Doctoral Degrees in Ed. Leadership

Doctoral Programs (90 credits)

The doctoral programs in Educational Administration prepare participants for professional careers in education as superintendents or elementary and secondary school administrators. These programs also prepare leaders for service in many types of agencies and organizations. Both the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs require a minimum of 90 credits. However, the PhD degree is more research-oriented and requires more courses in advanced research methodologies. Those specifically served by these degrees are the following:

Teachers with master's degrees interested in transitioning into educational administration and securing an additional degree while completing their NAD administration certification and endorsement
Principals of K-8, K-10, K-12, and 9-12 schools
Supervisors of instruction
Superintendents of schools
Those interested in teaching Educational Administration at the higher education level

EdD Curriculum

Educational Research (13):
EDCI636    Program Evaluation (3)
EDRM505   Research Methods (3)
EDRM611   Applied Statistical Methods I (3)
LEAD535    Principles of Academic Writing (2-3)
LEAD637    Issues in Research (2-3)

Cognate Area (12):
Choose from outside Educational Administration, such as Business, Communication, Social Work, Psychology, Curriculum, Leadership, Research, or transfer credits.

Dissertation (16+):
LEAD880    Dissertation Proposal Dev. (2)
LEAD899    Doctoral Dissertation (14+)

Electives (As Needed):
In consultation with your advisor.

TOTAL EdD degree credits (90+)

PhD Curriculum

Common Core (minimum 18, with more credits available from variable credit courses):
LEAD600   Annual Conference (0)
LEAD630   Introduction to Leadership (2)
EDAL520   Foundations of Educational Leadership (2-3)
EDAL645   K-12 Educational Finance (2-3)
EDAL670   Technology for Leaders (3)
EDCI547    Foundations in Curriculum Studies (3) OR
EDCI565    Improving Instruction (2)
EDFN500   Phil. Foundations of Educ. & Psych. (3)
LEAD675    Portfolio Development: (Topic) (1-3)
LEAD886    Advanced Internship: (Topic) (3-12)

Concentration Area (minimum 13, with more credits available from variable credit courses):
EDAL560    K-12 Law (3)
EDAL565    Leadership for SDA Education (2-3)
EDAL570    Principles of Educational Supervision (2-3)
EDAL635    Human Resources Administration (2-3)
EDAL664/665    Elem./Secondary School Leadership (2-3)
LEAD525 Public Relations: Community Partnerships (1-3)
LEAD645    Ethical Leadership (1-3)

Educational Research (19):
EDCI636     Program Evaluation (3)
EDRM505    Research Methods (3)
EDRM605    Qual. Research Methods in Educ. & Psych. (3)
EDRM611    Applied Statistical Methods I (3)
EDRM712    Applied Statistical Methods II (3)
LEAD535     Principles of Academic Writing (2-3)
LEAD637     Issues in Research (2)

Cognate Area (12):
Choose from outside Educational Administration, such as Business, Communication, Social Work, Psychology, Curriculum, Leadership, Research, or transfer credits.

Dissertation (16+):
LEAD880    Dissertation Proposal Dev. (2)
LEAD899    Doctoral Dissertation (14+)

Electives (As Needed):
In consultation with your advisor.

TOTAL PhD degree credits (90+)

Click to download Department 4-Year Course Schedule.

Application Process

Applicants must meet School of Education admission requirements for doctoral programs. They may transfer up to 42 credits from previous graduate work into the doctoral program. If they have not previously taken the course, candidates must complete LEAD630 Introduction to Leadership, an introduction to the philosophy of leadership and review of the standards that will guide their educational plan. The curriculum consists of a minimum of 90 semester credits beyond the baccalaureate degree and requires the completion of a portfolio and a dissertation. Many courses are offered as variable credits; therefore, candidates should consider their credit needs when planning their course work and registering for courses. The portfolio serves as a component of the doctoral comprehensive examination. Both doctorates require the successful completion of a dissertation.