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New doctoral program prepares educational leaders for applied, innovative change; first cohort begins fall 2026

�鶹��Ƶ expands its doctoral portfolio with the launch of an online Ed.D. in Transformative Education, designed for educational leaders across PreK–12 systems, higher education institutions, intermediate units, nonprofit organizations and the broader educational industry. The 48-credit program is built for scholar-practitioners who want to mobilize people, data and resources to create equitable, forward-thinking learning environments.

“Education leaders are being asked to navigate unprecedented complexity while keeping students and communities at the center of decision-making,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., ATC, LAT. “Alvernia’s new Ed.D. in Transformative Education reflects our mission-driven commitment to ethical leadership and a culture of care, preparing practitioners to lead meaningful change across learning environments.”

The need for adaptable, outcomes-focused leadership continues to grow as Pennsylvania and the nation respond to workforce disruption, demographic shifts and increasing demands for postsecondary credentials. Pennsylvania’s projects a credential gap of more than 200,000 by 2032 and notes that 65% of jobs require some type of postsecondary credential. In addition, the continues to identify educator shortage areas statewide, including shortages in grades 4-8 and special education.

Designed for working professionals, Alvernia’s Ed.D. in Transformative Education combines asynchronous online learning with scheduled live virtual sessions and structured residencies that strengthen cohort connection, professional networking and applied dissertation progress. The program is delivered in seven-week courses and can be completed in approximately three years.

“Our program is intentionally designed for practitioners who want to lead change that is grounded in evidence and connected to real challenges in schools, colleges, communities and organizations,” said Program Director and Associate Professor Elena Lawrick, Ph.D. “Students will build a pathway aligned to their own goals, engage in praxis-oriented coursework and complete an applied dissertation that focuses on impact.”

As part of Alvernia’s commitment to access and workforce-aligned education, the University will also extend a special introductory partnership opportunity for Pennsylvania community college partners interested in upskilling faculty and staff through the Ed.D. in Transformative Education. This will include a significant per-credit discount through Alvernia’s Business and Community Partnerships program.

“Community colleges are essential engines of opportunity and talent development across Pennsylvania,” said Vice President for Graduate and Adult Education Gaetan Giannini, Ed.D. “This introductory partnership pathway is designed to help our community college partners invest in their people, strengthen leadership capacity and accelerate solutions that improve learning outcomes. We’re proud to collaborate in ways that make advanced education more accessible.”

This introductory opportunity will also be made available to Alvernia alumni and Pennsylvania Intermediate Unit partners.

Alvernia is uniquely positioned to offer this program with its dedication to innovative educational opportunities, underscored by the integration of the Total Experience Learning (TExpL)® Institute. TExpL empowers participants with practical project management frameworks, real-world tools, and invites educators to transform how learning happens. The Ed.D. is a natural extension of the TExpL Graduate Certificate in Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurship and admissions pathways have been integrated.

“TExpL certificate holders are already the kind of reflective, action-oriented problem-solvers our communities need,” said Vice President and founder of Total Experience Learning Institute Adelle Schade, Ph.D. “This Ed.D. creates a clear next step for educators and leaders who want to keep innovating with purpose, using applied research to turn bold ideas into measurable outcomes.”

The 48-credit curriculum includes a research core, education core and concentration-area electives that students personalize with program director approval. Instead of a qualifying exam, students complete a portfolio assessment that demonstrates readiness for dissertation work, followed by applied dissertation courses. Students may transfer up to 18 credits, including eligible doctoral-level coursework, select prior Alvernia graduate coursework and approved professional experience credits.

The residency sequence includes a virtual program orientation day, a Graduate Symposium & Networking Day (with an on-campus option and virtual participation available) and a five-day campus residency or an international residency option. Campus residency housing is available at $125 per week, with meals not included.

For students who started an Ed.D. elsewhere but did not complete dissertation requirements, Alvernia offers an A.B.D. pathway requiring a minimum of 18 credits completed at Alvernia.

The new program joins Alvernia Online, a portfolio of more than 20 fully online programs designed for working adults, with multiple start dates and seven-week terms offered across three semesters each year.

Prospective students can explore admissions requirements and apply through the Ed.D. in Transformative Education program page.