Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Professional Studies
Educational Leadership and Professional Studies Doctoral Program
Mission Statement for the Doctoral Program
The Mission of the Holy Family University Doctoral Program is to develop effective
and ethical leaders for schools and communities who can make significant contributions
to their fields of knowledge through applied research.
Overall Goals of the Doctoral Program
To provide a research-based education program to develop innovative and ethical
school and community leaders.
To offer a program that is flexible and is designed for working practitioners
to expand their practice and leadership skills through concentrated interdisciplinary
coursework and research.
To promote a deep professional commitment to an interdisciplinary approach
to leadership through the application of practical research skills and ethical
decision-making in service to others.
To foster candidates who can make significant contributions to their field
of knowledge through applied research.
To present a supportive and collaborative learning environment that encourages
candidates to develop as scholars and researchers.
The program will be flexible and designed for working professionals with courses offered during evening and summer sessions. Some online and weekend courses will be available with the intent of providing flexible course offerings which are structured for the working practitioner seeking advanced studies for professional development and professional advancement.
Faculty Contact Information
Elizabeth A. Jones, Ph.D.
Director of Doctoral Program
Professor of Education
Holy Family University
Education and Technology Center, 434
267-341-3313
ejones1760@holyfamily.edu
Process of Applicant Admission to Doctoral Studies
Applicants for admission to the Doctor of Education Program are expected to
demonstrate strong academic skills and a deep commitment to improving the educational
services available to students within their fields of interest. Successful
applicants may concentrate their studies in Literacy, Educational Administration
or Professional Studies such as Special Education with the option to qualify
for State certification as school principals or superintendents. To that end,
successful applicants are expected to have an earned Master’s degree
from an accredited institution in the field of Professional Studies related
to their specific area of interest. Applicants without sufficient academic
background in Educational Administration or Literacy may be considered for
admission to the program, but they may be required to enroll in prerequisite
foundational course work.
Those candidates who are interested in interdisciplinary Professional Studies
may take nine courses offered on the doctoral program.
In close consultation with the student’s advisor and the permission of
the Doctoral Academic Policies Committee, the student will choose a field of
study and establish a sequence of courses which will meet his or her goals.