Educational Theory and Practice (EdD)

Program Overview

Our Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) offers a practitioner-based Doctorate of Education (EdD) in Educational Theory and Practice. The program encourages individuals to become leaders in educational theories and practices and is designed for experienced educators seeking to integrate theory, knowledge, research and practice to increase understanding and improve teaching and learning in a wide range of educational settings and related fields.

The program seeks to provide a broadening experience in the following areas:

• Reflective professional practice — critical analysis of actions, goals and ethics
• Instructional leadership — the understandings, skills and dispositions needed for the democratic transformation of schools and related settings
• Inclusive and multicultural education — the understandings, skills and dispositions needed to promote sensitivity to and affirmation of cultural and other differences among students, teachers, staff and parents
• Social analysis — the critical assessment of the dominant paradigms, institutional patterns and power inequities that shape education

Within this broadened perspective, specialized study occurs through assignments in core courses, a flexible electives requirement, independent study and dissertation research.

This track can also be paired with the Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership, which is a post-master’s program designed to train future principals and superintendents.

Changing demographics and values inevitably cause us to rethink how our children are educated, and what the best methods are to produce capable and conscientious adults. Research comparing and contrasting modern strategies can help to illuminate new directions and better integrate broader perspectives on learning. Our program focuses on both quantitative and qualitative measures of student success, and considers the historical, philosophical, and practical challenges facing education reform in the modern world.

Degrees Offered

• EdD in Educational Theory and Practice

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

As a doctoral student your seminar-oriented course of study will provide you enormous opportunity for close interaction with your professors. Members of our faculty have extensive experience in academic leadership positions, while also performing extensive research relating to all aspects of educational theory. Teaching and research assistantship opportunities will be available to you as you progress through the program, and your dissertation project will demonstrate the skills you have developed in an applied context. Elective courses will allow ample opportunity for you to individualize your course of study to better reflect your personal career goals.

The EdD program includes 7 mandatory core courses and 5 electives. Field placement is not a program requirement, but may be compulsory for some classes. The program seeks to foster constructive dialogue across interdisciplinary areas and research interests. The range of required coursework and a diverse cohort of students promote this broadening program emphasis.

The program culminates in a comprehensive examination that includes a portfolio of work, a critical reflection paper and an oral review. The main purpose is to assess a student’s knowledge of educational theory and practice, as well as the ability to undertake advanced-level dissertation work.

After You Graduate

Alumni teach at institutions around the country, as well as serve in administrative capacities and as educational directors. The program emphasizes a balance of theoretical and applied knowledge, allowing for a wide array of potential careers at all levels of education. The most recent graduating class have enjoyed an 100% placement rate in full-time employment. Graduates of this program have gone on to notable positions at institutions such as Weber State University, Cazenovia College, Georgia College and SUNY Plattsburgh.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree (or their equivalents) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a master's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
  • A master's degree in education or a related field is expected
• Personal statement of approximately 2-3 double-spaced pages and 500-750 words in which applicants describe the following:
  • (a) their professional background,
  • (b) their research interests including specific fields of inquiry,
  • (c) their thinking/rationale in the selection of the two or three faculty members identified as potential advisors, and
  • (d) their career goals related to pursuing a doctoral degree
• Writing sample of 4-5 pages. The writing sample should be a critical analysis, with reference citations, of an educational issue of national/international importance
• Résumé or curriculum vitae showing at least three years of experience in a school or related setting
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's ability to assume the responsibilities of rigorous academic study at the doctoral level
• Interview with the Doctoral Coordinator
• GRE scores are not required

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines

For more information, visit the Educational Theory and Practice website.