Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

The focus of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is the preparation of individuals for service as educational leaders in educational organizations Pre-K to university educational settings. The intent is to provide such individuals with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to generate and apply research for solving the problems faced by educational leaders.

Prior to admission to the Ed.D. program, the student is expected to have the following:

1. A master’s degree from an accredited institution.
2. A completed UHCL admissions application.
3. Official transcripts from each accredited institution attended sent to the Office of Admissions.
4. Evidence of work and leadership experience in education Pre-K to university educational settings.
5. Letter of intent.
   
   Please structure your letter as follows:
   • Paragraph 1 - Why do you wish to pursue a doctoral-level degree in Education Leadership?
   • Paragraph 2 - What are your career goals and how will this degree help you accomplish your long-term goals?
   • Paragraph 3 - What are your research interests as they relate to education?
   • Paragraph 4 - What are your scholarly and professional accomplishments as they relate to your educational leadership?
   • Paragraph 5 - How does your prior work experience relate to your interest in the doctoral program focusing on educational leadership?
6. Three reference forms from persons who can address the student’s performance in graduate studies and potential for educational leadership. If possible, at least one of the reference forms should be from a professor involved in the applicant’s master’s program.
7. If applicable, provide a letter of support from an employer.

Other information may be required; contact COE’s Office of Academic Advising for details.

If an applicant does not meet one or more of the admission requirements, but can provide letters testifying to their strong leadership qualities, provisional admission may be granted.

Once a student is admitted, any course in which the student makes a grade of C- or below cannot be counted toward the doctoral program. Doctoral students may count one course on their program with a grade of either C+ or C. All other grades must be B- or greater. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.000 must be maintained.

The time frame for completion of the doctoral program is seven years from the start of the program. At the end of the seventh year, a doctoral candidate is allowed to petition the EDLS doctoral admissions committee for a one-year extension if the candidate’s dissertation proposal has been approved. If necessary, to successfully complete the dissertation, the candidate can petition the doctoral admissions committee for a second and final one-year extension to complete the dissertation.

Check prerequisites before enrolling in any courses.