Promising Features of EdD Leadership Programs

Findings from an Exploratory Narrative Literature Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2025.464

Keywords:

doctoral program, educational leadership, program features, EdD

Abstract

The EdD leadership degree is needed to provide future college or university presidents with the training and background needed to pursue and succeed in the presidential role and other senior-level leadership positions in educational institutions. Identifying promising features in educational leadership programs can help directors of programs design or improve programs to best support aspiring leaders in the field. Based on an exploratory narrative literature review and informal conversations with practitioners in the field, the following features were identified as promising practices in EdD leadership programs: (a) support through a cohort model, (b) flexibility via online, hybrid, and weekend or executive style program delivery, and (c) mentorship. The findings suggest that an EdD leadership program with a cohort structure provides students with a collegial community of learners who encourage persistence to program completion and support their learning. In addition, flexible online programs and course delivery options offer an avenue for students with complex lives to earn a doctoral degree. This flexibility is very important to students who are managing their families, work, and educational responsibilities. Finally, an EdD leadership program that includes mentorship enhances students both professionally and personally.

Author Biography

Christine Harrington, Morgan State University

Professor and Co-coordinator, Ed.D. in Community College Leadership, New Jersey City University

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Published

2025-04-24

How to Cite

Jones Legay , S., & Harrington, C. (2025). Promising Features of EdD Leadership Programs: Findings from an Exploratory Narrative Literature Review. Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, 10(2), 44–48. https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2025.464

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): Regular Issue

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Research Manuscripts

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Copyright (c) 2025 Sandra Jones Legay , Christine Harrington

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