than three years , is to impart in students the skills , knowledge , and attitudes necessary to fulfill leadership roles in U . S . and international schools , school districts , colleges , universities , and nonprofit organizations that support education . This program develops the next generation of educational leadership . Schools , higher education , and education- related organizations are challenged to address the needs of diverse learners and to raise the achievement bar for all students . More is expected of the next generation of educational leaders than ever before . Through a rigorous course of studies , an international perspective , field-based research , and an ethical foundation , graduates will be prepared to lead educational organizations and transform them to meet the needs of all learners in an increasingly global economy and diverse , global society .
Textbooks and Residency Costs Included : All required textbooks are provided to students at no additional cost . Most meals during the residencies are provided at no additional cost . For the First Doctoral Residency , transportation , and lodging ( if needed ) are at the expense of the student . For the Second Doctoral Residency , transportation is at the expense of the student , but lodging is provided at no additional cost . For the Third Doctoral Residency , transportation , lodging , conference fees , most meals , and related experiences are provided at no additional cost .
Preparation for Professional Licensure : The doctoral program in leadership with Pk-12 concentration includes content courses for Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility certification . This concentration also includes courses that may be applied toward Pennsylvania K-12 Principal certification and / or Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction certification . The doctoral program in educational leadership with special
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