PK-12 Educational Leadership (Online), Ph.D

• An embedded dissertation process that gets you started immediately on this work, thus ensuring greater success. 
• Full alignment with the MI state administrator certification, including an option to earn the school-level administrative certificate, and an option to earn the central office endorsement.
• To support working professionals, ALL required courses are available fully online, through a blend of synchronous virtual sessions and asynchronous learning.
• Opportunity to earn significant credits with our Prior Learning Assessment program (up to 18 of 60 credits for central office focus, and up to 27 of 69 credits for school administration focus). Learn more.
• Great outcomes in that 97% of WMU K-12 administrative graduates have been rated as "effective" or "highly effective" by their school district within their first three years as an administrator. 

Students in the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership program engage in a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for advanced leadership roles in K–12 education. Coursework explores foundational theories of leadership, research methods, and professional inquiry, giving students the tools to analyze data, evaluate programs, and implement evidence-based solutions. The program also emphasizes practical application in K–12 settings, with opportunities to develop expertise in policy, equity, ethics, personnel practices, finance, instructional leadership, and organizational management. Through guided internships and field experiences, students apply their learning in real-world contexts, honing skills in decision-making, community engagement, and strategic district leadership. Graduates emerge with the ability to lead effectively across schools or districts, design and implement initiatives that improve student outcomes, and contribute original research that advances the field. The program fosters both reflective practice and innovative thinking, preparing leaders to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful, lasting impact in education.

Your doctoral dissertation represents the culmination of your scholarly journey—an opportunity to conduct original research that addresses critical challenges in educational leadership. This capstone experience positions you to contribute meaningful knowledge to the field while establishing yourself as a thought leader and expert practitioner.

From day one, you'll be paired with a dedicated dissertation advisor who will be guiding your doctoral journey while at WMU. They will work closely with you to navigate the development of your research interests related to your dissertation. Advisors will then assist you in selecting dissertation committee members who will act as an additional resource. Members bring a wealth of knowledge, diverse viewpoints and experience that can contribute to your research.

There are also campus resources available to you as a doctoral student. The College of Education and Human Development hosts dissertation related workshops and writing retreats along with WMU's Graduate College's Dissertation Bootcamp for getting started and writing circles that provide community, accountability, and time to work with peers. International students also benefit from the Graduate College's English and writing support services, which includes courses, tutoring and writing consultation. To learn more, visit the Graduate College webpage.

To learn about admission requirements, please visit the Graduate College's webpage.

Students can apply for potential credit for their prior learning and experiences for this program. This is a great opportunity for nontraditional students to showcase their prior knowledge and experiences, and fast track their graduate degree program.

Future testing dates

Spring: March 20-22, 2026

The exam is offered twice per year on the weekend starting on the first Friday of November and the third Friday of March (unless that is a major religious holiday weekend). Students have from 8:15 a.m. on Friday until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday to complete their comprehensive exam.

Required forms

1. Educational Leadership Comps Registration Form (Ph.D)—Complete three weeks prior to the testing date. This document may be saved to your computer, completed on screen, saved again, and attached to an email.
2. Completed Program of Studies Form—If this has not already been done, contact your adviser and request they finalize and submit your formal program of studies (which lists all courses you are required to take as part of your doctoral work). This must be done prior to you being able to take the core comps.

The completed registration form must be sent electronically to:

Ben Holland, Administrative Assistant 
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5283 USA
benjamin.w.holland@wmich.edu

Resources

• EDLD Comps Information and Key Policies
• Study materials

These previously used comps cases are being provided as a service to students preparing to take the exam. Given that we have now moved to a take-home version of the comps, sample responses are no longer being provided.

• Sample comps "confirmation letter"
  Received from the department office once registration form received, and eligibility requirements checked.
• Comps Questions (updated version implemented since Fall 2023)

These scoring rubrics are used by the EDLD Comps Committee to independently and then collectively review your comp responses.

• Leadership scoring rubric
• Research scoring rubric

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