Digital Education Leadership — Certificate, Master of Education, Doctorate of Education

Program overview

Enhance your teaching and professional productivity in this hyflex program

How can an advanced degree in Digital Education Leadership DEL prepare you to meet the needs of today’s learners? A DEL certificate, master’s degree, or doctorate prepares you to make research-based decisions to implement and support digital technologies in K-12, higher education or corporate learning environments. As new technologies enter the learning environment, this hyflex Digital Education Leadership program prepares graduates to research, recommend, and implement solutions that will benefit learners and educators.

Are you ready to learn from outstanding professors and expert practitioners in the field?

Program Overview

The School of Education Difference

Seattle Pacific was founded more than 125 years ago, and the University has been preparing some of the most sought-after educators in the region for more than 90 years. Today, entrance to School of Education graduate programs is highly competitive. Faculty members — each teaching his or her own courses and each holding a doctorate — have worked to develop rigorous programs of quality.

The School of Education at Seattle Pacific University offers more than a dozen graduate programs. You can choose from three doctoral programs, seven master’s degree programs, and five certification programs, all of which focus on developing competence, character, leadership, and service in educators. While many students train to become teachers, others prepare for roles as school counselors, principals, superintendents, district office personnel, or professors in higher education. SPU’s reputation in P–12 education in Washington and across the country is strong, and students who complete our graduate degree and certificate programs enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

Why Seattle Pacific for your Digital Educational Leadership certificate, master’s, or doctoral degree?

Technology has the potential to enhance teaching, learning, and professional productivity in every educational setting. As an educator, you are well aware of technology’s potential — how it can impact the way you teach, as well as the way students learn.

There is a difference between potential and delivery, however, and as new technologies find their way into the learning environment, educators often find they need additional support. SPU’s graduate options in Digital Education Leadership (DEL) are hyflex and designed to prepare you to make research-based decisions implementing and supporting digital technologies in the learning environment. The Digital Education Leadership certificate, MEd, and EdD are aligned with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for students, educators, coaches, and administrators.

  1. Accomplished Faculty

    Expert, caring faculty have a desire to help students succeed. Faculty are known for mentoring their students during and following their educational programs. These professors model lifelong learning through scholarly activities of their own, publishing frequently, and presenting at professional conferences.

  2. AACU Membership

    Seattle Pacific is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. SPU certification programs are approved by the Washington state Professional Educator Standards Board. The School of Education is also a member of the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, and has a chapter, Sigma Phi Upsilon, of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling.

  3. Deep Character Emphasis

    Built on an character education foundation, the graduate programs at SPU offer first-class education through the lens of Christian faith and values. Students take ethics courses, and character issues are integrated throughout the curriculum.

  4. Flexible Format

    Designed for working professionals, all courses in this program are online, with weekly real-time web conferences. It is designed using a cohort model, with a new cohort beginning every Autumn Quarter.   

  5. Connected Alumni

    School of Education graduates move on to purposeful careers in schools and district-level leadership throughout the country. When you obtain a graduate degree from SPU’s School of Education, you join a community of alumni who stay connected. 

 

James Bettis

DEL Graduate | Instructional Technology Coach, Edmonds School District

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“I decided to pursue the DEL program after looking at similar programs at other universities. David was the first professor to call and talk to me in person. He took the time to explain the program to me and he asked about my teaching experience and assured me that the DEL program would be a good fit for me … and it was! During the program I was able to move from being a classroom teacher to working as an Instructional Technology Coach, so I use the learning from the program in my day-to day-work. I draw on my learning around coaching, ethics, and digital best practices daily in my current role.

I really enjoyed the closeness and small size of our cohort. We spent time reading and responding to each other's work in addition to other collaboration. Our six-member cohort became pretty close in the two-year program and some of us have stayed connected well after we graduated. Also, I appreciated the flexibility of the program being able to work online and having the option to visit campus for larger projects was a great bonus.”


Mun Shing Cheong

DEL Student | CEO of Qurio Education in Hong Kong

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“I made a switch to a new job, taking on a leadership role in education. I thought that the DEL program at SPU would be great because even though I have many years of work experience in tech, the field of education was completely new to me.

What stands out to me the most is DEL’s focus on digital, education, and leadership. Those were the exact key areas I was looking for as I am passionate about transforming education and the future of education. The fact that this program covered pedagogy, EdTech, and was tailored to training leaders in education checked all the boxes for me. I've learned to be comfortable and agile with technology, and more importantly, I've learned that if a leader can turn an organization into a learning organization, she/he brings the whole team along with them in the journey of growth and as a result, the whole organization grows and thrives. I highly recommend this program to educators who are looking to take their career to the next level and who want to be prepared for what the future of education might bring. The program is also perfect for anyone looking to pivot into education or a career switch into education.”


Christine Lackie

DEL Graduate

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“I had been teaching for several years and saw the changing landscape of digital tools being used but worried about using tech with students in the K-5 setting. Among other things, I wanted to dig deeper into why my initial reaction was to shy away from using digital tools and platforms as an educator. I am so thankful that I pushed myself with SPU’s DEL program to learn more and become comfortable with these skills for myself, my students, with colleagues, and to truly understand what it means to teach 21st century skills as an educator.

What was so interesting was when Covid hit and schools closed, we were in a unique position because our students were already familiar with the digital education tool we utilized. The digital tools that I had been learning through the DEL program became a lifeline between educators, families and students in our school during emergency remote learning. Also, the DEL program is set up in a thoughtful way that also supports educators in the field. I am so thankful for how it has helped me grow as an educator, how it has helped my students and how it has helped my leadership skills with colleagues. From the very first quarter of DEL classes, I realized that the DEL program was focused on mindful use of tech and using digital education to prepare students for the world they live in, not the one I grew up in.


Helen Gong

DEL Graduate

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“I decided to pursue my Master's Degree in SPU's DEL program because Dr. Wicks has deep experience in teaching and researching digital education. The blended learning format of the program also fit my situation. Dr. Wicks and the other professors who work in this program are so warm and kind. They sent me detailed information about the DEL program and introduced me to the courses and followed up with me. I had two other universities on my list and I chose the SPU DEL program because of the faculty.

When I started the program I was working at an international school as an IT assistant. Being in the program helped me get a job at a college where I was an information technology engineer. I was promoted to an instructional technology engineer after graduating from the DEL program. During the pandemic, I utilized what I learned from this program to help my colleagues teach online using digital technology. Because of my participation in the DEL program, I have become very passionate about educational technology. Recently I accepted a new opportunity to work in a Beijing international school as an innovation coach. The DEL program opened a precious box for me and helped me find a career I will love my whole life. Dr. Wicks has provided me with much support even after I graduated. He is a good professor, a good leader, and a good coach in my studies and my life."

 
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Curriculum

Complete the Digital Educator certificate in 9 months, the MEd, EdD specialization, or PhD electives in 17 months. Digital Education Leadership graduates apply what they learn in their classrooms as digital age educators, in schools or universities as digital coaches of educational technologists, and in districts and educational organizations as digital technology coordinators or consultants.

Additionally, certificate completers can move directly on to completing their MEd. Graduates from the MEd in Digital Education Leadership can seamlessly transition to the Doctor of Education EdD or PhD programs and use all credits earned in the master’s degree to fulfill the elective requirements of the EdD or PhD programs.

All programs are designed using a cohort model, with new cohorts beginning each Autumn Quarter.

Digital Education Leadership Certificate PROGRAM COMPONENTS

View Certificate degree requirements

Autumn I
  • EDTC 6101 Values, Ethics, and Foundations in Digital Education (6)
Winter I
  • EDTC 6102 Digital Learning (6)
Spring I
  • EDTC 6103 Digital Teaching (6) 

 

Digital Education Leadership Master's degree COMPONENTS

View MEd degree requirements

Autumn I
  • EDTC 6101 Values, Ethics, and Foundations in Digital Education (6)
Winter I
  • EDTC 6102 Digital Learning (6)
Spring I
  • EDTC 6103 Digital Teaching (6)
Summer I
  • EDTC 6104 Digital Learning Environments (6)
Autumn II
  • EDTC 6105 Educational Technology Leadership (6)
Winter II
  • EDTC 6106 Professional Development and Program Evaluation (6)
 

Doctorate of Education: Digital Education Leadership concentration PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Find more information about the EdD program components here. View this concentration’s degree requirements.

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Faculty

Faculty

Robin Henrikson

Associate Professor; Director of Assessment

Email: henrir@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2186
Office: Peterson Hall 405

David Wicks

Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: dwicks@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2367
Office: Peterson Hall 411

Jorge Preciado

Professor of Education; Chair of Special Education
PhD, University of Oregon

Email: preciadoj@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2794
Office: Peterson Hall 406

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Costs

Tuition and fees for 2023–24

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$607 or $860

per credit

$607/per credit — Certificate or MEd
$860/per credit — EdD

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$50

application fee

See additional fee details.

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24–90

credits to complete

Certificate (ISTE): 24 credits

MEd: 45 credits

EdD: 90 credits

Financial aid

Before applying for aid, you must first be admitted to a graduate program. Make sure you:

  • Enroll in at least 3 credits (or half-time) toward a degree or eligible certificate each quarter.
  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

You may take advantage of scholarships and loans. SPU does not have a deadline for graduate financial aid, though earlier is always better than later! 

Learn more about the FAFSA and applying for financial help.

Learn more about scholarships, assistantships, and loans available to graduate students.

Fees

Find out more about administrative and other School of Education program fees.

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Continuing Education

To meet the changing needs of adult learners, Seattle Pacific University offers a wide range of programs and courses to meet the needs of today's professionals. With competitive credit and program rates, these personal and professional development opportunities make lifelong learning very affordable. As the largest provider of continuing education credits for teachers in Washington State, SPU's Center for Professional Education is focused on the current needs of K-12 educators.

Courses taken for credit and numbered at the 5000 level are graduate-level courses and are designed primarily with the needs of teachers and other professionals in mind for the purpose of meeting certification, endorsement, district pay lane requirements and other professional needs. These Graduate-level courses may be considered to meet elective requirements in some cases.

Still have questions? Review FAQs.


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Application

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following items:

  • Application and $50 application processing fee.
  • Official transcript documenting bachelor's degree (including official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended).
    • Note: To be considered official, transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from the college or university. Transcripts may be delivered to Graduate Admissions as long as they remain in their original, unopened university envelope. Electronic transcripts received via eSCRIP-SAFE or Parchment Exchange are also acceptable.
    • If your degree is not from a US college or university, please arrange for your transcript to be evaluated by an accredited transcript-evaluation company, such as FIS or WES. Have the report forwarded directly to Graduate Admissions.
  • Two letters of recommendation. These letters should provide a current assessment of qualifications relative to past and future service in the professional setting and capability for graduate study. Recommendations should come from present principals, supervisors, colleagues, or former professors.
  • A personal statement. Applicants are to submit a one- to two-page Word document (or PDF) that includes a statement of personal academic and professional goals.
  • A professional résumé or CV.

Application Deadlines

Early Action: May 1 
Final deadline: November 15

Application and Admissions Questions?

Contact Graduate Admissions at 800-601-0603 or gradadmissions@spu.edu.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How selective is admission to the SPU School of Education graduate degree programs?

This varies by program. Admission to some programs, such as the Accelerated Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science (AMTMS), Accerated Master of Arts in Teaching (AMAT), and MEd in School Counseling, is very competitive. Admission to each of SPU's graduate programs in education is standards-based, and all applicants must meet all standards for admission.

Can I continue to work while enrolled in a graduate degree program in the SPU School of Education?

Yes, in most cases. Most of the graduate degree programs offered by the School of Education are part-time programs, with classes offered in a variety of worker-friendly venues. Education graduate courses are scheduled at SPU or off campus, in the evenings, occasionally on Saturdays, and during the summer.

The Acclerated Master of Arts in Teaching (AMAT) and Accelerated Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science (AMTMS) programs are exceptions. They are one-year full-time programs due to their full-time internships.

Is it possible to complete a graduate degree from SPU's School of Education online?

The School of Education offers several fully online programs, including the AMAT-OnlineAMTMS-OnlineDigital Education Leadership, and Teacher Leadership programs. Please review the program pages for eligibility requirements.

Is a graduate program at SPU more expensive than comparable education programs at other universities?

SPU's graduate tuition rates are competitive with other accredited universities in Washington.

How does a graduate degree or graduate certificate from SPU compare with a similar degree or certificate from other universities?

SPU's School of Education has been offering a wide range of fully accredited master's and doctoral degrees in addition to graduate certificates for more than 20 years. SPU's reputation in P–12 education in Washington and around the country is strong, and students who complete our graduate degree and certificate programs enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

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