Skip to content
Visit
Give
teacher with student at desk
Loading…

Innovative training for the next generation of educational leaders

Clark University’s Ed.D. in Transformative Education is designed for education professionals committed to equity and social justice, who seek to become agents of change in their fields. This program supports practitioners by enhancing their practice through academic scholarship and practitioner inquiry.

Why Choose Clark’s Ed.D. in Transformative Education?

  • Commitment to equity and social justice
  • Small class sizes and personal attentions
  • Cohort-centered, low-residency program
  • Extensive social networks with faculty and students
  • Interdisciplinary framework

Low Residency for Working Professionals

The Ed.D. program is an executive-style, low-residency program with in-person meetings every other weekend. This allows students to continue working full-time while pursuing their doctorate. The program includes practitioner inquiry and action research projects in students’ workplaces.

Areas of Study

  • Anti-oppressive education
  • Racial literacy and social justice
  • Education as a tool for social change
  • Community engagement
  • Activist scholarship and practitioner inquiry
  • Social theory and interdisciplinarity

Skills Acquired

  • Designing and conducting original research
  • Enhanced academic scholarship and practitioner inquiry skills
  • Effective communication with various stakeholders
  • Theorizing and addressing professional practice problems
  • Collaboration and networking with faculty, peers, and practitioners
  • Teaching undergraduate courses
  • Addressing critical issues in teaching, learning, and equity
  • Promoting culturally sustaining practices

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for individuals who:

  • Hold a master’s degree in education or a related field
  • Have a commitment to equity and social justice
  • Seek to make an impact and be agents of change in their field
  • Are engaged practitioners wanting to enhance their practice
  • Utilize an asset-based approach in their work

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Instructional Coaching or Leadership
  • Executive Director of a Non-Profit Organizations or Other Leadership Roles
  • Curriculum Specialists/Director of Curriculum
  • Educational Leadership
  • Higher Education Administration
  • Teacher Leadership
  • Faculty in Higher Education/Teacher Education
  • Community Organizing
  • Educational Consulting
  • Director of Organizational Learning for an Organization

Program Duration

  • Coursework: Five semesters (two and a half years)
  • Dissertation: Typically one to one and a half years
  • Total: Approximately four years

Application Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree in education or a related field.

  • Completed Online application form
  • Application fee (non-refundable): $75
  • Current CV or résumé
  • Academic transcripts from all intuitions attended
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency
  • Complete a personal statement in two parts:
    • Looking Back: Share your journey that has led you to apply to this program.  What has influenced you to apply?  Include: A) a description of experiences—that have been most interesting, challenging and/or transformative, and why; and B) a reflection of your strengths and assets as a learner and agent for change
    • Looking Forward: Why an Ed.D. in Transformative Education?  How will this program of study help you accomplish your goals and dreams?  This paper should include a description of your objectives and goals in pursuing the Ed.D. and an indication of knowledge, skills, and research interests that you may pursue with the support of program faculty, peers, and advisors.
  • Three Letters of Recommendation as follows:
    • One from an Academic Reference who is familiar with your academic capabilities
    • One from colleague or supervisor in a work environment
    • One from a person you supervised.  This can be from a current or former student, or someone whom you advised, mentored, and/or guided in a work environment.

Application Deadlines for Fall 2025 Semester: Rolling admissions with a priority deadline of June 1st, 2025.  Applications received after this date may be considered for the following year.

Tuition and Scholarships

Total tuition: $51,600 (16 courses at $3,225 per course).
Limited scholarships, including teaching and research assistantships, are available.

Transfer Credits

Up to two courses from previous doctoral work may be transferred, subject to approval.

Licensure

This program does not provide licensure. For licensure, consider our Master’s of Arts in Teaching or M.Ed./Ed.S. in School Psychology programs.

Review Our Course Catalog

View Catalog