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Educational Leadership

P-12 Administration

Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.)


College: College of Education & Behavioral Science

The Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership provides the highest professional degree available in the field of education to students who aspire to administrative careers in either elementary, secondary, or collegiate levels. Although the degree requirements include a prescribed curriculum of required and elective courses, the doctoral degree is not awarded only on the basis of coursework completion. Following successful completion of the comprehensive examinations, doctoral students conduct a major research project resulting in the presentation and defense of the doctoral dissertation. This phase of the doctoral degree provides students with an opportunity to develop and demonstrate possession of skill in intellectual problem solving.

For further information about this degree and the courses required, view the graduate bulletin or contact the College of Education and Behavioral Science.

  • Admission Requirements

    Applicants for admission to the Doctor of Education degree program must be in good standing in the graduate school of an accredited institution.

    Admission to Graduate Programs does not imply admission to the Doctor of Education degree. Students desiring to pursue graduate work for which they have not completed the prerequisites will be required to make up deficiencies. Specific program requirements and details are outlined under the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) section of this bulletin and on the following pages.

    Applicants to the Doctor of Education Degree program must hold an earned master’s degree (minimum 30 hours) from an accredited institution and provide evidence of having sustained a superior level of scholarship during master’s and post-master’s level graduate work. Applicants must submit the following to Graduate Admissions:

    1. A completed application for admission.  Applicants are admitted Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
    2. A $50 nonrefundable application fee. 
    3. One copy of official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework attempted to be sent directly from the institution(s) previously attended. (Graduate Admissions will compute the graduate GPA by counting all graduate courses completed, including any repeated courses.)
    4. Two recommendation forms from professionals who can speak to the student’s ability to matriculate into this doctoral program and complete a dissertation. These forms will be reviewed by the doctoral faculty. An interview may be required. Recommendation by the doctoral faculty is required for admission to the doctoral program.
    5. A two page letter of interest describing how the student is a good fit for the degree program.
    6. Submit one of the following writing samples:
      • A two-page personal philosophy of leadership, citing three sources of reference; OR
      • A research paper demonstrating the student’s ability to write at the graduate level
        NOTE: The paper must follow the latest edition of APA style guide.
    7. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Educational Leadership
Apply to A-State
Contact The College of Education and Behavioral Science

coe@astate.edu

Phone: 870-972-3057
Fax: 870-972-3828

Room: 329
Education Building