Educational Leadership

"The most advantageous aspect of the program for me and my district was the field study. I learned how to conduct field research in preparation for my dissertation and developed professional relationships that exist today. My district was able to design a study with no expense and no bias."

Wichita State University offers two degree programs in Educational Leadership:

Master's in Educational Leadership (30 credit hour program)

The WSU Master's Degree in Educational Leadership is a 30 hours, two-year program.  Master's Degree instruction focuses on developing and practicing administrative knowledge, skills, dispositions and competencies in applied learning settings. In the fall and spring semesters, students enroll in Leadership Seminar classes and one Building Level Leadership Practicum class. Seminar and practicum classes meet in hybrid/remote formats on Monday evenings.

Doctorate in Educational Leadership (55 credit hour program)

• Cohort-based – 10-12 students begin the program in the Fall, during a Pre-Session that starts before the main courses. Then, after the pre-session courses end, the core classes meet in person every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm during the academic year. The entire program cannot be completed online.
• Three-year, 55 hour program: Students take two years of coursework together and the third year is dedicated to the dissertation.
• Students and faculty conduct research projects for local educational institutions. Results of the studies are disseminated to local, state, and national audiences through presentations and publications.
• Significant support is provided through the dissertation process and consequently we have a very high completion rate.

WSU Educational Leadership offers three graduate certificate programs:

Building Leadership Licensure
The program coursework prepares a student for the PRAXIS licensure exams required by the State of Kansas for application for a teacher or Building Level Leadership license or endorsement. Completion of the PRAXIS licensure exams with a passing score is required by the State of Kansas for a candidate applying for teacher or Building Level Leadership license and/or endoresment.

District Leadership Licensure
This program provides an opportunity for persons who currently hold a Kansas professional building leadership license to participate in advanced graduate training that leads to positions as a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, or Special Education Director.

Higher Education Leadership
This graduate certificate program is designed to prepare current and prospective college or university staff members for entry-mid level positions as administrators in two- and four-year colleges and universities,policy makers, and student affairs professionals in higher education to provide selected course work/degrees for individuals currently in the field.