The Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) is designed to provide rising school, state, and organizational leaders with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to develop, implement, and lead educational programming in a variety of settings. The program has two focal areas, poverty and technology, which are embedded throughout the program. Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (LOE) courses are designed to provide those with principal certification the opportunity to pursue superintendent coursework. Coursework is delivered in a variety of modalities including face-to-face, hybrid, online and integration of other cyber applications.

Admission Requirements

• Graduate application and application fee.
• Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities, including any additional certification program(s).
• Master’s degree in education or a related field is required.
• Certifications.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• 500 word goal statement addressing the applicant’s goals and objectives for doctoral study in educational leadership and how this program will assist them in achieving those outcomes.

Ed.D. Program Examinations

Candidacy Exam

The purpose of the candidacy examination is for the doctoral student to demonstrate their growth during the first segment of the program which suggests that they are ready to pursue dissertation writing and research. The exam will take place in two parts. The first part is written and allows the student to examine and write about research-based articles as well as their own research interests. The second part is their oral defense of their writing.  When doctoral students pass the candidacy exam, they are then referred to as doctoral candidates.

Dissertation Prospectus defense

The purpose of the prospectus defense is for students to demonstrate their writing and ability to present and converse in the introduction, literature review and methodology to be employed in their dissertation.  Students will participate in this defense with their faculty dissertation committee members.

DISSERTATION defense

The purpose of the dissertation defense is for doctoral candidates to demonstrate their writing and ability to present and converse about their entire dissertation project.  It takes place after the entire dissertation research and writing are complete.  Doctoral candidates will participate in this defense with their faculty dissertation committee members and may open their defense for public attendance.