Program Description

The Education Leadership (Doctor of Education) program at Wenzhou-Kean University is designed to cultivate educators with the essential knowledge and skills for independent research and innovative problem-solving in education. The program encourages students to apply creative research methods to address contemporary educational challenges. Its curriculum emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and professional expertise, combining in-class research with practical experience. Students also have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through practicums in schools, colleges, universities, or other educational institutions. The program offers two distinct focus areas: K–12 Education and Higher Education.

The K–12 Education track prepares students for leadership roles in K–12 schools and related educational settings. It emphasizes practical leadership skills, including instructional leadership, organizational change, policy implementation, budget management, and data-driven decision-making, all aimed at improving educational outcomes. Core courses cover leadership, personnel management and negotiation, project evaluation and assessment, school-community partnerships, educational research, internships, and other professional topics.

The Higher Education track equips students for leadership and administrative roles in colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. It focuses on applying research and theory to solve practical problems in higher education settings and cultivating the skills necessary to drive positive change and innovation. Key courses include higher education leadership and organization, curriculum and instruction in higher education, educational leadership literature, research methods, and more.

Applicants shall indicate their preferred focus area in the “Statement of Purpose” section of their application.

Important features of the program include:

• Collaborate closely with educational leaders from K–12 schools, universities, and educational and community organizations to broaden your global educational perspective.
• Study cutting-edge theories and research in education, leadership, policy, curriculum, and instruction.
• Engage in structured clinical practicum in K–12 schools across the Wenzhou region, integrating theory with practice and gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Admission Requirements

1. Master's degree and Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
   ● Applicants, if graduated from mainland China institutions, must submit an evaluation of their official university degree by China Credentials Verification (https://www.chsi.com.cn/).
   ● Applicants, if not graduated from either U.S. institutions or mainland China institutions, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official university degree by the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES) (http://www.naces.org), such as the International Education Evaluation (IEE) or World Education Services (WES).

2. Statement of purpose (mention your preference for School OR Higher Education Strand)
3. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher (lower GPAs will be considered based on strength of overall application) 
   ● Applicants, if graduated from mainland China institutions, must submit an evaluation of their official university transcript by China Credentials Verification.
   ● Applicants, if not graduated from either U.S. institutions or mainland China institutions, must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their official university transcript by the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES).
4. Optional, not required: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken within five years of application
5. Professional résumé/CV
6. Substantial experience working in education or family-support agencies
7. Two letters of recommendation
8. Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score reports of tests taken within the past two years of application *TOEFL iBT / TOEFL at home: 79, paper-based: 550; IELTS: 6.5; Duolingo English Test:105
9. A departmental interview may be required (usually, face to face interviews are conducted)

Curriculum & Academic Standards

The Graduate Admissions Committee of the program will evaluate the applicant’s background and decide whether the applicant needs to take bridging courses, and the credits that need to be taken. An applicant without having a master’s degree in Educational Administration usually have to take 6 credits of bridging courses.

6 credits of bridging courses are listed below:

• EL 5606 School Supervision and Organizational Theory
• EL 5613 Curriculum Development and Evaluation: Theory and Practice

After a graduate student attempts six (6) total graduate credits as a matriculated student, a 3.0 cumulative GPA must be achieved. Failure to meet this minimum may result in the student being placed on Academic Probation. Upon completion of twelve (12) attempted graduate credits, if a student fails to achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0, the student may be academically dismissed from the University at the discretion of the program/department. If a student who is on Academic Probation achieves a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, they will be removed from Academic Probation. However, if at any time during subsequent semesters the student falls below a cumulative 3.0 GPA, they will be academically dismissed from the University.

Graduation Requirements

The Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) curriculum is comprised of 18 courses (3 credits each) for a total of 54 credits. Upon successful completion of 54 credits (and designated credits for bridging courses, if any), students must maintain their status as matriculated students (GPA no less than 3.0) until they successfully complete and defend their dissertation. In case students are unable to complete their thesis within the stipulated two years, they must register for a 2-credit course (Dissertation Continuation EDD 7103), while they work on their dissertation. Students can only get a maximum of two C grades and no grades lower than C on their transcript. Finally, students will be conferred the Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) degree of Kean University.

*Upon Completion of the 54 credits, students are required to register for EDL 7103 (Matriculation Continued) every semester until they successfully detend their dissertation.

Contact Us

Email: edd@wku.edu.cn

Tel: 0577-55870587

*Rolling admission will be adopted in 2026, and the application deadline is May 25th, 2026.
The enrollment period is the autumn semester of 2026. Encourage applicants to apply as early as possible.