Program Admission Requirements
In addition to the Graduate School Admission Requirements admission to the EdD program is based upon program selected. Students in the Doctor of Education Program select one of three concentrations with the following admission criteria:
- Community College/Higher Education: Master’s degree in administration from an accredited institution of higher education. If the master’s degree is not in administration, the student may be required to take pre-requisites.
- Curriculum and Instruction: Master’s degree and 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.
The Ed.D. requires a minimum of sixty hours beyond the masters and a minimum of 30 semester hours in the degree must be earned from WCU. For students in the Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration concentrations, admissions 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. Applicants will complete a writing exercise at the time of the interview. Additional information and materials may be requested.
Program Description
The Doctor of Education Degree Program in Educational Leadership prepares senior-level administrators for service in Pre-K through 12 school systems, community colleges, and four-year 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. 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
The program requires 60 semester hours beyond the master’s degree; a core of coursework 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:
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