Educational Leadership-Principal Preparation (EdD)
As a principal, you'll have the opportunity to lead a school community and create programs and initiatives with a last impact on students, tackling equity issues along the way.
Designed by Loyola’s School of Education faculty along with community partners, the Educational Leadership Principal Preparation EdD ensures all candidates acquire the skills necessary to be effective, justice-oriented, school principals. Through focused, in-depth coursework, candidates gain skills, perspectives, and knowledge for immediate application towards positively transforming schools, and improving student performance.
CURRICULUM
This program is for students who already have a Master's degree and are seeking principal licensure. Students admitted to this program must be practicing educators or administrators with at least two years of work experience in the field. The program is 72 credit hours (48 credit hours of completed coursework and 24 transfer hours from completed Master's work).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Licensure Courses | ||
| ELPS 406 | Foundations Using Data for Continuous Improvement | 3 |
| ELPS 407 | Leading for Data-based Decision Making | 3 |
| ELPS 408 | Leading for Diversity | 3 |
| ELPS 471 | MTSS for Instructional Leaders | 3 |
| ELPS 474 | Curriculum Development for Instructional Leaders | 3 |
| ELPS 481 | Mission Driven Leadership for Principals | 3 |
| ELPS 482 | School Supervision for Principals | 3 |
| ELPS 483 | Human and Fiscal Resource for Principals | 3 |
| ELPS 484 | School Law, Policy Formation, and Community Involvement | 3 |
| Required Internship Courses | ||
| ELPS 566 | Principal Internship One | 3 |
| ELPS 567 | Principal Internship Two | 3 |
| Required Educational Research Courses | ||
| RMTD 400 | Introduction to Research Methodology | 3 |
| RMTD 404 | Introduction to Educational Statistics | 3 |
| RMTD 406 | Educational Evaluation | 3 |
| CIEP 488 | Participatory Action Research (PAR) in Schools and Communities | 3 |
| ELPS 620 | Dissertation Research (Capstone Research) | 3 |
| ELPS 600 | Dissertation Supervision (Capstone Supervision) | 0 |
| Total Hours | 48 | |
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Course offerings are contingent upon enrollment.
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| ELPS 481 | Mission Driven Leadership for Principals | 3 |
| ELPS 482 | School Supervision for Principals | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| ELPS 471 | MTSS for Instructional Leaders | 3 |
| ELPS 474 | Curriculum Development for Instructional Leaders | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| ELPS 483 | Human and Fiscal Resource for Principals | 3 |
| ELPS 484 | School Law, Policy Formation, and Community Involvement | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ELPS 406 | Foundations Using Data for Continuous Improvement | 3 |
| ELPS 566 | Principal Internship One | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| ELPS 407 | Leading for Data-based Decision Making | 3 |
| ELPS 567 | Principal Internship Two | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| ELPS 400 | Inquiry Into Educational Policy | 3 |
| ELPS 408 or ELPS 465 |
Leading for Diversity or Workshop (Variable Topics) |
3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| RMTD 404 | Introduction to Educational Statistics | 3 |
| RMTD 406 | Educational Evaluation | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| CIEP 488 | Participatory Action Research (PAR) in Schools and Communities | 3 |
| ELPS 620 | Dissertation Research (Capstone Research) | 3 |
| ELPS 600 | Dissertation Supervision (Capstone Supervision) | 0 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 48 | |
Program Features
- Successful completion of capstone project under the supervision of full-time faculty
- Two semesters of internship experience
- Earn ISBE Principal Endorsement
Program Format
The Principal Preparation EdD is an online program which means that all courses, including internship, are offered online. All advising sessions for leadership development and support will be hosted online.
Program Length
Most students complete the program in three years. Students take two courses per semester and are able to complete the required coursework in less than three years (including summer enrollment). The length of time for the capstone project depends upon the topic and the diligence of the student. Candidates for the Doctor of Education degree (EdD) have a maximum of seven years to complete the degree.
If students are unable to work on the degree for a period of more than one semester, they should request an official leave of absence from the program. Students who need more time to complete the degree must file for an official extension of time; the student's advisor will then recommend either a leave of absence or an extension.
Transfer/Advanced Standing Credits
Each student will have the opportunity to transfer a maximum of 36 semester hours of previous coursework towards the required 72 semester hours. Upon being accepted to the EdD program, each student may request the Educational Leadership Program Chair to review transcripts to determine which, if any, courses can count toward the EdD program.
Illinois Licensure Requirements
Candidates in all programs leading to Illinois licensure are required to pass an Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), ILTS 195 and 196 through the Illinois State Board of Education, the appropriate endorsement exam, and a State Criminal Background Check.
Continuous Enrollments
Doctoral students in Educational Leadership are required to maintain the status of continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each student must enroll in at least one course. A formal leave of absence may be granted upon request and the approval of the School of Education’s Assistant Dean of Student Academic Affairs.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
You will benefit from Loyola's comprehensive EdD program that focuses on four core areas: partnerships with districts and communities, scholarly inquiry, facilitation of greater access to quality schooling, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Graduates of this program will demonstrate the ability to:
- Implement tactics designed to positively transform schools and improve student performance;
- Facilitate data-driven decision making across a spectrum of specific areas in your school;
- Promote the success, health, and welfare of all students and teachers in your school building;
- Embrace continuous improvement through data use, technology, values, equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community;
- Apply tools and strategies to address social justice and equity issues that may exist within your school.