For the first time in 45 years, St. Bonaventure University will offer a doctoral program.

Beginning this fall, SBU’s School of Education will offer a doctorate in Educational Leadership. The state’s Board of Regents approved the program proposal this week. The last doctorate the university offered was biology, which was phased out in 1979.

“The world needs educational leaders who can think differently about facilitating teaching and learning in an increasingly complex world,” said Dr. Jason Margolis, the Ed.D. program director. “St. Bonaventure has designed a cutting-edge Ed.D. program so that future leaders can meet those challenges.”

The fully online program is designed to be completed in eight semesters, which includes summers. However, with approval of the program director, a student could take two electives or directed studies earlier in the program and finish in seven semesters.

“Offering the program online allows us to welcome students from around the globe who want to make a difference in educational settings of all kinds,” Margolis said.

The program includes 16 three-credit courses, which includes one dissertation course in each of the last three semesters.

“Our graduates will be well positioned for leadership positions in P-12 schools, educational agencies and higher education. They will have a solid foundation in research and theory and have leveraged that knowledge in practical application,” said Dr. René Hauser, dean of the School of Education. “The profession is in need of innovative administrators who have a strong foundation in our Franciscan values and are able to do their work with wisdom, integrity and compassion.”

Applicants for the program must have a master’s degree; five years of professional experience; a 3.0 graduate school GPA (or a 2.5 GPA with 10 years of professional experience admitted on a provisional basis); two letters of recommendation; and a three-page statement of purpose. An interview with faculty may be required if deemed necessary.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to facilitate growth-oriented change in educational environments, drawing from new leadership frameworks to solve complex problems of practice, Margolis said.

Prospective students interested in learning more about the program should contact Margolis at jmargolis@sbu.edu.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).