Doctor of Education (EdD) Program Overview
The Doctor of Education (EdD) at the University of the Southwest is a practitioner doctoral program for the working professional in the field of educational leadership and administration. The program offers an innovative and real-world curriculum that focuses on preparing educational leaders that are dynamic in nature and diverse in their makeup. Emphasis is placed upon preparing administrators for transformational leadership roles and is structured around four domains: 1. Leadership Foundations, 2. Organizational Dynamics and Change, 3. Strategic Planning, and 4. Research.
The EdD is a three-year, professional program emphasizing the practical application of research to current challenges in the field of education. The ideal candidate for the program will have obtained an MEd (or master’s degree in a related education field) and have completed at least two years of classroom experience and three years of experience at the administrative level. The EdD is a 60 credit-hour program. Therefore, the applicant must already have a 30+ credit-hour master’s degree to be accepted into the program. The primary target audience for the program will be adult, working professionals who are expected to complete the program while maintaining their role as an educational administrator in an academic setting. This dual role as a school administrator and EdD student will provide the opportunity for candidates to tailor their educational research to appropriately address immediate organizational needs.
Program Highlights
- A 3-year fully online program, accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.
- Six 8-week terms per year, with start dates available for each.
- Tuition is $799 per credit hour – no hidden fees!
- Tuition includes ALL course material and a laptop.
- Transfer credit accepted.
- Students can choose between a live 3-day residency or an 8-week seminar, both fully online.
- Dedicated and experienced faculty to guide students through the dissertation process.
- Small class sizes assure great support throughout the program.
- All active students receive a membership to free virtual healthcare through HealthiestYou.
Admission Criteria
Required:
- A conferred master’s degree from an accredited university;
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, or higher, on a four-point scale in all graduate coursework;
- Three years, or more, of industry experience in the selected field of study;
- Official masters transcript(s);
- Program admission application;
- Program admission essay* and resume/cv.
- Two letters of reference
Preferred:
- A conferred MEd or master’s degree in the field of education;
- A grade point average (GPA) of 3.5, or higher, on a four-point scale in all graduate coursework;
- Two years, or more, of classroom experience and three years of experience in administration;
- Official masters transcript(s);
- Program admission application;
- Program admission essay* and resume/cv.
- Two letters of reference
* Program admission essay is an opportunity to demonstrate to the committee why you wish to pursue a doctoral degree at the University of the Southwest and showcase graduate-level writing abilities for their consideration. The essay should be 1,000-1,500 words explaining what you hope to achieve by pursuing a doctoral degree, the personal strengths that will help you succeed in a doctoral program, and describe how obtaining a EdD will help you institute a positive social change within your chosen field or industry.
EdD - Educational Leadership
The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership specialization provides students the opportunity to develop an executive-level skill set required for leading and implementing meaningful change within educational institutions. This emphasis is recommended for scholar-practitioner leaders working in a variety of educational settings such as public or private Pre-K-12 schools, institutions of higher learning, or other educational agencies.
EdD - Educational Psychology
The Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology program challenges students to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of theories and research in the field of educational psychology. With this degree, students can expect to develop the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of settings. Students will be better able to develop a thorough understanding of how both children and adults learn and retain knowledge in order to make contributions to the improvement of educational settings and have a direct influence on the individuals through the development of programs, methods, and tools.
EdD - Self-Design
The Doctor of Education Self-Design specialization in Self-Design specialization provides students the opportunity to customize the program emphasis area to meet individualized career goals. Candidates can select courses from a variety of content areas to tailor the specialization to meet their professional objectives. This emphasis is recommended for students practicing in both the private and/or public sector, as well as those in executive roles in organizational training and development.
EdD - PK-12 Administration
The Doctor of Education specialization in PK-12 Administration specialization is specifically designed for professionals in the field of public education. This emphasis is recommended for administrators in a PK-12 setting, responsible for the oversight of schools, systems,municipalities, and/or districts.
EdD - Higher Education Administration
The Doctor of Education specialization in Higher Education Administration specialization is specifically designed for professionals in higher education. This emphasis is recommended for administrators in a college/university setting, responsible for curriculum development, academic program review, departmental oversight, and/or university management.
EdD - Special Education
The Doctor of Education specialization in Special Education emphasis is specifically designed to develop expert practitioners dedicated to leading equitable and inclusive schools. Candidates will engage in scholarly inquiry and research to affect social change in the field of special education. This specialization is recommended for individuals seeking a leadership role in special education such as faculty of institutions of higher learning, administrators of special education programs, or consultants to educational agencies.
EdD - STEM Education
This 100% online Doctor of Education specialization in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is designed for STEM educators who seek to enhance their knowledge related to STEM education, and engage in and learn about action research related to STEM teaching and learning. Individuals who work in STEM fields in higher education may also find the program of value. The candidates will take 30 credits of core coursework, 6 credits of research preparation coursework, 12 credits of STEM coursework, and 12 credits of dissertation coursework. Graduates of the program can assume the positions as university faculty, instructional leaders in the public schools, curriculum development specialists, and assessment specialists.
