Department of Educational Studies & Leadership

Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Guide School Districts to Success

An effective educator wears many hats: communicator, manager, collaborator and policy maker. At Bowie State, we understand what it takes to lead, and we’re ready to help you achieve your professional goals. Our faculty members are not just instructors, they’re K-12 leaders. They’ll teach you how to navigate the politics behind the positions — from managing a school board, to creating good relationships with administrators, parents and students. BSU alumni work as teacher leads, assistant principals, principals, administrators and district leaders. Others are managing colleges or working in academic affairs. You’ll leave with the knowledge to create lasting change.

online degree option Online degree option
off-site degree optionOff-site degree option: Universities at Shady Grove

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program is designed to help you identify and solve problems for different grade levels. At Bowie State, we move beyond textbooks and teach you how to:

  • Direct organizational changes using strategic thinking and planning
  • Develop a global perspective of school operations and how to handle the nuances that come with running a school or school district
  • Manage financial resources with dwindling economies
  • Lead with technology, focusing not just on devices, but on enterprise systems
  • Focus your writing and written communication skills to meet the needs of different audiences

BSU doctoral programs combine academic coursework with research. The goal: to help you stay involved and make the program interesting, not intimidating. We have one of the highest dissertation completion rates. You could say we’re in the business of student success.

 

The Bowie State Advantage

  • Convenient Hybrid Courses: Take classes on campus, online, or a combination of both, depending on your needs. The doctorate degree program is fully online.
  • Focused faculty: Many of our instructors remain available to students after they graduate, taking on roles as coaches, mentors and research partners.
  • Expert Guidance: Our advisors are here to help, and you can connect with them in-person, on the phone or online.
  • Engagement: Connect with other students, share ideas and create a network of support.

 

Student Snapshot: Everett Davis

BSU Program: Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

Current Job:  Associate Superintendent, Family and School Services/International Admissions and Enrollment, Montgomery County Public Schools, MD

Favorite Part of the Program: The ongoing encouragement and messaging I receive. The belief that “you can do this!” Although you must take responsibility for your education, I never feel alone. We work together and will cross the finish line together.

What Attracted You to Bowie State University: The location, including a satellite campus in Montgomery County, a schedule that included Saturday classes, the flexible cohort model and overall cost of the program.

One Thing You Learned at BSU That Has Impacted Your Life or Career: The importance of not only pursuing a terminal degree, but also using it to impact education in an innovative and positive way. I also feel it’s important to maintain and support the BSU network. 

Advice for Prospective Students: After reflecting on your personal and professional circumstances/commitments, if you are considering pursuing a doctorate, be sure the program is a match for your learning style. Take the time to speak with the staff, current students, and graduates. I am pleased to say I did all of this and BSU was truly a match for me.

All of our students come to us with different work experiences. We value those experiences. Our goal is to encourage them to build on what they already know and add to it.

- Dr. Ann Hilliard, Director for Graduate Programs, Department of Educational Studies and Leadership