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Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership

Organizational Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Track

Doctorate of Education Program Overview

The School of Education offers a graduate program in Organizational Justice, Equity, & Inclusion (OJEI) track   leading to an Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.). Beginning in the Fall of 2021, the doctoral program has two options. The newest option is an innovative, interdisciplinary track entitled Organizational Justice, Equity, & Inclusion. This doctoral track is designed for current and aspiring leaders interested in creating a more just and equitable future in a variety of organizational, community, non-profit, and educational settings. Our theory-in-practice (or praxis) focus equips scholar-practitioners to effectively lead change within organizations.

Courses are delivered through a cohort model aimed at accommodating the needs of full-time professionals. Classes are generally synchronous and blended to offer both face-to-face and livestream learning. This blended learning environment is generally offered through a Weekend Academy format. For example, some classes meet on Saturdays (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sundays (8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). Others meet fewer livestream or face-to-face hours and require more asynchronous learning. A 3-credit class generally meets three weekends per semester and Students generally take two courses each semester. The OJEI track offers Livestream synchronous learning.

The interdisciplinary Ed.D. option in Organizational Justice, Equity, & Inclusion was established by nationally renowned faculty who consult, serve, and produce scholarship on leadership and organizational justice.  The program was developed to realize global distinction as an incubator for leaders and change agents with a deep sense of equity and justice. This aspiration is premised on providing an excellent scholar-practitioner educational experience that creates forward-looking critical students imbued with confidence, engaged in deep learning, and creating value with other people based on acquired knowledge and leadership skills.

Degree Requirements

Western Illinois University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) degree will provide professionals with the skills needed to lead schools, and create a more just and equitable future in a variety of other organizational, community, non-profit, and educational settings. Students can begin doctoral study after acquiring a master’s degree and then completing the program of study.

Registration

There must be continuous registration from the time of the dissertation research proposal approval until degree completion. During the period of time in which you complete the degree, there must be registration for some type of credit hour(s) (e.g., a course or dissertation hours).

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete each core course with a grade of "B" or better or a grade of "S" for those courses graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. The Ed.S. program must be completed within eight years of the initiation of doctoral coursework. In addition, before being awarded the degree, each student must satisfy the following:

• Successful completion of EDL 770, Comprehensive Examination, before a student may proceed to candidacy
• Successful completion of EDL 790, Dissertation (12 sh)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 60 s.h.

Doctoral Comprehensive Examination

A candidacy examination, administered each term by the graduate faculty in Educational Leadership is required of all students in the doctoral program near the end of coursework. The examination includes sections on research skills and learning theory as well as in the major area of specialization. The OJEI track has an alternative comprehensive exam option focused on research and a potential dissertation topic. Students have two opportunities to successfully complete the candidacy exam. If the first attempt is unsuccessful, the graduate committee will determine the appropriate remediation. The outcome of the second attempt is final. Students must be enrolled for at least one credit hour in the term in which they take their candidacy exam. Students are admitted to candidacy following successful completion of the examination and may begin to enroll in EDL 790. Students must request a dissertation chair within the first semester after admission to candidacy.

Dissertation Chair and Committee

Upon admission to candidacy and prior to beginning work on the dissertation, candidates are invited to give preferences for their dissertation chairs. Given the different focus of the Pk-12 and Organizational Justice, Equity, & Inclusion tracks, candidates and students should consult the Doctoral Student Handbook for clarification on committee membership guidelines. The Dissertation Chair Appointment Form must be on file at the Graduate School by the end of the first term of registration for EDL 790.

Dissertation and Oral Defense

A dissertation represents a substantial contribution to knowledge in the candidate’s major field of study. Candidates for the doctoral degree are expected to conduct original scholarship appropriate to the field of educational leadership and to communicate the results of their research effectively. Following completion of the written dissertation and with the approval of the dissertation committee, a public presentation of the research is scheduled, followed immediately by an oral defense of the dissertation. This final examination of the candidate and the research is conducted by the dissertation committee, in accordance with the guidelines of the Graduate School. Successful completion of the oral defense is usually the final major step prior to graduation.

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