Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) 

Why Webster?

Webster University is a world-class leader in global education, technology and innovation, diversity and inclusion, and academic excellence. Our programs are vibrant, student-centered, and rigorous, with a unique perspective of global citizenship. 

Webster University is unique because of its emphasis on global citizenship and academic excellence. As an innovative world-class institution, it has global campuses in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Our School of Education has a strong faculty of scholar-educators who are passionate in making a difference in our learners' lives through socially conscious perspectives and practices. Our doctoral program is cohort-based and so you will learn from your peers and build a professional network once you join our program. It is one of a kind because it is constructed for busy adults who have full-time jobs, and it still adheres to the highest academic and professional standards. We advocate for our doctoral students to join professional associations, become leaders in these associations, and present at the international, national, and regional conventions organized by these associations. We also encourage doctoral students to publish in peer-reviewed journals and books. For any prospective student, the doctoral program will create opportunities for you to make advancement in your academic and professional positions.

The Ed.D. program at Webster University is designed for preparing well-rounded educator-scholars who have the passion and competence to make a difference in this world through scholarship and service. It is based on a holistic framework with four foci. Knowledge of theory and research build the foundation of our program. This includes immersing the students in contemporary and classical theories that relate to the students' specialty area and education in general. It also includes learning a selection of research methods so that students can make a difference by conducting a systematic research study in their dissertation. The foundation of theory and research informs practice, which entails applying what is learned through teaching and service. With theory, research, and practice, we advocate for our doctoral students to become leaders in any education-related capacity. Students will gain the essential tools they need in order to serve in leadership positions in their specialty area and take initiatives to foster social and institutional changes. Beyond the four foci: theory, research, practice, and leadership, the program values social consciousness, criticality, and advocacy. Social consciousness corresponds to the connectedness of the dissertation projects to the sociopolitical, socioeconomic, and sociocultural contexts. As Webster is well respected as a leader in global citizenship, our program also values dissertation projects which engage in cross-cultural research with global contextual relevancy. Criticality refers to our critical thinking and analytical capacity to challenge the status quo and create new proposals for advancing the knowledge base and specialty area. Advocacy reminds us to take the findings from our dissertations to the next level and become a voice and advocate for the people that we represent and care for. We are proud to say that graduates from our program will have the academic excellence, professional qualities, and critical consciousness to engage in whichever career path that they choose.  

Who is this Ed.D. intended for?

The program is designed for working professionals in the field of education. We have a rigorous program with the highest academic standards, and we also offer accommodations to make this program work for most working adults. 

Our Ed.D. students would further their scholarship by taking courses, conducting research, socializing with peers and faculty through conferences, and many of them aspire to become educator-scholars or educator-leaders in their local communities. Graduates of this program are usually interested in pursuing the following career paths:

1) University Professors

2) Higher Education Administrators

3) Diversity Officers or Directors in Educational Institutions

4) Researchers or Administrators in Non-profit Organizations 

5) Administrators for Government Agencies

Doctoral Student Testimonials

Regarding the Program

• My experience in the Ed.D. program has proven to be absolutely powerful. I've been challenged in a plethora of ways. This program has caused me to dive deeper into critically thinking about the areas of research that I believe are most impactful. My research is proving to be challenging, yet life-changing. I have a stronger understanding of the ways that I can investigate trauma as it relates to school leadership. I've enjoyed having a "meeting with the minds" weekly and engaging in moments of intellectual stimulation through each course that I've had specifically in Qualitative Research Design. I thoroughly enjoy Dr. Lee-Johnson's instructional style and have greatly benefitted from it. I look forward to the next part of my journey in this doctoral program!

• The EdD program, faculty, and classmates have challenged me to explore different theoretical constructs, allowing me to find what works best for my educational curiosity.

Regarding the Director of Ed.D.

• The best professor in ALL of my educational experiences. I truly valued the readings and the intentionality behind the section of those readings which highlighted not only educational movements but social movements of marginalized communities and the people within them. Truly valued the space created that allowed for sharing and honoring of students' stories and narratives.

• This was one of the best professors in this doctorate program. Her coursework was valuable to the completion of our dissertation prospectus work. Dr. Lee-Johnson provided handouts and exemplars to assist with our research. Her class was very focusedand her method of instructions coupled with her diversity is needed in this program.

• Incredibly relevant and responsive to current events; time went quickly because we were always doing meaningful work.

• Dr. Lee-Johnson is incredibly knowledgeable on pedagogy but her command and perspective on issues of social justice is top-notch!

• Dr. Lee exemplifies what she encourages; keep learning, keep writing and expand your knowledge base. She always shares recent articles that she has written, conferences she’s participated and more. She is always encouraging us to be the change we want to see.

• You have a passion for education that is unmatched. I see that in every class.

• We are truly lucky to have you as a professor and mentor through this process and I know that I am a better writer, thinker, and student because of you. This program can be exhausting and frustrating but at the end of every class that you have taught, I feel rewarded and hopeful that I am more prepared to take on my dissertation.