Doctor of Education (EdD)
Unicollege – Westcliff University Programs
Unicollege and Westcliff University partner to deliver graduate-level academic programs, including Master’s and Doctoral degrees, within an international learning environment. Unicollege, a degree-granting higher education institution based in Italy, manages international outreach, student orientation, academic advising, and enrollment support, while Westcliff University, a WASC-accredited university in the United States, provides all academic delivery, instruction, assessment, and supervision from program start through graduation. Programs are offered fully online and are designed to accommodate international learners across disciplines and academic levels, while also offering exclusive partner-granted scholarships for Unicollege applicants, dedicated international cohorts with schedules aligned to European time zones, and personalized one-to-one academic and administrative assistance throughout the program. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a U.S.-accredited degree from Westcliff University, recognized internationally.
EdD Program Description
The Doctorate of Education (EdD) empowers scholar-practitioners to lead and influence education, design and evaluate curriculum, as well as elevate and maximize instructional methodologies. The degree integrates educational principles and leadership theories to inform research, andragogy and pedagogy, and evidence-based assessment. It combines primary research with practical experience to produce effective change agents who value diversity as well as equitable practices and policies. Students engage in project-based learning with embedded practicum experiences to solve real-world problems that foster personal and professional growth. They receive oversight, feedback, and guidance while participating in authentic working conditions. Graduates are equipped with the actionable skills necessary to positively impact organizations and advance their careers in leadership, curriculum, and instruction.cement of the global data economy across industry, academia, and research environments.
Program Structure
- 3 years full-time (the duration may be shorter depending on the number of credits recognized from prior academic studies and/or validated professional experience).
- Candidates may apply for credit recognition (up to 50% of the total credit requirement) based on prior academic studies or relevant professional experience.
- Fully online, designed for international and multi-time-zone participation
- Typically one live taught class per week
- Weekly readings, applied assignments, and assessments
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Master-level degree from a regionally, nationally, or internationally accredited institution (including NACES-recognized credentials)
- English language proficiency for non-native English speakers
Enrollments are open all year round with starting windows every 2 months.
Tuition and Scholarships
Applicants applying through Unicollege may access exclusive partner-granted scholarships of up to 75% of the total program cost, awarded based on academic merit, prior academic achievements, and professional experience.
Enrollment
Applying through Unicollege provides access to dedicated guidance, enhanced scholarship opportunities, and personalized admissions support.
For applications or further information, please contact: phd@unicollege.eu
Required Courses
Core Courses – 18 Credit Hours
- DOC 700 – Doctoral Foundations – 3 credit hours
- EDU 710 – The Role of Learning – 3 credit hours
- EDU 711 – Educational Leadership in Theory and Practice – 3 credit hours
- EDU 714 – Optimize Outcomes with AI and Technology Integration – 3 credit hours
- EDU 716 – Managing Human and Fiscal Resources as an Educational Leader – 3 credit hours
- EDU 720 – Times of Change: Human Potential and Motivation – 3 credit hours
Core & Research Courses – 18 Credit Hours
- EDU 725 – Design Thinking: Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship – 3 credit hours
- DOC 705 – Quantitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 710 – Qualitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 712 – Conducting Applied Research for Real-World Practice or
- DOC 706 – Advanced Quantitative Research Methods or
- DOC 711 – Advanced Qualitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 715 – Developing the Dissertation Prospectus – 3 credit hours
- DOC 720 – Literature Review – 3 credit hours
Research – 12 Credit Hours
(If not previously completed)
- DOC 712 – Conducting Applied Research for Real-World Practice or
- DOC 706 – Advanced Quantitative Research Methods or
- DOC 711 – Advanced Qualitative Research Methods – 3 credit hours
- DOC 715 – Developing the Dissertation Prospectus – 3 credit hours
- DOC 720 – Literature Review – 3 credit hours
Dissertation or Capstone Courses (12 Credit Hours)
- DOC 901 – Dissertation I – 3 credit hours
- DOC 902 – Dissertation II – 3 credit hours
- DOC 903 – Dissertation III – 3 credit hours
- DOC 904 – Dissertation IV – 3 credit hours
Or
- DRP 901 – Doctoral Research Project I – 3 credit hours
- DRP 902 – Doctoral Research Project II – 3 credit hours
- DRP 903 – Doctoral Research Project III – 3 credit hours
- DRP 904 – Doctoral Research Project IV – 3 credit hours
Capstone Course – 12 Credit Hours
In addition to the core curriculum, students may choose to complete a concentration by taking four (4) courses totaling 12 credit hours in a selected specialization area. Concentration options can be discussed during Unicollege’s one-to-one orientation sessions or explored directly on the dedicated program pages on the Westcliff University website.