Wilkes University’s international Doctor of Education degree program focuses on empowering teachers and leaders aimed to positively impact education worldwide. It is engineered for educators looking to advance their careers or personal development. The program employs an accessible low-residency style that merges online coursework with annual, four-day residencies at international sites. It is designed to accommodate those who teach or live abroad, and connects them with like-minded educators, aiming to enact meaningful change in classrooms, districts and communities worldwide.

The program’s theoretical coursework is augmented with insight into international challenges and the specific practice of leadership in international education. Several innovative concentrations are available for international educators. International students who meet admission criteria can opt for a focus in PA Principal Leadership with certification or PA Superintendent Letter of Eligibility. This allows them to earn certifications while living abroad. These certifications may be transferrable to other states based on current Department of Education reciprocity agreements.

The cohort model feeds collaboration among students and professors, forming a crucial support network that extends after graduation. The faculty are highly experienced as educators and researchers, taking on the role of mentors, aiding in research, guiding students through the program, and ensuring high standards throughout.

The program emphasizes the needs and unique challenges facing international teachers and leaders. It focuses on integrating leadership principles, scholarship, and practice to generate worldwide educational reform, enhance student learning, and influence future academic initiatives through research.

For eligible program applicants, scholarships may be available. For those applying, the International Graduate application should be selected based on the semester and residency location most suitable to the applicant. The program involves three four-day residencies at international sites combined with online learning. The program is designed to empower international classroom teachers, and further the careers of current or aspiring educational leaders, culminating in the development of a dissertation proposal.

The curriculum consists of 54 post-master’s credits, which includes leadership core courses, content area courses, research courses, and dissertation credits. Fifteen credits from the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) Institute, taken post-master’s, can be transferred into the EdD program. This supports Wilkes university’s status as a prime provider of graduate programs for educators.

Wilkes University uniquely readies educators with global perspectives, providing them the tools and skills to inspire change in international education systems. This makes it an attractive option for educators worldwide. If you’re interested in the program or need more information, check our website or contact us via 84 West South StreetWilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18766 for personalized guidance.