Leading Change in Education
Appalachian State University’s Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is designed for educational leaders in public schools, community colleges, universities, and community settings. Housed in the Reich College of Education, our objective is to equip leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to act as agents of positive change in their organizations and communities. We encourage critical thinking, analytic rigor, and creative collaboration to address the complex and interlocking challenges of our time.
Dedicated
Academic Advisor and Dissertation Coach
4.5
years is the average time of degree completion
GRE
waivers available to students who qualify
5
concentrations supported by the college's departments
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Request more information and receive updates about the Educational Leadership program.
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Visit the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School page to apply to graduate school at App State.
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Program Overview
The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership attracts professionals intent on making a difference. Students learn to apply theory to practice through core leadership and research courses to make educational systems more effective, equitable, and sustainable. Through professionally-oriented concentrations, students gain advanced knowledge in their disciplinary specialization and prepare themselves to assume higher levels of organizational leadership.
“My dissertation journey pushed my faith, perseverance, humility, and advocacy to greater heights than I ever imagined. I learned to lean on my support systems and let down my guard to embrace new supporters while becoming aware of my need for better self-care. The challenges I faced on this journey taught me to trust the process while knowing I was on the road to victory. This journey has also taught me the importance of my research topic and what it means to others, the liberation in sharing truths of those who are depending on me to not only talk about the issues that impact Black Women - but also in my charge to take action to help Black Women thrive.”
–Dr. LaShawndra Tyann White, '24
“The doctoral program has been an amazing journey that I undertook to reinvent myself as a scholar and professional. It has been a life changing experience that I still fail to capture in words. I grew as a person. I developed new friendships. I became a better leader and colleague. I am beyond honored and humbled to have been accepted into this program for this stage of my journey in life.”
–Dr. Obioma Chukwu ‘24
