The Doctorate of Educational Leadership degree program is designed to prepare leaders who will advance education theory, practice, and policy through scholarship and inquiry by earning this degree. Graduates will assume leadership roles in universities, educational agencies, and K-12 settings, within the framework of the program requirements. With the advice and approval of a doctoral guidance committee, scholars have flexibility to select several courses as a part of their elective program that is commensurate with their academic needs and professional goals.

Such programs usually involve at least three years of course work beyond the Master’s degree. Scholars are expected to spend at least two consecutive semesters in full-time study, participate in research, become familiar with contemporary problems in education, and take a comprehensive exam prior to writing a dissertation. The Ed.D. degree program requires a minimum of 90 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. Up to 30 hours earned as part of a Master’s degree in the same discipline as intended program of study may be used to satisfy part of the core requirement, with the approval of the major professor, the Graduate Committee and Graduate Dean.