We CU Educating at Centenary University!
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership – Special Education
Develop advanced expertise in inclusive policy, program leadership, and special education administration.
Ready to Lead the Way for Future Generations?
The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program is a 51-credit program centered around the values of transformational thought leadership. The ever changing landscape of P-20 learning is creating a demand for leaders with a wide breadth of experience, knowledge, vision and ethics. Centenary University strives to develop leaders who will successfully guide organizations into an uncertain future. By understanding and appreciating the multiple constituencies and stakeholders that form organizational communities, Centenary graduates will lead in a transformational style – not just to guide in a linear fashion, but to completely envelop the larger community into their mission. Mindful of the many resources under their care and direction, Centenary leaders will embrace challenges, build positive coalitions, craft and sustain positive change and create safe and stable learning environments for all of their stakeholders.
This program is both critical and useful for school leaders, non-profit leaders, corporate trainers, business leaders and governmental leaders. The EdD program is available in person and via synchronous online coursework.
Note: Students in the EdD program may be eligible for the School Administrator Certificate if they don’t already have one unless they specifically opt out of the certificate (and take course number 795 instead of 770).
Program outcomes
- Possess outstanding knowledge of curriculum, instruction and assessment for all students from cradle to grave
- Cherish each and every individual under their care and direction as a valued person, able to learn regardless of age, challenge or circumstance
- Demonstrate an unsurpassed ability to identify challenges, solutions and build consensus
- Unique ability to elucidate solutions that are creative and make best use of diminishing resources
- Value human capital and resources as the primary ingredient for successful organizations
- Understand and apply the value of network knowledge, with an understanding that teaching, working, living and learning is a team effort
- Serve as an ethical and moral role model and inspiration for all constituents within the organization
- Understand larger global, economic and social trends and demands and assist all individuals to meet new and unprecedented change
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include Principal/supervisor certification, Ed.D., Ph.D., special education leadership, curriculum leadership, or school business/administration credentials.
Career Pathways:
Director of Special Services, District Administrator, Policy Specialist, Inclusion Program Executive
Industry Outlook:
Increasing compliance complexity (IDEA, ADA) and staffing shortages make special-education leadership highly marketable.
Regional employers include
New Jersey public school districts; Newark Public Schools; Jersey City Public Schools; Paterson Public Schools; Elizabeth Public Schools; NJ Department of Education; county offices of education; charter school networks; private schools.
Salary Outlook:
$95,000 – $160,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership: Special Education specialization, a reasonable starting range is approximately $65,000–$85,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $95,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $115,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data