Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Admission
Requirements
Program Courses for Leadership Concentration
Program Courses for Curriculum Concentraton
How to Apply
Contact
OVERVIEW
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is a terminal degree offered by Eastern Kentucky University for persons seeking to provide leadership for positively impacting schools and communities. Participation in this doctoral program will lead to enhanced understanding and practical capacity with regard to human learning, educational institutions, and the interaction of the larger society with educational, financial, and governmental entities and processes. Likewise, program participation will allow for the acquisition of skills to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, and to conduct and apply research. Course work will be built on a knowledge base that reflects current research, theory, and practice, and doctoral faculty will serve as ongoing mentor resources – answering questions, helping to resolve problems and issues in educational settings, collaborating on research projects, referring individuals to job openings, etc.
The decision to admit a student to doctoral work constitutes a major commitment from the faculty in the form of advising, teaching, chairing and serving on the committee, preparing and evaluating examinations, and guiding the dissertation to successful completion. The applications are due by March 1 for admission in the following fall semester. Applications received after March 1 may be considered for Spring admission pending availability of openings in the programs.
Admission to the Doctor of Education program is based upon the following entrance requirements:
- Earned a master’s degree in education or a related field.
- Must have professional experience (preference will be given to those with leadership experience) The applicant should note that the decision to admit students to the doctoral program is a collective judgment of the faculty and represents their determination of the likelihood of the applicant’s success in all major phases of the degree program. These judgments take into account the applicant’s professional experiences, communication and thinking skills, and other relevant capabilities. Thus, an applicant is not automatically admitted on the basis of meeting the minimal criteria.
A completed application packet includes the following:
- Completed graduate school and concentration applications
- Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- Resumé of professional experience
- Score reports from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test if the graduate GPA is less than 3.5
- At least three letters of recommendation—including at least one each from a peer, a supervisor, and a college/university faculty member.
- Writing sample from previous graduate program that exemplifies applicant’s writing and research skills
Each student in the Ed.D. Program in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies is required to complete coursework in the following areas. Please note that these are minimum requirements.
- Core Doctoral Study Research Courses: 18 hours
- Concentration Area Courses: 18 hours
- Electives: 12 hours
- Dissertation: 12 hours (minimum)
Apply through EKU's Graduate School
To ensure your application is complete and reviewed by the committee for admission in time for prompt registration, please submit your applications no later than the following dates for terms (otherwise admission and registration may be delayed):
Application Deadlines
- Priority Admission - March 1
- Late Admission - June 15
Before your application will be considered, please make sure the following are included in your submission:
- Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
- Resumé of professional experience
- Score reports from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test if the graduate GPA is less than 3.5
- At least three letters of recommendation—including at least one each from a peer, a supervisor, and a college/university faculty member.
- Writing sample from previous graduate program that exemplifies applicant’s writing and research skills
Program Coordinator - Dr. Todd McCardle, todd.mccardle@eku.edu
Office Phone: 859-622-9949
