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Educational Specialist in Leadership (ED.S.)
Next start:
May 2026
Format:
Online
Total Courses:
63 credit hours
Tuition:
$795 per creditThis program offers working professionals the opportunity to develop advanced skills in strategic thinking, critical analysis, change management, adult learning, international education, and organizational development, preparing students to become global leaders. It will provide unique opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders to gain global and diverse perspectives on leadership as it is practiced in different settings. The goal of the program is to develop leaders who are able to implement data-driven solutions to today’s leadership challenges. Program graduates will be trained to identify, coach, and develop tomorrow’s leaders.
Learning Outcomes
The Educational Specialist in Leadership program will prepare students to:
- Critically analyze information and assess the current state of an organization.
- Develop effective strategies that guide organizations to change and adapt to future challenges.
- Develop the ethical leaders of the future who can incorporate social and environmental responsibility into organizational strategies.
- Evaluate an organization’s ability to use global and diverse perspectives to serve a variety of stakeholders.
In addition to the doctoral admission requirements, students applying to this program must meet these additional requirements:
- Official transcript of your master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- For applicants to the Principal, Superintendent, and Program Administrator certification programs, a second reference must be an Executive/District Administrator
The application for admission can be completed online and the applicant will then need to obtain official transcripts from previous institutions which should be sent directly to the admissions office at City University of Seattle. You will also need to complete the Doctor of Education in Leadership program admission packet.
Each applicant will then need to submit their resume/CV, references, and admissions statement.
Only when all of these items have been received will the interview with the program faculty be scheduled. Once the materials have been reviewed and the interview has been conducted, the program faculty will make a decision regarding program admission and notify the prospective student.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, and fully qualified applicants are admitted year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. The Ed.D. program does not have firm application deadlines but it is strongly encouraged for applicants to submit completed applications by the following priority deadlines:
- Fall Quarter: August 1
- Winter Quarter: November 1
- Spring Quarter: February 1
- Summer Quarter: May 1
Candidates will be interviewed and admissions decisions will be made as applications are received.
Total Required Credits (63)
For full course descriptions please refer to the current catalog.
Pre-Entry Requirement (1 credit)
- LDRD 600 Introduction to Doctoral Program (1)
Leadership Core (24 Credits)
- LDRD 606 Leadership Theories and Analysis (6)
- LDRD 607 Culturally Responsive Leadership in a Diverse Society (3)
- LDRD 609 Leading Organizational Change (3)
- LDRD 613 Socially and Environmentally Responsible Leadership (3)
- LDRD 630 Ethical Organizational Leadership (3)
- LDRD 640 Strategic Thinking (3)
- LDRD 646 Developing Leaders of the Future (3)
Research Core (9 credits)
- RESR 617 Research Fundamentals (3)
- RESR 619 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
- RESR 621 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
Comprehensive Exams (6 Credits)
- LDRD 682 Comprehensive Exam (6)
Concentration Area (24 credits)
The Specialized Study Concentration Area allows students to frame a degree focus in a specific area consistent with their current or anticipated field of interest or specialization. Students will develop the skills they need to generate trust, empower others, and implement innovative and strategic solutions in their field of concentration, demonstrating academic rigor and scholarly research throughout their course of study. Students can build on any prior graduate focus, augmented with courses from the several doctoral concentrations and from other CityU master’s programs to best design their proposed course of study. Students work with their advisor to identify the courses required for the specialized study concentration and document the rationale for the selections; this concentration proposal is subject to approval by the director.
A Q&A with Dr. Joel Domingo, Academic Program Director and Associate Professor
Q: What are your areas of expertise and why would it be important to students?
A: I have a long history of leadership and teaching in several educational, community, and civic organizations and as such, my work has focused on helping people develop leadership capacities in their various contexts. My expertise is in the area of educational and non-profit leadership, school and community collaboration, program evaluation, and transformational leadership. As CityU prepares graduates to be change agents in this world, knowing and understanding the dynamics of leadership and collaboration are vital to that end, and I’m humbled that I can align some of my background with the vision of the school.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU represents a population of students that I believe are the best-motivated – the adult learners, who have responsibilities beyond school such as work and perhaps family commitments. Learning to balance all those dynamics while pursuing a degree is inspirational to me. Furthermore, it’s a population that I can personally relate to as I myself was an adult learner through graduate school.
Q: What colleges did you attend and what degrees have you earned?
A: I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Washington, a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Argosy University.
Q: What courses do you teach and/or have you taught?
A: Several of the core leadership courses including, “Developing Leaders of the Future.” I also teach the nonprofit, higher education leadership, and introduction to doctoral study courses.
Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: I would let them know my goal as an instructor is not just to help them learn the material, but to also facilitate an experience where they see the material come to life and can immediately apply their learning to their particular setting.
Q: List your pertinent honors or awards received.
A: Fellowship at the Center for Human Development & Disability (University of Washington) to do research on the intersection of education, family, and disability
President’s Club Award (Argosy University) for one of the best academic administrators in the entire campus system
Diplomat of the Year (Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce) a civic engagement award
Q: What are your career highlights and professional positions?
A: My background encompasses K-12, higher education, nonprofit, and civic spaces. I have served in a faculty and administrative role at several local colleges including the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, Regent College, and Northwest University. I also had the unique opportunity to serve for a time in the Washington State Governor’s Office where I helped lead community educational advocacy and policy efforts across the state. In addition, I sit or have sat on several boards including the Strategic Planning Task Force and Special Education Advocacy and Advisory Committee for Seattle Public Schools, the Consumer Advisory Council of the University of Washington Center for Human Development and Disability, the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs Education Committee, the Seattle Special Education PTSA, the Washington State Charter Schools Association, and the Haring Center/Experimental Education Unit, a school dedicated to creating a positive educational experience for children of all abilities.
Q: What have you published?
A: I wrote a chapter in the one of volumes of the “Proven Practices in Higher Education” series where I highlighted the supportive practices that help adult students succeed. I’ve gotten a chance to also present this topic at conferences. I was also guest commentator in a Seattle Times article on family engagement in education.
Q: What are your personal interests?
A: Spending time with my family, anything in the sci-fi and nerd universe, and football – the kind with the round ball, otherwise known as soccer to us Americans. Go Sounders!
Q: Any fond CityU memories you can share?
A: Being a longtime resident, I have observed CityU grow from its humble beginnings here in Seattle to become a well-respected international presence in higher education. All along the way, I have encountered numerous CityU graduates who are leaders in their fields and always thought to myself, “I would love to be a part of that community someday.”
A Q&A with Dr. Greg Price, Associate Dean
Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: My terminal degree is an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from City University of Seattle.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: When I’m not teaching, administering, and updating the financials in a business I own, I enjoy learning – especially in topics related to cryptography and entrepreneurship. While those may be indoor activities, my outdoor activities that I enjoy are to work in the gardens at home, remodel structures around the house, walk the neighborhood, catch and eat fish, and doing all these activities enjoying different IPA beers.
Q: What classes do you teach?
A: I currently teach business, economics, communication, and leadership courses. I also am a certified facilitator for DiSC Workplace training.
Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: It was a calling and it is a way to give back. I have learned much from the careers I have had the opportunity to experience in five different industries. Each supported a developing leadership style in different ways.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU provides me with the needed structure and also the necessary autonomy I desire. Also, students bring so much to the classroom that the learning never stops.
Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: There is no ‘one’ thing that I will relate to any class. I will share stories, but they are shared if they contribute to the discussions in the classroom.
Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Jump in. You’ll enjoy the learning and the process. My role as an instructor is to include everyone and respect everyone’s position. I do encourage students to think critically within the discussion boards. Looking at someone’s perspectives from a different lens helps you, the student, to clarify your own lens, but to also help others see perspectives that they may not have viewed before.
Q: What is something you’ve learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: I encourage everyone to support the growth of their professor by asking students to complete the end of course evaluations. I have learned from previous students the following makes a difference for them: being consistent with grading and feedback, having quick turn-around times for grading, and helping students ‘see’ what is happening in their papers.
A Q&A with Dr. Pressley Rankin IV, Academic Program Director
Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: PhD in Leadership from the University of San Diego.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I enjoy reading and watching science fiction and fantasy.
Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Research courses, Strategic Thinking, Adult Education and Online Learning, and Organizational Leadership courses.
Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I have a passion for developing students’ ideas into research and ultimately to help them obtain new knowledge in their fields.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: Our online program has a great structure that allows students to learn from multiple sources. As a professor, it is fun learning new ways to reach out to students online.
Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: Your education is in your hands. Do the readings, participate in the discussions, learn from your professor and your peers. The sky is the limit on what you can learn.
Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
I really love our summer international programs that bring students from all over the world to CityU to learn. The cultural diversity and international student perspectives are amazing.
Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Read your syllabus…really, it is all in there.
Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: It is always helpful to me to get students’ feedback on what is working in class and what doesn’t work. I have re-done assignments and re-evaluated readings based on feedback from students.
A Q&A with Dr. Nicole Ferry, Associate Program Director
Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education, PhD – Washington State University
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Bowling, going to the race track, rock climbing, playing with my puppies
Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Qualitative Research Methods, Cultural Competence in a Diverse Society
Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I needed a job . I started teaching as a graduate assistant at Washington State University. I thought I would hate it because public speaking was not my strength. Turned out to be my favorite academic activity!
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: I like working with adult learners. The students are dedicated and often go beyond the course material to expand their learning!
Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: I care about APA formatting. A lot.
Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: My favorite memory (so far) has been working with students, in-person, at the residencies. It was so great to meet all the students and brainstorm with them dissertation topics, research methods, and so on. Plus, there’s free food at the residencies!
Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Effort is important to me. If you don’t always get things right, that’s not my concern. It’s that I can see you’re working to better understand the material, you’re dedicated to turning in well-written and thoughtful assignments, and that you engage with me and your peers in an open, inclusive, and respectful manner. If you can handle that, you can take my course!
Q: What is something you’ve learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: Students love instructor videos. They say it helps clarify both course expectations and content. It surprised me because my production quality is less than stellar. But I will continue to make them and give the people what they want!
A Q&A with Academic Program Director Dr. Marge Chow
Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: EdD in School Administration, Seattle University.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: Travel, reading, walking outdoors, time with grand-kids, dinner/lunch with friends, movies, window shopping, spectator sports (Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Huskies).
Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Educational and executive leadership courses.
Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I always wanted to be a teacher like my sister. I had fun helping her prepare materials for her classes and classroom. She was a great inspiration.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: The personalization, support, and flexibility provides an environment of caring and concern.
Q: What is one thing that you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: Aloha! I’m originally from Maui. The Hawaiian word ohana means family and that’s what I strive for with each student in the program.
Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: Having the opportunity to work in the City U sponsored education program at the Department of Education in Hawaii where every student was a first-time college grad in their individual ohana (family).
Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Model the essential dispositions of a leader you hope to become.
Q: What is something you’ve learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: Communicate often!
A Q&A with Dr. Paul Gerhardt, Associate Faculty
Q: What are your areas of expertise and why would it be important to students?
A: I have numerous areas that I have developed expertise in, including: leadership, diversity, cultural competence, management, marketing and human resources.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: City University of Seattle attracts a higher caliber of students than many other institutions. They are generally dedicated to working hard, digging deeper and committed to doing high quality work that builds our reputation of excellence.
Q: What colleges did you attend and what degrees have you earned?
A: Capella University: PhD Management and Organizational Behaviors with a focus in Leadership
Chapman University: MA Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management
The Evergreen State College: BA Business, Leadership, Prelaw, and Systems Thinking
Q: What courses do you teach and/or have you taught?
A: MAL 560 Global Leadership
LDRD 607 Cultural Competence in a Diversity Society
LDRD 636 Leading Diverse Teams
LDRD 634 Cultural Communication
Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Be ready to grow! Keep an open mind. Dig deep into the literature and support your ideas well with lots of ideas from experts found in our library databases. Become an expert through engagement and thoughtful consideration! Have fun with learning. Choose to be the best you can. This is the place to create your future!
Q: List your pertinent honors or awards received.
A: 2015 United States Army Recognition for Diversity and Inclusion training facilitation
2007 BECU Leadership Development Recognition for Training
2008 WAVA Educator of the Year
1998 All-Washington Academic Team Award
Q: What are your career highlights and professional positions?
A: Tenured Faculty and Program District Director/Program Coordinator for Pierce College Business Management, Marketing and Accounting programs
Doctoral Mentor and Adjunct Professor Brandman University
CEO of The Organizational Doctor Training and Development Company
Author of several leadership and diversity books including Diversity At Work and Emotional Intelligence.
Q: What have you published?
A: Emotional Intelligence, Time Management,Diversity At Work, The Diversity King, Leadership Lucy
Q: What are your personal interests?
A: I love expanding my knowledge in leadership, diversity, teams, culture, communications and management.
Q: Any fond CityU memories you can share?
A: I get to work with graduate students who often quickly learn to embrace academic research then take that research to new levels in my classes by synthesizing what they find to create new and brilliant insights for everyone engaged in our intellectual feast.
Tuition Cost
Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
2025-26 Cost of Attendance (per quarter)
| Living with Parent | Not Living with Parent | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | See Tuition Calculator | See Tuition Calculator |
| Supplies** | $180 | $180 |
| Housing | $1,240 | $4,089 |
| Food | $1,812 | $1,812 |
| Transportation | $858 | $930 |
| Misc./Personal | $636 | $636 |
| Total | $4,726 | $7,647 |
**Supplies include books, course materials, course supplies, and equipment.
Student budget values are established using student surveys, CPI index, and actual institutional expenses.
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, & Equipment component will be prorated based on enrollment intensity.
Students in a high-cost region may appeal and request a 10% increase to their housing and food budget component.
Students living in a rural area may appeal and request a 10% increase to their transportation budget component.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At CityU, we are committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596, 206.239.4540, or [email protected].
Military Tuition Benefits
As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance. Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.