Leadership and Professional Studies

Colette Taylor, EdD, Chair

Counseling
Educational Administration
Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership
Student Development Administration

Counseling

Keith Mobley, PhD, On-ground Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director
Jennifer Gess, PhD, Online Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Director
Mary Amanda Graham, PhD, On-ground and Online School Counseling Program Director

Overview

The counseling program has four program tracks that can be taken either in-person or completely online. The in-person program includes the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) and School Counseling (SC) tracks. The in-person CMHC and SC counseling programs are offered on the Seattle University campus and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The online program offerings are in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling and can be completed anywhere in the United States. The online CMHC degree and online SC degree tracks mirror the in-person CMHC and SC degree tracks in curricular content and is seeking CACREP accreditation. All four counseling program tracks offer flexible scheduling that allows students to integrate graduate studies with work commitments for the first two years of the program.

Curricula incorporate theoretical perspectives with practical applications. Instructional approaches encourage an equal emphasis on direct and reflective learning experiences. The result for the student is a learning environment that respects the life experiences of the adult learner, along with an ethical sensibility that emphasizes personal and professional accountability. Program graduates work in K-12 schools and mental health settings, institutional environments, and private practice. Public and private schools, colleges, social services, and mental health agencies, correctional facilities and youth service bureaus have all become venues for graduates of these programs.

Admission Requirements

Application for Graduate Admission
Evidence of four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Minimum GPA of 3.00 as calculated from transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including any transfer credits earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work. Applicants with less than a 3.0 GPA may be considered for probationary admission. Applicants from non-letter graded bachelor’s degree programs must submit GRE scores.
Using only College of Education forms, two recommendations are required from employers, administrators, professors, or supervisors who are familiar with your work and your interpersonal skills. Do not choose peers, friends, or therapists.
Two-page (maximum) letter of intent (including goals for the program and professional goals, plus a response to the Seattle University mission statement)
Two-page (maximum) résumé documenting education, volunteer and professional experience
College of Education Self-Evaluation Form
Screened applicants will be invited to a group interview with faculty members and other candidates. Admission decisions are sent by letter within 30 days after the group interview.

Refer to Graduate Admission policies in this catalog for information on Probationary and Provisional Admission and Readmission.

Educational Administration

Ted Kalmus, MPA, Program Director

Overview

The Educational Administration and Leadership program develops school and organizational leaders grounded in integrity, critical theory, a rigor of practice, and a commitment to service. Designed for working professionals, the Educational Administration master’s degree attracts aspiring K-12 administrators and organizational leaders who are passionate about making a difference and who see themselves as change agents in pursuit of excellence for schools and learning.

This cohort degree program offers the option for principal or program administrator certification and may be completed in six quarters, beginning in the spring and ending the following summer. Leadership internships are customized for each student, and targeted to the type of schools, districts or organizations they want to work in.

Field Experience

All students must complete field experience at sites selected cooperatively by the student and major advisor. All students, whether in public, charter, independent online schools, participate in a full-year internship, which can be completed concurrently with some professional responsibilities.

Certification

Persons serving as principals and program administrators in public or private schools shall hold certificates authorized by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) for service in the respective roles as required by statute or rules of the PESB. The university recommends for certification a student who has successfully completed an approved program to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, which issues the appropriate certificate.

Residency Certificate

State requirements for the administrative credentials include possession of a valid teacher’s certificate (principal only) or valid educational staff associate certificate and documented successful school-based experience in an instructional role with students; completion of a master’s degree; and completion of an approved preparation program. The residency certificate is valid for five years.
Professional Certificate

The Professional Educator Standards Board is in the process of determining whether to continue the requirement of a Professional Certificate. In its deliberation, the PESB has suspended this as a requirement. Until the PESB announces a decision, this option will not be offered after the 2016-2017 academic year.

Washington State Requirements for Post-Master’s Certification

Completion of a master’s degree
Completion of a state approved administrator preparation program
Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required, if a valid certificate is not already on record

Additional Requirements for Principal Certification Only

Hold or have previously held a regular teacher, educational staff associate or Initial/Continuing CTE Certificate
Verification of three years of successful school-based instructional experience in an educational setting

Admission Requirements for the Master of Education (MEd) Program

Application for Graduate Admission
Four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Minimum GPA of 3.00 calculated from transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including transfer credit earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work. Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA are required to submit official scores from the GRE or the MAT by the application deadline.
Résumé reflecting at least one year’s successful relevant work experience. For those interested in pursuing a Washington state principal’s certification, three years of classroom and/or administrative experience is required.
Two recommendations from supervisors within past five years using College of Education Recommendation forms
Interview with the program director with an on-site writing sample
College of Education Self-Evaluation form

E-portfolio

Satisfactory performance of an e-portfolio is required to complete degree.

Admission Requirements for Post-Master’s Principal or Program Administrator Credentials

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited university. Equivalent course work from that degree can apply to the certification requirements. Interested applicants should contact the Educational Administration Program Director for specific requirements.
Résumé reflecting at least one year’s successful relevant work experience
Two recommendations from supervisors within past five years using College of Education Recommendation forms
Interview with the program director with an on-site writing sample
College of Education Self-Evaluation form

Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership

Brian Taberski, EdD, Program Director

Overview

Designed for professionals who already hold a master’s degree, the EdD in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership will help students lead organizations to success through the program’s emphasis on research, collaboration, social justice, and applied practice. The program uses a cohort learning model and meets the needs of a vast spectrum of leaders whose current or future careers include educational, business, organizational, or community leadership. As a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, the program is framed around questions of equity, ethics, and social justice to bring about solutions to complex problems of practice.

This 66-credit hour program includes courses in Leadership, Applied Research, and Social Justice and is designed to be completed in three years. Class scheduling allows students to complete their degrees while at the same time continuing full-time employment.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for understanding leadership both inside and outside of formal education settings by exploring leadership in multiple contexts and from various perspectives, emphasizing integrating disciplinary knowledge with theories and practices leadership. The program is uniquely oriented toward applying theory and knowledge derived from researching practical problems.

Leadership core requirements for the degree total 36 credits across three years. Each year builds upon previous learning to promote and sustain an integrated approach to leadership development, organizational development, management/administration, and social justice. In addition, the leadership core focuses on developing strength in the dimensions of diversity, accountability, and learning.

Research requirements for the degree total a minimum of 30 credits and includes opportunities for community-based applied research that is a faculty-led team experience organized around common themes of interest. The research strand culminates in a thematic dissertation in leadership practice.

A new cohort begins each year in the summer.

Admission Requirements

Graduates of the doctoral program are leaders whose studies, internships, and research prepare them to live, work, and make a positive leadership difference in an ever-changing world. Students will come from various occupational fields, including (but not limited to) education, healthcare, business, theology, public and non-profit administration, and consulting.

The Seattle University doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership is designed to prepare graduates who will be scholarly practitioners and influencers with the ability and competencies to name, frame, and solve problems of practice, using empirical evidence to evaluate impact. Understanding the importance of equity and social justice, graduates will use applied theories and practical research as tools for collaborative change.

In keeping with the Seattle University Mission Statement, candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The program does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, ability, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The best-qualified applicants will be accepted up to the number of spaces available for new students. It is anticipated that a maximum of 30 students will be admitted for each cohort.

Admission to the program will be based on the following:

Application for Graduate Admission
Transcripts from all graduate-level colleges and universities attended, sent directly to Seattle University’s Graduate Admissions Office
An earned master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) in all graduate-level coursework calculated from submitted transcripts.
If the calculated graduate-level grade point average (GPA) is below 3.25 or if prior graduate degree coursework is ungraded, then an official combined score of 293 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test or a minimum score of 400 on the Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT) is required. Tests must have been taken within the last five years.
International student declaration of finances forms if intending to apply for a student visa
Two letters of recommendation that can speak to the applicant’s potential for success in a doctoral level leadership program
Minimum of 3 years of mid- or upper-level leadership experience (e.g., directing a program, supervising personnel, coordinating a project, leading a team, spearheading an initiative)
Personal statement (no longer than two pages in length) that describes the applicant’s prior experience as it relates to the mission of Seattle University and the goals of the doctoral program, the ability to effectively engage in doctoral-level studies and research, leadership supervisory experience, and involvement with social justice advocacy and organizational or social change
Academic writing sample demonstrating satisfactory preparation for scholarly research and publication (e.g., graduate-level paper, scholarly publication, excerpt from thesis)
Current résumé
If English is not the applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the University entrance requirements are necessary. See Admissions Policy (2008-01) for details. Admission through the English Language and Culture Bridge program is not an option.

Representatives of the Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership department review core written material and transcripts, interview applicants and create a priority list for admission. All material submitted becomes the property of Seattle University and will be maintained according to institutional records management practices.

After submitted applications are reviewed, invited candidates will be asked to submit a video interview. Those selected will receive further information about this process via email.

Residency

Full-time residency is not required; however, 24 credits must be completed in the first four consecutive quarters of the program. In addition, students must attend the annual summer institutes, the one-week educational residency held each year of the three years of your doctoral education. As long as a student is active in the program, enrollment every quarter is required. Formal leave may be granted for a cause. Credit applied to the degree may not be more than six years old when the program is completed.

Credit at Seattle University

No post-graduate level credits beyond the master’s degree may be transferred into the doctoral degree. Up to 24 credits taken at the Master’s level within the past six years may be applied to satisfy entry requirements for the EOLL program. All Seattle University credits applied to the doctoral program must be at least at the 5000 level and must be at the post-graduate level if transferred from any other college or university.

Formal Degree Candidacy

Doctoral students must successfully pass a comprehensive examination to advance to degree candidacy.

Comprehensive Examination

The Comprehensive Examination is required of all candidates completing the Ed.D. in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership and is designed to allow candidates to demonstrate leadership knowledge, skills, practice, and scholarship as part of the requirements for the Ed.D. degree. The exam should be taken by the end of the second year of study. To be eligible to take the comprehensive exam, students must have: a) satisfactory completion (no incompletes) of coursework completed during the first 5 quarters of enrollment and b) a grade point average of 3.00 in graduate course work with no grades below a 2.00 c) satisfactory Annual Student Doctoral Evaluation for the previous academic year.

Grade and GPA Requirement

Courses completed at Seattle University graded C- or lower will not count towards the EdD. Students must maintain a GPA of B (3.00) or above. Any student who earns a B- or lower in EOLL 6510, 6520, or 6530 in any given quarter will be put on probation the following quarter and must successfully fulfill probation requirements that same following quarter to remain in the dissertation process.

Student Development Administration

Paige Gardner, PhD, Program Director
Erin Swezey, MPS, MA, Program Director

Objectives

Student Development Administration graduates are prepared to work with college students beyond the classroom and advance social justice. Our modern theory-to-practice curriculum provides students with practical experience in student affairs, develops cultural competence to foster diversity in two- or four-year college settings, and enhances leadership skills and values to promote equity and holistic development for students in higher education. The nationally recognized program accommodates full and part-time students.

Internship

All students are required to complete 300 hours (SDAD 5640, 5650, 5660, 2 credits per course) of professional practice internships in the field, either at Seattle University, accredited colleges and universities, or organizations who work with college students (college access organizations, educational non-profits, university recruiting, etc.)

Admission Requirements

Applications are considered once a year for admission for either summer or fall entry only. Admission is selective. Candidates are evaluated on individual merits as well as a comparative basis within the pool of candidates.

Application for Graduate Admission
Transcripts reflecting four-year equivalent bachelor’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited college or university
Academic Index: We seek academically strong candidates and also acknowledge that GPA/GRE scores may provide a partial portrait of potential success in the SDA program. Minimum GPA of 3.00 calculated from transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including transfer credit earned during this time, and any postbaccalaureate course work. Applicants without the minimum GPA or those without letter-graded transcripts are encouraged submit official GRE scores by the deadline. Scores must be from tests taken within the last five years to be considered official.
Two recommendations from individuals familiar with the applicant’s ability to complete graduate-level study and perform as a professional, using the College of Education Recommendation Forms found in the application packet
Current résumé
Two- to three-page autobiography showing evolution of career interests, especially in student affairs
College of Education Self-Evaluation form
The graduate assistantship process is separate from admissions. Once students are admitted to the master’s program, they are eligible to participate in the graduate assistantship selection process. Candidates submit their graduate assistant application materials when they apply for the program, typically a cover letter and resume. See the program’s web site for detailed information and annual admissions deadline.

Portfolio

Students will complete an electronic portfolio that documents their mastery of the program’s learning, which includes an oral presentation. Students must complete SDAD 5900 - Student Development Capstone Seminar before completing their portfolio. Oral presentations take place once a year in the Spring term.

Programs

Doctoral Major

Doctor of Education/Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership

Graduate Certificate

Post Master’s Certification/Principal or Program Administrator

Graduate Major