Educational Leadership

The doctor of education degree (Ed. D.) is offered in educational leadership studies with emphasis areas in public schools, in higher education, or in related organizations—e.g. state departments of education. The course of study for the doctoral degree may be completed through regular on-campus classes that typically meet once per week. Students who enroll in the cohort programs may meet either on- or off- campus offer once per month (usually Friday evenings and Saturday).

The academic program consists of three required components: major, minor, and foundation; and it is designed by the student and presented for approval to the doctoral committee in a specially convened meeting with all members present. An important part of the doctoral program for the student is choosing the doctoral committee. Members approve the program, write and evaluate the comprehensive examination questions, approve the dissertation prospectus, and approve the dissertation.

Evaluative procedures for assessing student competency are required in specific areas of the academic program. The comprehensive examination shall include written components. This examination must cover all areas specified in the program of study, including the major, minor, and foundation courses. It is to be administered after most formal studies have been completed. It must be the consensus of the doctoral committee that the student has passed the examination, although the committee may permit one dissenting vote.

The student is admitted to candidacy for the doctorate upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination . Doctoral candidates are allowed no more than five (5) years beyond admission to candidacy to complete the remaining degree requirements. In the event a student fails to complete the doctorate within five years after admission to candidacy, an extension of time (not to exceed one year) may be obtained only by repeating comprehensive examinations and meeting other requirements specified by the student’ s committee.

Residency requires two consecutive semesters of full-time work (at least 9 hours per term) after being admitted to the doctoral program. The two consecutive semesters may be Fall-Spring, Spring-Fall, Spring-Summer, or Summer-Fall. Courses taken for non-degree credit will not count for graduate residency.