For the first time since its founding in 1947, Merrimack College will offer the highest level of academic degree in the U.S. education system.
Following approval on April 24 by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Merrimack College will offer a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) beginning in fall 2025. It marks a significant achievement in Merrimack’s ongoing mission to enhance its academic excellence and research endeavors.
“This is a historic and proud moment for Merrimack College,” said President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. “It brings Merrimack College closer to its aspiration of being a leading Catholic university and will further grow our reputation for excellence in teaching future generations of teachers. Students in this program will become impactful and highly respected leaders in the education field.”
Discussion about an Ed.D. program began in early 2020, explained Susan Marine, program director and professor in the School of Education and Social Policy. Plans were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but began in earnest as the College saw increases in graduate enrollment and started its pursuit of R2 classification.
“It felt like the right time to capitalize and build on that momentum,” Marine explained.
The Ed.D. curriculum will focus on developing skilled education practitioners, with coursework including case studies and problem-based research. While most courses will be offered asynchronously, Marine noted that the program will have three-day, on-campus residencies twice a year, and there will be regular connection opportunities for students, faculty and program leadership.
“It is designed for anyone who wants to advance their skill set, be a transformative leader, conduct meaningful research and be strategic in their problem-solving,” said Marine. “Students want flexibility. They want the convenience to do the work whenever it works for them because they are working professionals. They want information, knowledge and coursework that helps them feel ready to face the challenges of the 21st-century classroom, agency and organization.”
Marine acknowledged the collaboration among the School of Education and Social Policy faculty to get this program off the ground, highlighting their collective desire to build a degree for practitioners across the education field. She also explained that because of the program’s wide focus on direct application of skills and practice, and a strong community focus, they believe the program will be attractive to those who work in the human services field.
“Our plan for the long term is to have our doctoral students serve as research assistants for our faculty,” Marine said. “To have people who are already skilled practitioners supporting faculty research endeavors is going to be a game changer for the College.”
The program’s first cohort will be about 20 students. It is expected that students will take about three years to complete the program, meaning the first Doctor of Education degree at Merrimack College could be awarded in 2028.
