GSU’s College of Education - Doctoral Programs

At Governors State University, we offer an exceptional selection of doctoral programs that will take your career to the next level.  All of our programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and offer course work in a variety of formats or times.  Our class-sizes are small and students are mentored by a group of experienced, gifted professors.

One of our doctoral offerings is a Counselor Education and Supervision, Ed.D degree that is designed to produce advanced clinicians, supervisors, competent researchers and educators. The challenging program offers students experiences in clinical work, teaching, supervision, research and advocacy.  As a student, you will develop a strong background in education and counseling theory.  If you have a CACREP-accredited master’s degree, you will be able to complete the program in as little as eight semesters.

Another doctoral program offered from the College of Education is our Interdisciplinary Leadership, Ed.D.  To ensure the program is convenient; all courses are offered online or in a hybrid format.  Students will learn the theories, principles, practices and applications of effective leadership.  The program offers the opportunity for advanced study in the choice of one of the following concentrations:  Higher Education Administration; Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship; Public Safety and Superintendent (P-12 Endorsement).

In addition we also offer an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in School Psychology.  The program equips professionals to directly and indirectly deliver a continuum of educational and mental health services to children and families and to work with teachers and other educators to enhance student learning and well-being.  This is a four-year, cohort-based model that provides future school psychologists with a solid professional and academic foundation that reflects depth and diversity in both psychology and education.

Please refer to GSU’s College of Education website for the programs’ complete requirements and details.  If you have further questions, please contact a department advisor. 

We invite you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website.  GSU has a highly diverse student body made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds as well as courses taught by gifted professors. Learn more about the rich history, cultural amenities and beautiful campus that contributes to making us one of the top colleges in Illinois.   

The Field of Education is Looking for Leaders

The field of education is in need of qualified leaders who are prepared to meet real-world problems and issues with sophisticated, multi-dimensional perspectives. This is why doctorate programs are designed; to enhance those qualifications and improve upon your skills as an effective leader.

Governors State University offers a high quality Interdisciplinary Leadership Doctorate program to make you the in demand leader the field of education needs. With core courses in areas such as leadership, research, planning and communication, this Doctorate of Education program will enhance your qualifications and teach you effective leadership skills. In addition you will have the opportunity to choose one of four excellent concentrations that include: Superintendent (P-12), Higher Education Administration, Public Safety and Not-for-Profit/Social Entrepreneurship.

The GSU program gives future leaders the tools to develop and hone leadership skills, and prepares you to work across different disciplines with ease. Students are introduced to the theories, principles, practice and applications of effective leadership and how to incorporated research and data-driven decision making into that work. A significant strength of the program is its experiential component, through which all graduates will integrate theory and practice.

 
The particulars of the Governors State Interdisciplinary Leadership Doctorate of Education, (Ed.D.) degree program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours. More hours may be taken in order for a student to specialize in his or her studies, or more credits may be required in order to meet prerequisite requirements for the doctoral program. In addition GSU requires that all doctoral students register for a minimum of 9 graduate credits per semester. The doctoral program must be completed within seven years.

There is a provision for students to apply for an extension under extenuating circumstances. To make it convenient for working adults, all of our courses are offered online or in a hybrid format (part online, part face-to-face).

We invite you to explore our many degree, certificate and individual course offerings listed on our website. Each college has stellar programs and world-class professors; all of which are focused on delivering academic excellence in a small-class setting. Learn more about the College of Education’s quality advanced degree programs designed to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.