Doctorate in Education

Director: Shane Martin
Assistant Director: Jill Bickett

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice is an innovative three-year cohort program whose vision is a more socially just future for PK-12 schools and other educational and community settings. The Ed.D. program provides experienced educators and community leaders with the tools, theories, and experiences needed to succeed in transforming educational settings into inclusive and equitable learning environments. Combining theory with practice, the curriculum provides candidates with a better understanding of the complex issues impacting education and student achievement, and prepares graduates as change agents.

Candidates who meet the Professional Administrative Services admission requirements and are enrolled in the doctoral program may earn the Professional Administrative Services Credential by completing additional requirements. This does not apply to the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. Deadline to apply is January 25.

Admission Requirements

The following are required for consideration of acceptance into the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice:

1. Application for Ed.D. program
2. Admission Test: GRE required
3. A two- to three-page Statement of Purpose following the format described in application materials
4. Earned master’s degree from an accredited institution verified by official transcripts (2 copies)
5. GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) in master’s coursework
6. 20 graduate-level semester units in a related field, which includes verified content in research methods and diversity
7. Current résumé
8. Three recommendation forms (at least one from a current employer and one from a professor in a completed master’s level program)
9. Interview with Doctoral Admissions Committee
10. Minimum of 2 years full-time experience in public, Catholic, or private schools or other education setting

Applicants who have taken doctoral level coursework at another accredited university may request a transcript audit and admission to an individualized course of study leading to the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for Social Justice. Candidates must meet the admission requirements. If accepted, candidates must complete the required tutorials, research seminars, and culminating experience.