Program Overview

The program in educational and policy leadership leading to the doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree is designed for those who wish to develop the conceptual understanding and analytical skills needed to provide transformative leadership in complex educational organizations. Emphasizing theory, research, and policy, the program provides an opportunity for candidates to work in learning communities with faculty to develop a deeper understanding of themselves as educators, leaders, policy makers, and policy advocates as they develop the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the quality of student learning through creative, flexible, visionary, humane, and ethical leadership.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed a master’s degree and submit the following materials, in addition to the application:

1. A detailed resume of professional and related experiences.
2. A statement of purpose for advanced study in context of personal and professional goals.
3. Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate study.
4. Three completed department recommendation forms .
5. A score at or above the 55th percentile on one of the following admissions examinations: Miller Analogy Test, GRE, GMAT, LSAT.
6. An interview with the doctoral director.

If accepted for matriculation, the student must have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, and e-mail.

Application Deadline

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 79 minimum

Phase I: Professional Studies - Semester Hours: 30

Prior to earning the Ed.D., the majority of students will have completed requirements for administrative/leadership certification. Students who enter the Ed.D. program and have not yet earned certification may complete these course requirements as part of the CAS in Educational Leadership or School District Business Leadership. Students who have already earned certification may transfer up to 24 credits from an accredited institution toward the course requirements in Phase I.

Phase II: Advanced Professional Studies - Semester Hours: 40

Requirements consist of the doctoral core, distributed and other electives. For distributed electives, candidates may choose from courses listed below, as well as special workshop offerings. Candidates complete core requirements as a learning community. In addition to course work, candidates must complete written competency requirements in critical analysis and synthesis of scholarly work and research design and analysis and also satisfy residency requirements. Those who complete course requirements for Phase I and Phase II, the written competency examination, and the Doctoral Oral Examination A are eligible to receive the professional diploma.

Phase III: Doctoral Dissertation - Semester Hours: 9 minimum

Following completion of the Doctoral Oral Exam A: A Self-Assessment of Personal Learning, candidates begin the final phase of the program, involving a minimum of nine semester hours.  Students may work with faculty and peers to develop a dissertation study or project (EADM 601) or, depending on their readiness, they may develop the proposal through individual consultation with the dissertation adviser (EADM 602). The effort culminates in a presentation of the proposal (Doctoral Exam B) and, upon its completion, presentation of the dissertation, (Doctoral Exam C). In preparing the proposal, students may register for EADM 601 and/or EADM 602, on advisement, for a maximum of four semesters.  Once the proposal is accepted, students may apply up to six semester hours toward dissertation requirements.  Failing to complete the dissertation proposal within four semesters is grounds for dismissal. After the proposal is formally approved, students register for dissertation advisement (EADM 604) each semester until the dissertation is approved. Once the dissertation is accepted, students may apply up to six s.h. toward the dissertation requirements. If students must interrupt work toward the degree, they must request a waiver and must maintain matriculation (see University Policies).  
    

Additional Program Requirements

In addition to the course work and dissertation requirements, students will complete the following:

• A written competency examination consisting of two parts:
  • Competency in Critical Analysis and Synthesis of Scholarly Work
  • Competency in Research Design and Analysis
• Doctoral Oral Examination A: A Self-Assessment of Personal Learning
• Doctoral Plan of Residency
• Doctoral Examination B: Proposal Hearing
• Doctoral Examination C: Dissertation Oral

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of all program requirements.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.