EDLS Online allows students to pursue the MS in Educational Leadership degree in a convenient web-based format, augmented by field experience in the participant's school district. As a result of new PDE guidelines, program requirements have recently changed and are subject to further revision until the program receives final approval. The EDLS Online program is designed to meet PA Department of Education standards for principals.

EDLS Online begins by bringing student cohorts to the university campus in Wilkes-Barre, PA for a week- long residency. During the residency, students will begin work in the first two courses that form the base of the EDLS experience--ED 517 The Principal as Educational Leader and ED 523 Administrative Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction. The residency also gives students a chance to form strong connections with the classmates who will be their work-partners throughout the EDLS Online program.

Following the residency, students will finish their work in ED 517 and ED 523 during the fall term. These and all subsequent courses will be conducted through the Internet. Every EDLS Online course includes a field experience component, helping students to connect their growing professional capabilities to real-life applications in their school districts.

Students should follow the course sequence listed below to complete all necessary requirements.

Review the Educational Leadership course requirements for students accepted Fall 2010 or later.

Consistent participation in their original cohort will enable students to attain the MS in Educational Leadership degree in 24 months. Candidates will be recommended for K-12 principal certification upon successful completion of:

1. One week residency
2. EDLS Online program of study
3. PDE requires School Leadership Licensure Assessment for principal certification  (Praxis 0411)
4. 5 years of professional school experience
5. Submission of completed PDE required K- 12 principal application forms.

Fall 2012 Cohorts are forming now

The Fall 2012 cohorts will hold their residency on the Wilkes-University campus in Wilkes-Barre, PA, the week of July 9-12. Please note the following details:

Students who would like to participate in the Fall 2012 cohort must apply and be admitted with all Phase 1 credentials submitted by June 15, 2012, in order to register for the residency and the courses offered. The residency session will begin at 8:00 AM Monday, July 9, and end on Thursday, July 12, 2012.

Accommodations with special rates will be available at a local hotel for the period Sunday, July 8 through Thursday, July 12, 2012.

To apply you must

1. Be a new applicant to the EDLS program at Wilkes.
2. Complete the EDLS Application process.
3. Contact Dr. Gilbert Griffiths (gilbert.griffiths@wilkes.edu) to indicate your intention to enroll.

After completing the application steps, and being admitted with all Phase 1 credentials, candidates will receive registration forms for the residency and the two courses--ED 517 and ED 523. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program after all admissions materials are received and reviewed.

Qualifications for Admission include

Teaching Experience: The applicant must provide evidence in the application of compliance with PA state requirements with at least three years of full-time teaching experience completed at the time of admission.

Phase 1 Checklist – All items must be submitted no later than June 15, 2012. Applicant files will be reviewed and students notified of provisional admission status prior to the start of class. Students not meeting minimum requirements will not be permitted to begin class. 

Required Items
Graduate Application (Submit Online)
Compile all documents below (Admissions Portfolio) and send to Wilkes in one envelope. Individual items will not be accepted.
•Two Recommendations - one Professional and one leadership
•Official Sealed Transcripts in original envelopes
•Copy of Teaching Certificate
•Educational Philosophy Essay
•1-page Essay on "How Principals Shape Learning in Their Schools"

*Wilkes will not be held responsible for documents not addressed to the proper office.

Send your Phase 1 Admissions Portfolio to:
Student Service Center
Wilkes University
84 West South Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766

Questions about admissions documentation should be directed to the Ed Leadership program coordinator, Dr. Gilbert R. Griffiths, at gilbert.griffiths@wilkes.edu or 800-WILKESU ext. 4649.