Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
The doctoral program (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership provides the highest professional degree available to candidates who aspire to leadership positions in Education, primarily in K-12 settings. The degree involves successful completion of a prescribed curriculum of both required and elective courses in professional studies, theory, and research methods up to a minimum of 60 hours of graduate credit. The doctoral degree is awarded upon successful completion of coursework and defense of a dissertation, which is a major independent research project carried out under the supervision of faculty advisors.
Graduates of the doctoral degree in Educational Leadership will have acquired the knowledge and skills to lead K-12 school systems and act in a leadership and consulting capacity in diverse educational organizations. The doctoral program focuses on developing leader-scholars who are prepared to effectively lead educational organizations by (a) supporting professional development for instructional improvement; (b) applying evidence-based practices in educational research and program evaluation through research design and interpretation; and (c) advocating for sound policies that support the success of all students.
Admission to the doctoral program in Educational Leadership is competitive. Applicants are encouraged to take the time to submit required materials and prepare a high-quality personal statement.
The Educational Leadership doctoral program utilizes a cohort model where individuals are admitted as a group or a cohort. Cohort members take their courses together in a face-to-face setting. Cognates (electives) vary. Some students complete the superintendent certification as their cognate area. A select number of applicants (about 12-15) are admitted to each cohort once per year.
Application Deadlines (March 1 is Priority Deadline: Priority is given to completed applications. Deadline remains open until slots are filled).
| Cohort | Classes Begin | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Leadership (K-12) | Summer (June) | March 1: Priority Deadline |
Applicants seeking admission to the doctoral program in Educational Leadership must submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Graduate Admission Application
- Application fee
- Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
- Official transcript(s) showing receipt of a master's degree in a related field from an accredited institution
- Resume (describing education, work history, leadership experiences, and naming/listing at least 3 professional references)
- Application Essay. Not to exceed 1,800 words. Please, address these specific questions in an essay:
a) What are some highlights of your professional career?
b) What are some experiences that demonstrate your leadership strengths?
c) What are your professional goals?
d) What reasons do you have for pursuing a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership (K-12) at Sam Houston State University?
Note: Applicants selected after the initial screening will be invited for an interview.
Applicants should hold a master's degree in a related field, and the student's graduate GPA should be 3.5 or higher. In addition, three years of full-time professional experience in a school or agency is preferred.
The program requires a minimum of sixty hours of graduate credit, successful passing of a comprehensive examination, and completion of a dissertation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ed.D. in Educational Leadership | ||
| Leadership Core | ||
| EDLD 7337 | Academic Writing & Research | 3 |
| EDLD 7331 | Leadership Theory/Application | 3 |
| EDLD 7111 | Doctoral Studies in Ed Ldrship (can sub for EDLD 7088) | 3 |
| EDLD 7333 | Societal Factors Affecting Ed | 3 |
| EDLD 7370 | Education Policy and Ethics | 3 |
| EDLD 7338 | Organztnl Behavr & Thry in Edu | 3 |
| EDLD 7361 | Program Evaluation in Educ | 3 |
| EDLD 7332 | Instr Theory/Applications (can sub for EDAD 6383) | 3 |
| Research Tools | ||
| EDLD 7362 | Methods Of Educ Research | 3 |
| EDLD 7372 | Qualitative Methodology | 3 |
| EDLD 7365 | Applied Stats I for Ed Leaders | 3 |
| EDLD 7368 | Applied Stats II for Ed Leadrs | 3 |
| EDLD 7363 | Proposal Development | 3 |
| Cognate | ||
| EDAD 6380 | Exec Ldrshp- Superintendents | 3 |
| EDAD 6382 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| EDAD 6381 | Dist Business & Financial Mgt | 3 |
| EDAD 6384 | Superintendent Practicum | 3 |
| Dissertation | ||
| EDLD 8033 | Dissertation | 9 |
| Total Hours | 60 | |
| 1 | EDLD 8033 must be taken at least three times for a minimum total of nine hours. Once enrolled in this course, the student must enroll in it until graduation. |
Note: The 12 hours of cognate can vary based on candidate interests and goals. Additional requirements are needed to obtain a Texas Principal or Superintendent certification.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The EdD Educational Leadership degree is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data through the lens of theories and practice.
- Defend research findings to practitioners and researchers.
- Employ advanced oral and written communication skills.
- Synthesize empirical literature for research trends.
- Design, conduct, report, and share independent research projects.
