Graduate Programs
Doctor of Education
Instructional Leadership, Management, and Innovation
Doctor of Education
Your next chapter starts in three years! West Liberty University’s accelerated and affordable Doctor of Education program will prepare you for your next leadership role. This program will conduct practice-based research with a dissertation that you can implement in your current or new career. Throughout this program, you will work on your dissertation from the day you start to the day you graduate. WLU offers this doctorate program as an online program with two short on-campus seminars in the summer months. Become the leaders of tomorrow in the West Liberty University Doctorate of Education Instructional, Leadership, Management, and Innovation program.
To empower our doctoral candidates to serve as productive, creative leaders in schools, the community, and the workforce through an innovative and research-based professional education program.
“WLU is proud to continue the tradition of being a leader in education. The institution began as a teacher’s college and continues to impact growth in education and leadership through the practical implementation of research” Cathy Monteroso, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs/Provost.
“This program is an accelerated three-year, online degree that will allow working professionals the opportunity to use research and leadership skills to make a positive impact on their career and contribute to the research bases in their field of study,” said Nicole Ennis, Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance
“For those looking to excel, build, and advance in their current or future careers, the opportunity has never been faster or more affordable than what WLU has built in the first ever doctoral program at this highly ranked and respected institution,” notes Dr. Richard Whitehead, Interim Chair of Graduate Teaching and Learning.
Program Overview
The educational objective of the Ed.D. program is to provide a curriculum leading to a Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership, Management, and Innovation. This terminal degree is designed for students who are interested in advancing their leadership careers in a variety of marketable industries, such as but not limited to K-12 / higher education, healthcare, law enforcement, and business. Upon graduating, students will be well-versed in a variety of skill sets that will prepare them to become leaders within the workforce, school, or other institutions to conduct research that positively impacts the greater community within our region.
The EdD costs just $595 per credit hour and the entire program is 60 credits in length. It is anticipated that each cohort will consist of 10-15 doctoral students.
Experts in the Field
In your second year of the WLU doctorate program, you will be assigned a dissertation chair that is a leader in education and their field.
Practice-Based Dissertation
Throughout your doctoral journey you will complete workplace needs assessments to assist with solving an organization’s problem through qualitative or quantitative research.
Accelerated Program
Research, build, and write your dissertation throughout the program, allowing you to obtain your Ed.D. in just three years!
On-Campus Seminars
The program has two built-in Summer seminars allowing for an intensive, yet valuable experience to help propel you to graduation.
Upcoming Start Dates
May 12, 2025
May 2026
Admissions Requirements
- Official transcripts of any bachelor’s degree and master’s degree. Must have a graduate G.P.A of 3.25 required, 3.5 preferred from a regionally accredited institution
- Resume that is up-to-date
- Three reference contacts
- Writing Prompt submit a writing prompt, prompt determined by committee.
- Interview with application committee if selected
Additional Information
Ed.D Handbook
Cost
To find out more information about the cost of our program, you can visit the Business Office Website.
Contact
Dr. Richard Whitehead
Chair, Graduate Teaching and Learning
Main Hall 308B
304-336-8486
Richard.Whitehead@westliberty.edu
Find out more about the Doctor of Education Degree at WLU
Gainful Employment Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges to disclose specific information to students in a certificate program. This is called a Gainful Employment Disclosure.
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