UWG|Online Degrees Spotlight: Doctorate in School Improvement

Doctor of Education 
with a Major in School Improvement

The online Ed.D. program in School Improvement offers a unique  opportunity for educators looking for an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based doctoral program that prepares graduates to become the next generation of change agents. Our mission is to develop educators who initiate sustainable and systemic improvements in P-12 education. Graduates will strategically and collaboratively plan, design, implement, and document the impact of educational improvements that promote and increase the academic achievement and social development of all students.

Two things make the Ed.D. in School Improvement unique (1) the program provides or allows students to transfer in as many as twelve credit hours in an approved "Area of Concentration"and (2) program participants work on their dissertation simultaneous with their coursework. Students could conceivably complete their dissertation by the end of their coursework.

The doctoral program in School Improvement is challenging, rigorous, interdisciplinary, and focuses on developing skills in three areas that comprise our core curriculum:

• Teaching and Learning
• Leadership for Change
• Research and Effective Use of Data

In addition to our core curriculum, students customize an area of concentration, based on individual needs and interests, to provide a focus for their doctoral studies. Moreover, we have designed the program so that we assist our students in conducting and completing their dissertations from day one. Through a unique synergy of dissertation classes, workshops, and faculty mentoring, students will complete their dissertations simultaneously with coursework. Our faculty are nationally recognized, committed to school improvement, understand your needs as an adult online learner, and make the successful completion of your dissertation a priority.

This program is a cohort model that only admits students in the summer semester. This program is designed to take three years to complete.

Coursework is available 100% online; one orientation is required on the Carrollton campus and one on-campus dissertation boot camp. However, the on-campus sessions are scheduled over one long weekend, for travel convenience. 

Accreditation:

University of West Georgia is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).  The College of Education at the University of West Georgia is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Credit & Transfer:

Total semester hours required to earn a degree:60
Maximum Hours Transferable into program:12

Program website and contacts:

The Doctorate In School Improvement Program Website includes a directory of instructors and their credentials, as well as other vital information.
Margaret Parrish (Pre-enrollment advisor) parrishm@westga.edu 678-839-6062

UWG|Online website for more information:

Doctor of Education with a Major in School Improvement