See our COVID-19 web page for safety protocols and frequently asked questions for the Manhattanville Community for the 2021-2022 academic year. Our dashboard can be viewed here.
Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
Apply Now Request Information Register for an Open House or Info Session SPRING 2022 NEWSLETTER IS OUT! Learn about the Love Behind Leadership FundDEGREE
Doctor of Education
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS
Susan Iverson, Program Director
(914) 798-2712
susan.iverson@mville.edu
Mary Fox-Alter, Assistant Program Director
BECOME TOMORROW’S EDUCATION LEADER TODAY
Elevate your leadership skills, deepen your understanding of critical and contemporary education issues, and learn to help solve the current challenges in P-20 education.
Learn to Inspire Change
The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville College, offered in partnership with Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, utilizes a forward-thinking approach to educational leadership that is ideal for practicing and aspiring leaders in any educational context. It is designed to support the goals of educational professionals who seek to develop their leadership skills for career advancement or current job enhancement. Our aim is to train the next generation of responsive and effective leaders who engage in evidence-based decision-making and seek to bring about positive change across the education sphere. We embrace a problem-based learning approach that is integrated throughout the coursework, field experiences, and applied research.
Why Choose a Manhattanville EdD?
- Three separate pathways allow you to pick the program option that is right for you
- Distinguished, scholar-practitioner faculty who are committed to culturally responsive educational practices
- Our cohort model means you’ll earn your degree alongside other highly accomplished, change-oriented professionals
- Designed for full time, busy professionals like you, and available online or in-person
- Small student-to-faculty ratio
- Active alumni network—many of whom occupy key leadership roles in the region’s education sector
Degree Pathways
The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership offers three pathways to the EdD, suitable for mid-career professionals who desire or have leadership experience.
Signature Pathway
Designed for individuals who aspire to lead in a PreK-12 public, private, parochial, or independent school setting or at a related educational nonprofit or entrepreneurial venture. This pathway uses an in-person cohort model. Learn More
Dissertation Completion (ABD) Pathway
Designed for students who were previously enrolled in an accredited educational leadership doctoral program, but have not yet completed their dissertation. Synchronous, online, and cohort-based learning to support dissertation completion! Learn More
Higher Education Leadership Pathway
Designed for professionals seeking leadership positions at higher education institutions including colleges and universities, state education agencies, or post-secondary-related non-profits. This pathway uses an in-person cohort model. Learn More
Ready to become a leader among leaders?
Start your journey to an EdD degree and learn to bring integrity, vision, and knowledge to today’s most pressing educational leadership challenges.
Contact Admissions@Mville.edu or Mary.Fox-Alter@mville.edu to learn more.
The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership offers three pathways to the Ed.D.
The Signature Ed.D. Pathway is designed to meet the needs of several types of leaders in P-12 education; practicing leaders in school or district positions, leaders who seek school or district-based administrative positions, and classroom teachers who want to take on administrative or non-administrative leadership positions in education to include private and independent schools and charter schools. 59 credits.
The Higher Education Leadership Pathway to the Ed.D. provides an option for students who wish to enter or are already working in colleges and universities, state education agencies or post-secondary-related non-profits. Six courses (18 credits) comprise the concentration, offering students an opportunity to examine, discuss, and engage in theories, research, and practices related to higher education as a critical context in the United States. 59 credits.
The Dissertation Completion (ABD) Pathway is designed specifically for those who were enrolled in an accredited educational leadership doctoral program and completed all requirements but the dissertation (ABD). This pathway offers two options: 1) an on-campus, individualized option with start dates in fall, spring, or summer terms; and, 2) online cohort launched in summer 2021, with classes via synchronous online learning and two extended weekend residencies. 59 credits, but up to 39 qualifying credits may be transferred.
Doctoral Program Faculty & Staff
Directors:
Dr. Susan VanDeventer Iverson, Professor; Director of the Doctoral Program; Coordinator of Higher Education Leadership & Chair of the Educational Leadership Dept
Ms. Mary Fox-Alter, Assistant Director of Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
Faculty and Staff
Dr. Yiping Wan, Professor, Educational Leadership
Dr. Kenneth Mitchell, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership
Dr. Peter Troiano, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership & Coordinator of Dissertation Completion Pathway
Dr. Nora C.R. Broege, PhD, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership
Dr. Joanne Marien, Clinical Faculty, Educational Leadership
Dr. Martin Fitzgerald, Clinical Faculty, Educational Leadership
Dr. Rob Feirsen, EdD, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership; & Coordinator of the EdLead Program
Ms. Paula Moskowitz, Education Librarian for the Doctoral Program
Ms. Serafina Martorano, Assistant to Jump Start and Doctoral Program
Ms. Dominique Mason, Special Projects Coordinator for Doctoral Program
Doctoral Program Alumni
The EdD in Educational Leadership at Manhattanville College was established in 2010, and already has more than 80 alumni, who are active educational leaders in the region. Click here for a list of our distinguished alumni.
Support the Doctoral Program
The Love Behind Leadership fund utilizes all donations to provide direct support to current doctoral students and alumni.
Every donation creates an enduring tribute to a person in whose honor, or memory, the donation is made. This meaningful tribute is further recognized by a letter of notification to the individual(s), or family member(s). Honoree tributes are displayed on the doctoral program Love Behind Leadership Gallery of Honor and at special events.
Each enduring tribute enables the Love Behind Leadership legacy to continue and assists with the following:
Dissertation Research, Publishing, and Writing Support
Doctoral Awards
Doctoral Conferences: Travel to Present
Doctoral Special Events and Celebrations
To contribute to the Love Behind Leadership Fund, click on the link below and enter the donation amount. Next, follow the remaining prompts to complete and submit your enduring tribute to the Love Behind Leadership fund.
Visit www.mville.edu/LOVE-EdD to learn more and contribute.
Doctoral Program Newsletters
Read about the happenings and accomplishments of our students and alumni in our three doctoral program pathways.
From Castles to Tassels
The Manhattanville Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership has been transforming educational institutions P-16 over the last decade. Over 130 doctoral students and more than 100 graduates are leading schools, colleges, and universities in the region and beyond.
The map below represents our regional impact. Enjoy exploring our dynamic doctoral community. CLICK the image below to reach the LIVE map. Zoom in and out and click on the icons for details.
Key: Graduation Cap= Graduates Castle= Current Students Click HERE for directions on how to search the map
Please scroll down for some frequently asked questions about our doctoral program; these are clustered under the following headings (click to jump): General Information, Admissions, Coursework & Doctoral Student Life, and Research & Dissertation. If you have a question not addressed here, feel free to contact us using the links to the left.
Why Manhattanville?
Manhattanville is well known for its education program, and that reputation stems from distinguished, scholar-practitioner faculty, high quality students throughout the region who become part of supportive networks, a structured curriculum that guides students from orientation through graduation, and a dedicated librarian to assist doctoral students with research. Manhattanville’s doctoral program has two other strong attributes: personalized attention and sense of community among the doctoral cohorts.
The Ed.D. Program was launched in 2010 and has since grown to now offer 3 pathways to the degree. The Ed.D. aligns with the College's mission “to educate students to become ethically and socially responsible leaders” by preparing change agents who can lead in various educational contexts during challenging socio-political times. The Ed.D. program’s small student-to-faculty ratio, vibrant cohort model, and active alumni all support students’ various journeys to success.
What should I do if I do not yet have my SBL and/or SDL certifications?
Doctoral students interested in pursuing certification as a school building leader (SBL) or school district leader (SDL) opt to enter the Bridge program as a vehicle to gain state qualifications for leadership positions. This Bridge program creates opportunities to apply educational leadership courses to the doctoral program requirements and doctoral classes to educational leadership offerings. As a result, students are offered reduced credit requirements for each option and complete multiple pathways simultaneously.
Students interested in taking educational leadership classes before entering the doctoral program cohort can begin enrolling in educational leadership classes in the spring and summer before the doctoral classes commence. These classes prepare them for the state leadership exams as well as earn credits towards certification. Advisement is conducted individually to design a pathway towards completion.
Who is this degree for?
Our Ed.D. pathways are aimed at mid-career professionals with experience in various educational contexts. This professional practice degree is designed to support the goals of educational professionals who seek to develop their leadership skills for career advancement or current job enhancement. The Manhattanville doctoral program prepares leaders to be responsive and effective leaders who engage in evidence-based decision-making about the many complex challenges facing education.
What are the “pathways” and how do I know which is for me?
The Ed.D. program has 3 pathways to the degree: 1) Our Signature pathway is for current and aspiring educational leaders in public and private schools and related non-profit organizations; 2) The Higher Education Leadership concentration is for current and aspiring leaders in colleges and universities; and 3) The Dissertation Completion pathway is for advanced doctoral students who have completed all degree requirements except for the dissertation (ABD) from another accredited doctoral program, and are now ready to complete the dissertation and graduate with the doctorate.
What should I do if I do not yet have my SBL and/or SDL certifications?
Doctoral students interested in pursuing certification as a school building leader (SBL) or school district leader (SDL) opt to enter the Bridge program as a vehicle to gain state qualifications for leadership positions. This Bridge program creates opportunities to apply educational leadership courses to the doctoral program requirements and doctoral classes to educational leadership offerings. As a result, students are offered reduced credit requirements for each option and complete multiple pathways simultaneously.
Students interested in taking educational leadership classes before entering the doctoral program cohort can begin enrolling in educational leadership classes in the spring and summer before the doctoral classes commence. These classes prepare them for the state leadership exams as well as earn credits towards certification. Advisement is conducted individually to design a pathway towards completion.
When is the application deadline?
There is no application deadline for most of the cohorts; however, qualified candidates are continually reviewed, and will be accepted until all the seats for the next cohort are filled.
The Dissertation Completion (ABD) Cohort with Online Classes has a May 1st priority deadline for the application.
What should the admission essay include?
The essay functions as letter of application, and it should address some of the following questions: Why do you think you are qualified? Why do you need this doctoral degree? How can you convince the Admissions Committee that you would be a contributing member of the doctoral program? What is your leadership philosophy? What are your research interests? What are your areas of improvement? What is your plan for your future career? With your knowledge of Manhattanville College's doctoral program, how can you benefit professionally and personally? This essay should be 2-3 typed pages.
I am nervous about standardized tests like GREs. Are these required? And if so, how important are my scores in evaluating my application?
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Millers Analogies Test (MAT) (or GMAT, for business degree; or LSAT for law degree) is no longer required!
What is sought with the recommendation letters? Who should write them?
The recommendation letters should vouch for the applicant’s qualifications, such as strengths and competencies for advanced graduate study, leadership track record, interpersonal skills, etc. In addition, the letters should focus on an applicant’s commitment, determination, scholarly writing skills and communication skills, as well as research experience and/or potential.
An ideal person to write a letter could include, but is not limited to, a former or current college professor at the graduate level, a current or former supervisor who has reviewed the applicant’s written work and/or presentation skills, or an author of an extensive research project or a journal article who has witnessed the applicant's work.
How much is the Application fee?
The application fee is $75.00, but the fee is waived for students who attend an open house or information session.
What is the cost of tuition?
For details on the cost of tuition or cost per credit, please click here.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. For financial aid information, please contact the Financial Aid Office. There are a limited number of graduate assistantships and teaching fellowships available to those who qualify.
What should the writing sample look like? Does "scholarly work" mean I must have published?
The writing sample enables the Admissions Committee to tell whether the applicant possesses the writing and critical thinking skills, that are key to successfully completing a doctoral program. The writing sample could include, but is not limited to, a research paper that the applicant completed for a graduate course, or a recently published peer-reviewed journal article. However, publications are not presumed or expected. A grant or conference proposal could also serve as a writing sample. In short, the writing sample should demonstrate your writing skills.
Can I transfer in credits?
Up to 12 post-masters credit hours earned within the last ten (10) years either at Manhattanville College or another college/university before admission may be transferred into the Signature or the Higher Ed pathways. Students need to provide an official transcript (and in many cases a syllabus) for previously taken courses to allow for the course transfer. Students’ request for credit transfer must be reviewed and approved by the faculty advisor, with final approval by the Program Coordinator.
For those in the Executive (ABD) pathway, up to 39 post-masters doctoral program credits may be transferred in from other accredited doctoral programs.
To whom should I direct any additional questions?
Regarding application process and interview arrangement, please contact:
Mary Fox-Alter
Assistant Director for Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
Mary.Fox-Alter@mville.edu or admissions@mville.edu
(914) 323-3153
Coursework & Doctoral Student Life
What is a "cohort" model?
In our cohort model, you start your doctoral program journey with other distinguished students, and remain with the same group throughout the first several semesters of study within the program. Your classmates may be a mix of practicing or aspiring teachers, building-level or district-level leaders, higher education professionals, and others in education-related fields. As you progress through the doctoral program with these same classmates, you'll gather a variety of perspectives surrounding education today, learn about each other's passions and research interests, and develop meaningful professional and personal relationships.
When do classes meet?
Classes, depending on one’s pathway, will be held at Putnam-Northern Westchester BOCES (in Yorktown Heights, NY) or the Manhattanville College campus (in Purchase NY) or Orange-Ulster BOCES (in Goshen NY). Each cohort will meet on a specific night each week (e.g., Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) from 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (for Higher Education Leadership Concentration courses, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.), typically completing two courses (or six credits) per term. For classes held in Yorktown Heights, the schedule adheres to the PNW BOCES calendar. For classes held on Manhattanville campus, students will follow the College calendar.
Are any of the classes online?
Most coursework in our degree pathways are delivered ‘on the ground’ in face-to-face classes. However, in spring 2020, in response to the effects and realities of COVID-19, the doctoral faculty successfully moved all courses online, using synchronous and asynchronous delivery, on Blackboard and other platforms, enabling students to continue their studies with limited interruptions. After COVID-19, most of our degree pathways will resume campus-based classes. The Dissertation Completion Pathway is launching online courses in July 2020.
What is the typical workload? What type of courses should I expect?
Full-time doctoral students enroll in two courses per semester, totaling six credits. With doctoral-level courses, students should expect a rigorous and rewarding blend of scholarly reading, classroom discussions, applied research, real-word problem solving, critical analysis, and technical writing. The doctoral program was designed for full-time working practitioners; hence, the curriculum, schedule, and workload is paced with this in mind. For more about the courses you will be taking, click the "Degree Options" tab above and review the sample program planners.
How much should I budget for textbooks?
Reading requirements vary by instructor and semester, but you should plan to spend approximately $200 on textbooks each year. If books are not available in our campus bookstore, you can also purchase new or used versions online. We do not recommend renting or borrowing textbooks, as many of the readings you will experience will be beneficial both during class, and as you begin work on your dissertation.
Will there be a comprehensive or qualifying examination?
No. Rather than a comprehensive or qualifying examination, other milestones serve as a student's "advancement to candidacy." These include 1) a reflection paper, at the end of year 1, that integrates major ideas contained in coursework and demonstrates praxis: theory in practice; and 2) an ePortfolio that reflects a student's application of coursework and demonstrates competency as a scholar-practitioner.
How long does the program last? How long will it take me to complete the Doctoral Program?
The 59-credits are scheduled, and may be completed, in a three-year course projection; however, it is more typical that a student completes coursework and defends the dissertation proposal within three years, and completes the dissertation in the fourth year. The maximum time to complete (successfully defend one's dissertation) is eight years for Signature and HigherEd students, and four years for Exec/ABD students.
What if a student has to withdraw for a semester or more during the program?
A student who wants to withdraw for a semester or more is advised to consider/apply for a leave of absence. Coursework that is missed would be made up with a subsequent cohort.
Please note that courses may be dropped with no penalty up to the first day of the semester. Refunds of tuition may be pro-rated after classes begin.
When do I start working on my dissertation?
Students begin thinking about and drafting components of the dissertation proposal in year 1. In the “Professional and Scholarly Communication” course, students begin work on the Literature Review for the dissertation proposal. Students also complete two introductory research courses to begin to explore research design and methods.
In year 2, students complete an advanced research course in which they draft the research design for their dissertation proposal. They also complete “Dissertation Seminar” to draft their dissertation proposal. By the end of year 2, students should be ready to defend their dissertation proposal.
What are the different options for the dissertation?
Students have choices in the structure of a dissertation; however, all share elements found in the traditional five-chapter dissertation, which contains an introduction to the research problem, a review of literature, a delineation of research design (methods), a description and discussion of results or findings, and implications for practice and future research. All dissertations are empirically grounded. Some students choose an “analysis of practice” dissertation. Similar to participatory action research or self-study inquiry, an analysis of practice dissertation describes and analyzes a problem within one's context, designed and conducted by practitioner-scholars who analyze the data to improve their own practice and the organization.
What is the dissertation process?
Each student has a dissertation chair with whom he or she identifies 2 additional committee members. These 3 people comprise the student’s dissertation committee. When the student's dissertation proposal is ready (typically by the end of year 2), the student will defend the proposal. Each student must seek approval to conduct research through Manhattanville College's Institutional Review Board. Once the student's proposal is accepted, the student can begin data collection. The student will be able to advance to the final dissertation defense after the student's dissertation committee has approved the complete dissertation draft.
With great joy and heartfelt congratulations, the Manhattanville College School of Education's doctoral program shares the Graduation Magazine and slideshow below, created for our 2021-2022 doctoral graduates. We are thrilled to celebrate the classes of 2021-2022 at our on-campus and online graduation ceremonies.
Magazine
2021-2022 Graduate Slideshow
