Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D)
Our 60-credit, 100% virtual, synchronous doctoral program focuses on school leadership skills employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates theory, research, and practice. As a doctoral student, you will have access to resources and opportunities designed to transform the way you write, think, and lead. With intentionally small class sizes, you will benefit from meaningful interactions with faculty and fellow students. Our goal is to foster a collaborative learning environment that challenges you to think critically, strengthens your confidence, and prepares you to lead with vision and purpose.
Admission Requirements
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Please note: Applicants must submit a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two Academic or Professional Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Interest
- Please, explain why you have chosen the Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program and why ²Ø¾«¸ó.
- A sample of the applicant's writing will be requested during the application process by the Department of Educational Leadership. An online writing prompt will be rubric scored.
Application Guidelines for the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
- Master-Level Transcript. The Minimum Grade Point Average accepted is 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale.
- Official transcript only from a regionally accredited US institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution. The transcript must bear the university’s seal and a signature from the Registrar. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for review, but not for admission into the program.
- International transcripts from an international institution must be evaluated by an approved translation and evaluation company before the transcript can be accepted for review for admission.
- Unofficial transcripts will be accepted only for review, not for admission into the program. If an applicant is accepted into the program, they must submit an official transcript by June 1 or their acceptance will be declined.
- Official transcript only from a regionally accredited US institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution. The transcript must bear the university’s seal and a signature from the Registrar. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for review, but not for admission into the program.
- Writing Sample. Writing sample should respond to one of the following prompts with 1,200 to 1,500 words typed and double-spaced. The font should be 12 Times New Roman.
- Social Justice and Equity. Describe your understanding of education for social justice and equity. How have you demonstrated a commitment to these values in your professional life, and how do you plan to use this degree to address leadership issues related to educational justice? Key focus: Be specific about how you have advocated for vulnerable or underrepresented groups within your current educational or organizational environment.
- Ethical Dilemma and Leadership. Discuss an ethical dilemma you faced professionally. What were your options, how did you resolve it, and what did the experience teach you about the evolving roles and responsibilities of educational leaders?
Note: At ²Ø¾«¸ó, we adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Therefore, all submitted written documents (i.e., writing sample and letter of interest) will be screened for AI. The misuse of AI may have a negative impact on your application.
- Letter of Interest. Letter of interest should describe your academic and professional background, your research interests, and your motivation for pursuing a doctoral degree in this field at Xavier. Explain how your research goals align with the mission of our university. Be specific about the questions or problems you hope to explore and how you see your work contributing to your discipline or to society more broadly. Also include any relevant personal, academic, or professional experiences that have shaped your research ambitions and prepared you for doctoral study. The letter should be typed and double-spaced, using font 12 Times New Roman.
- Three letters of recommendation. Three letters of recommendation must include work supervisor, post-secondary instructor, and university faculty from master’s program. The recommendation should describe your success in the master’s program, ability to meet graduate level rigor and expectations of coursework, writing and speaking skills, and work ethics. Personal friends and family are ineligible to write a letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation should be professionally written, on letterhead, dated and signed for the application to be reviewed.
- Interview: Applicants may be invited to an interview with faculty.
Application Due Date: June 1
The EdD program does not qualify for the 25% tuition discount.
Questions? Contact the Office of Graduate Programs at 504-520-7669 or via email ogp@xula.edu