Apr 20, 2024  
ARCHIVED 2007-2008 Graduate Catalog 
    
ARCHIVED 2007-2008 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Doctor of Education Degree Program (Ed.D.)


The program leading to the Ed.D. degree in educational leadership prepares senior-level administrators as school leaders in rural communities. For service in Pre-K through 12 school systems, community colleges, and institutions of higher education.

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. The program requires 60 semester hours beyond the master’s degree; a full year of residency; a core of course work in leadership, research, and a concentration area; an extensive internship; a written comprehensive examination and a dissertation.

The areas in which courses must be completed are as follows:

Community College/Higher Education


Curriculum and Instruction


Dissertation (6 semester hours)


Educational Administration


Dissertation (6 semester hours)


Doctoral Program Requirements


A minimum of 18 hours of full-time study in residence is required. The residency may be completed in two consecutive semesters and a summer session.

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. In no case, however, will the requirement of one year of full-time residence be waived.

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.

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


  • Master’s degree in administration. If master’s degree is not in administration, the student may be required to take pre-requisites.
  • 3 years leadership experience in community college or higher education institutions

Curriculum and Instruction


  • Master’s degree
  • Principal/superintendent licensure, C&I licensure, and/or extensive leadership experience
  • Minimum 3 years teaching experience

Educational Administration


  • Master’s 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