The Ed.D. program at Webster University is designed for preparing well-rounded educator-scholars who have the passion and competence to make a difference in this world through scholarship and service.

The program is based on a holistic framework with four foci: theory, research, practice, and leadership. Knowledge of theory and research build the foundation of our program. This includes immersing the students in contemporary and classical theories that relate to students' specialty areas and education in general. It also includes learning a selection of research methods so that students can make a difference by conducting a systematic research study in their dissertation. The foundation of theory and research informs practice, which entails applying what is learned through teaching and service. With theory, research, and practice, we advocate for our doctoral students to become leaders in any education-related capacity. Students will gain the essential tools they need in order to serve in leadership positions in their specialty area and take initiatives to foster social and institutional changes.

Beyond the four foci, the program values social consciousness, criticality, and advocacy. Social consciousness corresponds to the connectedness of the dissertation projects to the sociopolitical, socioeconomic, and sociocultural contexts. As Webster is well respected as a leader in global citizenship, our program values dissertation projects which engage in cross-cultural research with global contextual relevancy. Criticality refers to our critical thinking and analytical capacity to challenge the status quo and create new proposals for advancing the knowledge base and specialty area. Advocacy reminds us to take the findings from our dissertations to the next level and become a voice and advocate for the people that we represent and care for.

Students will be able to choose from seven different emphases, which were developed from the rigorous academic programs in education. The seven emphases are:

• Educational Leadership
• Special Education: Dyslexia
• Special Education: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
• Special Education: Severe Developmental Disabilities and Autism
• Special Education: Trauma-Informed Education and Intervention
• Teaching English as a Second Language
• Transformative Learning in the Global Community

Doctor of Education Academic Program

To read about specific program requirements, learning outcomes and how to apply, click on a program from the following list:

• Doctor of Education (EdD)

Admission to this program is every even year.

Alumni Testimonies

Dr. Yupa Saisanan, EdD Graduate 2019

“I believe in continuing education to gain new knowledge and acquire new skills to stay relevant in my career.

I was one of the ten Ed. D. students enrolled in the 2015 inaugural cohort. I decided to register in the program because I wanted to know how I could help people to make sense of digital media communications through education and research.

At that point, I was a full adjunct professor, teaching both undergraduate and graduate media communications courses and cultural related courses at Webster University in the Webster Groves campus for over ten years.

I knew then that I needed to expand my media research to include educational research to teach students about the media. This is because advanced communications technology changes too quickly for anyone to make sense of the process or the message.”

Dr. Mary Meadows, EdD Graduate 2019

“My journey as a graduate from Webster’s EdD program in Transformative Learning in the Global Community began with my acceptance into the program in the first cohort.

My history at Webster with earlier studies in the Human Resources Development and Management and Educational Technology Masters’ programs led me to further my education and pursue a doctorate. The research I completed for my dissertation is a culmination of many years of experience, with the inspirations beginning in my childhood when I was grounded on curiosity and forming my path as a life-long learner.”

For more information about the program, please visit: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at Webster University

Additional Information

Accreditations for the School of Education