INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) will soon begin accepting applications for the second cohort in the Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies program.
The Ed.D. in Leadership Studies at WVSU is a fully online, cohort-based program designed for working professionals across a wide range of sectors, including education, non-profits, government, and more.
This two-year program is designed with working professionals in mind and is rooted in the principles of fairness and socially responsible leadership.
The program prepares students to lead meaningful change and address complex challenges within their organizations and communities through completion of an action research-based dissertation.
Students progress through the program as a cohort, taking courses in a set sequence to build community and shared learning. This structure builds a strong sense of community, making it easier to share ideas, support one another, and stay on track. Cohort members often form lasting connections that continue well beyond graduation, fostering relationships that support professional growth, career opportunities, and future collaboration across schools and organizations.
The May 2026 cohort application window will open October 1, 2025, and close January 15, 2026. The Admissions Committee will review all completed applications and invite selected candidates to participate in interviews.
Offers of admission will be extended to 15 applicants, and continuous enrollment is required as part of the cohort model. A virtual information session will be held on Thursday, September 18 at 6 p.m.
For questions about the program or the virtual information session, contact Dr. Emily Waugh at (304) 766-5192 or ewaugh@wvstateu.edu.
Further information about the Doctorate of Leadership Studies can also be found on the website https://wvstateu.edu/college-of-professional-studies/degree-program/doctorate-of-education-in-leadership-studies/
The Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies is the first doctorate degree program at WVSU. The inaugural cohort began in May 2024.
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