NOTE: The Cohort EdD Program takes applications every three or four years. The applications will not be acccepted for the
2013-2014 academic year.  
 

The EdD program in Educational Administration is a cohort-based program intended to develop highly competent leaders for senior administrative positions in school systems, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions (such as the Ministry of Education). The program is specifically designed to help working professional educators develop the intellectual and research skills to refine their practice as leaders in school systems and in higher education. Candidates for this program have the opportunity to undertake a significant academic accomplishment while continuing to work at their current roles.

 

The focus of the program is on advanced, theory-informed, professional practice and accordingly, this program values the world of practice as a rich field for research and reflective practice. Reflective practice is used as the lens through which advanced theory and research on policy, leadership, change, and social diversity are applied to practical administrative problems. The program is designed to satisfy the needs of leaders who recognize the need for further professional inquiry and analysis to deal with the increasing complexity of problems related to the operation of educational organizations. Through their studies in this program, candidates will seek to understand theory, make research-informed decisions, examine their own practice, critically evaluate policy, and engage others in collaborative endeavours to improve student learning.

 

Candidates to this program may be from higher education, elementary and secondary schools, and other educational institutions. Diversity is valued and encouraged in order to build wider understandings of the work in educational leadership across organizations. Candidates should be aware this program takes a minimum of three years to complete and includes a thesis requirement.

 

Key aspects of the EdD program include the following:

-          Cohort: The program is cohort-based in order to encourage the development of networking and communication skills, to build a collegial community of practice and quality connections between students and faculty.

-          Sequence: In order to support the cohort model, there is a specified sequence to the recommended courses,

-          Practice: The courses are based in the practice of educational administration and focus on reflective practice. Knowledge and theory are applied to address issues and problems the administrators are facing in their work.

-          Research: This program encourages candidates to lead future research and evaluation work in educational settings. There is, in addition, a strong reflective practice basis to the course offerings, including one reflective practice course.