Education, Ed.D.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) (54 hours required)

In Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

Unique Features Overview

• Two-year accelerated program offered in an on-campus (two-year) or an online (three-year) format
• Cohort model culminating with practical, collaborative dissertation research that addresses a real research need for a real educational organization and client.
• Christian ethics focus
• International experience during summer term 
• Up to 15 hours of transfer credit will be considered for post-master’s course work that is directly equivalent with eligible courses.
• Emphasis on leading innovative change in education
• On-campus program format combines multiple learning venues: On-site, On-line, and Hybrid Coursework
• Online delivery format combines online coursework, strategic intensive experiences, and field-based course work.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ed.D. program follows a competitive admissions process whereby candidates are selected who meet the academic requirements for the Ed.D. program and who possess personal qualities and professional experiences that suggest a strong potential for success as doctoral candidates and as leaders in public and private organizations and academic institutions.

In addition to admission requirements for graduate studies in the College of Education, the Ed.D. program requires the following of applicants for admission to the doctoral program^*:

• An earned baccalaureate degree and master’s degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education with a grade point average in upper division and graduate study of 3.0 or above;
• Sufficient preparation and experience engaging learners to benefit from the program;
• Three letters of professional reference that document demonstrated educational leadership potential and skills including successful experience in school, postsecondary, community and/or policy leadership (replacements for master’s reference forms):

1. A reference from supervisor, administrator, etc. to whom the candidate reports, (required) and
2. Two other references from those detailed below:
   1. A reference from someone who can speak to the applicant’s character and work ethic,
   2. A reference from a colleague with whom the candidate has worked in a professional capacity for at least two years, or
   3. A reference from someone who has benefited from the candidate’s work;

• Written personal statements (replacements for the master’s personal statement)

1. A statement describing the applicant’s faith and spiritual development, and
2. A statement of purpose that explains why the student wishes to pursue an Ed.D. degree and how this will serve his or her future goals and aspirations.

• A personal virtual interview conducted by a panel chosen by the College of Education.
• Demonstrated interest in critically assessing and bringing about improvements within current organizational or educational policies as demonstrated by a brief presentation that you have prepared on a topic of your choice. Topics could include your master’s thesis, a major paper done in a course, an action research project, a school improvement plan, a proposed area of research that interests you, etc.     

Meeting these minimum requirements qualifies an individual for admissions consideration, but does not guarantee admission to the program. Admission will be granted on a competitive basis. The dean reserves the final decision on any applicant.

^*All requirements detailed for the Ed.D. program are in addition to existing requirements for graduate studies in education. Any instances of substitution for existing requirements are noted.