Educational Leadership
"The most advantageous aspect of the program for me and my district was the field study. I learned how to conduct field research in preparation for my dissertation and developed professional relationships that exist today. My district was able to design a study with no expense and no bias."
Degree Programs
Wichita State University offers two degree programs in Educational Leadership:
Master's in Educational Leadership (33 credit hour program)
The WSU Master's Degree in Educational Leadership is a 33 hour, two-year program, with cohort groups forming each fall school session. Master's Degree instruction focuses on developing and practicing administrative knowledge, skills, dispositions and competencies in applied learning settings. In the fall and spring semesters, students enroll in Leadership Seminar classes and one Building Level Leadership Practicum class. Seminar and practicum classes meet on WSU's Main Campus on Monday evenings.
Doctorate in Educational Leadership (55 credit hour program)
- Cohort-based – 10-12 students begin the program during Summer session. Classes meet in person every Wednesday from 12:00pm - 6:00pm during the academic year. Summer courses are offered in hybrid format. The entirety of the program cannot be completed online.
- Three-year, 55 hour program: Students take two years of coursework together and the third year is dedicated to the dissertation.
- Students and faculty conduct research projects for local educational institutions. Results of the studies are disseminated to local, state, and national audiences through presentations and publications.
- Significant support is provided through the dissertation process and consequently we have a very high completion rate.
Doctorate in Educational Leadership - Educational Psychology Track (55 credit hour program)
The Educational Leadership track in Educational Psychology crosses disciplines in offering an EdD degree to individuals interested in understanding and shaping learning, thinking, problem solving in diverse settings such as schools, workplaces, higher education, industry and other institutions or organizations.
Program highlights:
- Customizable Emphasis
- Flexible Course Delivery (not entirely online)
- Advanced Research Methods/Analytics
- Applied Studies/Learning Opportunities
| Educational Leadership | Educational Psychology | |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Aid Eligible | Yes | Yes |
| GRE Requirement | No GRE Required | No GRE Required |
| Student Composition | Cohort Model | Individually tailored program |
| Timeline | Designed to be completed in 3 years | Designed to be completed in 3 years |
| Start Time | Summer only | Fall admit |
| Application Deadline | May 1st | August 1st |
| Applied Learning Experience | Team based research | Apprenticeship |
| Educational Requirements | Graduate Degree in Education related field | Graduate Degree in Education, Psychology, or closely related field |
| Dissertation Requirement | Yes | Yes |
| Course Prerequisites | None | None (Advisor may suggest elective courses to fill knowledge gaps) |
| Assistantships | May be available | May be available |
| Can be completed entirely online |
No. While there are some online courses, in person attendence will be required for others. | No. While there are some online courses, in person attendence will be required for others. |
Graduate Certificates
WSU Educational Leadership offers three graduate certificate programs:
Building Leadership Licensure
The program coursework prepares a student for the PRAXIS licensure exams required
by the State of Kansas for application for a teacher or Building Level Leadership
license or endorsement. Completion of the PRAXIS licensure exams with a passing score
is required by the State of Kansas for a candidate applying for teacher or Building
Level Leadership license and/or endoresment.
District Leadership Licensure
This program provides an opportunity for persons who currently hold a Kansas professional
building leadership license to participate in advanced graduate training that leads
to positions as a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, or Special Education Director.
Higher Education Leadership
This graduate certificate program is designed to prepare current and prospective college
or university staff members for entry-mid level positions as administrators in two-
and four-year colleges and universities,policy makers, and student affairs professionals
in higher education to provide selected course work/degrees for individuals currently
in the field.