Educational Leadership Principal Endorsement EdD Online

You'll grow in knowledge of the four core principles of our program: commitment to partnerships with districts and communities, scholarly inquiry to advance transformative district leadership practices, facilitation of greater access to quality schooling for all students, and cultivation of commitment to improve and further district, school, familial, and community capacities.

You'll become an expert in tactics to positively transform schools and improve student performance. You'll learn how to facilitate data-driven decision making in your school community, and engage in tangible, real-world internship experience to put these ideas into practice.

You'll be transformed into a leader who promotes the success, health, and welfare of each student and adult, embracing continuous improvement through data-use, technology, values, equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community. And, you'll be a leader equipped with the tools and strategies to address social justice and equity issues pervasive in school systems.

• 48 semester hours of completed coursework + 24 transfer hours from master’s degree = 72 total credit hours
• Successful completion of capstone project under the supervision of Full-time ADSU Faculty
• Two semesters of internship experience
• Earn ISBE Principal Endorsement
• Must be a practicing teacher or administrator with at least two years of work experience in your field
• Must be continuously enrolled in program
• Classes meet at Loyola’s Cuneo Campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-8 pm or on Saturdays from 9 am-4 pm (five times per semester)

Most students complete the program in four 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.

Continuous Enrollments
Doctoral students in administration and supervision 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.

Candidates in all programs leading to Illinois licensure are required to pass an Illinois Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), the appropriate endorsement exam, and a State Criminal Background Check.