Doctoral Program Requirements
Candidates must complete the doctoral program within seven years from the date of admission. Students must be continually registered in the program during the regular academic year. Students may take research, continuing registration, and/or topics courses after they have attained the 60-semester hour requirement.
Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Education Degree
Admission without the appropriate master’s degree will be conditional, with the individual expected to complete either a master’s degree program or prescribed coursework prior to being admitted as a candidate for the Ed.D. Applicants possessing the Ed.S. degree or credits toward the Ed.S. degree may have coursework that can reduce the number of hours required for the doctoral program. These applicants will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and individual programs will be developed.
Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 on all previous graduate work and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examinations.
Applicants who meet the described criteria will be interviewed by an admission committee of Educational Leadership and Foundations department faculty. The committee will assess such things as writing and communication skills, commitment to pursuing a career as an educational leader, the capacity for further graduate study, and the potential for a leadership role in schools. Additional information and materials may be requested. Applicants will complete writing exercises at the time of the interview.
Students in the Doctor of Education Program select one of three concentrations: (1) Community College/Higher Education; (2) Curriculum and Instruction; or (3) Educational Administration. Admission requirements for each concentration follow:
Community College/Higher Education
Masters degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Curriculum and Instruction
• Masters degree
• Principal/superintendent licensure, C&I licensure, and/or extensive leadership experience
• Minimum 3 years teaching experience
Educational Administration
• Masters degree
• Principal licensure
• Preferred administrative experience
Licensure Options
Doctoral students in the Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration concentrations may be recommended for advanced licensure if they fulfill program requirements. The options for licensure include:
• Curriculum and Instruction: Curriculum and Instructional Specialist and/or Superintendent
• Educational Administration: Superintendent
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