Ph.D. in Leadership – Educational Concentration – All But Dissertation (ABD)

Are you an educator or administrator who has completed doctoral coursework but still needs to finish your dissertation? ŷ��ƽ̨’s Ph.D. in Leadership – Educational Concentration – All But Dissertation (ABD) program offers a structured, flexible path to completing your degree. Designed for professionals in K-12 education, higher education, and educational policy, this program provides expert mentorship, research support, and leadership training to help you finalize your dissertation and advance your career.

Advantages of Alvernia’s ABD Program

The ABD program supports working professionals who need a structured approach to completing their doctorate:

Finish What You Started – Transfer up to 42 credits from prior doctoral coursework through a comprehensive portfolio review, which allows students to focus on research and dissertation completion. With a minimum of 18 credit hours required at Alvernia, this pathway accelerates the time to earn your Ph.D. while maintaining academic integrity.

Flexible Learning Format – Designed for educational professionals, administrators, and policy leaders, the program offers a hybrid learning model that blends online coursework, virtual collaboration, and on-campus seminars. This format allows students to maintain their current careers and progress toward their degrees at their own pace.

Expert Mentorship – Students receive one-on-one faculty support from experienced scholars and practitioners in educational leadership. Faculty advisors provide personalized research guidance, dissertation development support, and industry insights, ensuring students refine their research and complete their dissertations.

Hands-On Leadership Training – Alvernia’s program bridges theory with practice, helping students apply leadership strategies to real-world educational challenges. Whether working in K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, or educational policy organizations, students develop skills in organizational change, curriculum development, policy implementation, and institutional governance to drive meaningful improvements in education.

Specialized Focus on Educational Leadership

The Educational Concentration develops visionary leaders who can implement effective policies, drive innovation, and improve learning outcomes at all levels of education. The curriculum helps Alvernia students analyze and solve tangible educational challenges. Key focus areas include:

Educational Policy & Reform: Understand how to create and implement policies that support equitable learning environments.
Leadership in K-12 & Higher Education: Learn practical strategies to manage schools, universities, and educational institutions.
Equity & Inclusion in Education: Develop policies that promote accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in schools and colleges.
Strategic Planning & Organizational Change: Lead school districts and universities through institutional growth and transformation.
Financial & Resource Management: Learn budgeting, grant writing, and financial planning for educational institutions.

Career Preparation and Opportunities

Alvernia’s Ph.D. in Leadership – Educational Concentration prepares students for top leadership roles in education. Potential career paths include:

School Superintendent: Oversee school districts, policies, and educational initiatives at the district level.
University Dean or Provost: Manage academic affairs, faculty development, and institutional strategy in higher education.
Educational Policy Analyst: Develop and assess policies that shape the future of education.
Chief Learning Officer (CLO): Implement strategic learning and training initiatives in corporate and educational settings.
Director of Curriculum & Instruction: Design and oversee curriculum improvements to enhance student outcomes.
Nonprofit & Government Leadership: Influence education reform through nonprofit organizations or government agencies.

Strong industry connections, faculty mentorship, and a supportive alumni network help graduates transition into leadership roles in public schools, universities, education nonprofits, and policy think tanks.

Take the Final Step in Your Doctoral Journey

For those who have completed doctoral coursework but still need to finish their dissertation, ŷ��ƽ̨’s Ph.D. in Leadership – Educational Concentration – All But Dissertation (ABD) program offers to refine their research, strengthen their leadership skills, and complete their degree. If you are ready to take the final step, contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu.

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