Educational Leadership: Educational Doctorate P-20 (EdD)

The Educational Doctorate degree in P-20 Educational Leadership will equip the candidate with the expertise necessary to administrate all levels of public and private education (inclusive of P-12, higher education, and graduate school). Admission to Harding University is determined on an individual basis with the following criteria considered: (1) academic preparation, (2) character, (3) educational interests, and (4) academic potential. Effort is made to admit all students who qualify and who can benefit from the unique educational program and opportunities available at Harding irrespective of their religious faith, national origin, sex, race, or color. When applying, students should be aware of the distinct purpose of Harding University and be willing to commit themselves to upholding institutional values.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Doctorate in P-20 Educational Leadership degree program must:

1. Hold a master’s degree and have completed or be within 6 hours of completing a program of study (24 hours minimum above a master’s degree) for a district-level license in leadership from a regionally accredited college/university.
2. Hold a minimum of an initial building-level administrative license in leadership. Some building-level administrative experience is preferable but not required.
3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on all graduate work documented by official transcripts of all graduate work.
4. Complete the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) with a target score of 396 or the GRE with a target composite score of 900 on the verbal and quantitative sections.
5. Provide three recommendations from individuals who are well acquainted with the applicant’s professional or academic abilities and performance.

Application Procedure

An application form for admission may be obtained online at www.harding.edu/education/Grad.html or by contacting the chair of Graduate Studies in Education, Box 12261, Searcy, AR 72149-2261; or e-mail gradstudiesedu@harding.edu. To be included with the application:

1. A non-refundable $40 application fee. The fee will not apply against the general registration fee if the applicant enrolls.
2. All official graduate transcripts with proof of a master’s degree and the completion (or within 6 hours of completion) of a program of study (24 hours minimum above a master’s degree) for a district-level license in leadership.
3. A required MAT or GRE test score.
4. A copy of a current teaching license including at least an initial building level license.
5. Three references that attest to professional and academic abilities and performance. Forms may be obtained online at www.harding.edu/education/Grad.html or by contacting the Chair of Graduate Studies in Education, Box 12261, Searcy, AR 72149-2261; or e-mail gradstudiesedu@harding.edu.
6. A copy of a VITA inclusive of work experience and professional accomplishments.
7. A copy of two writing artifacts from previous work (thesis, research paper, journal article, field study, grant, specialist project, etc.).
8. A copy of the list of technology skills.

Application Review and Selection of Candidates

The purpose of the Doctoral Admissions Committee is to review the data submitted for entry into the doctoral program. Because selection is based on a composite evaluation, the committee will determine the admission or non-admission of the applicant. The Doctoral Admissions Committee decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Applicants for the Doctoral P-20 Educational Leadership degree program must:

1. Submit to a personal interview with the program area graduate faculty. This interview will determine the candidate’s professional objectives, professional commitment, ability to discuss professional problems, and the compatibility of the Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program with his or her goals and interest.
2. At the time of the interview, submit a previously written paper (i.e. master’s thesis, research paper, journal article, term paper, etc.).
3. At the time of the interview, complete an impromptu writing sample.

A Writing Review Committee will use an objective rubric to evaluate all writing samples as a way of determining the applicant’s level of writing skill and analytical ability. If writing and analytical skills are found to be less than acceptable, an applicant may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis for no more than two semesters. A doctoral student who receives provisional admission must successfully complete a personalized writing improvement plan designed by the Writing Review Committee, which may require attendance at tutoring sessions at the main campus. Only upon successful completion of the personalized writing improvement plan, which will include a retest, can a student be admitted without condition. A student cannot remain in provisional status for more than two semesters.

Additional information may be requested from the applicant prior to final approval for admittance to the Doctoral Program. Applicants are notified in writing regarding their acceptance, provisional acceptance, or non-acceptance to the program.

Prerequisites

Applicants must hold (1) an earned Masters’ degree from an accredited institution, (2) a minimum of a current initial building-level administrative license, and (3) proof of an approved and completed district-level program of study (or within 6 hours).

Other Program Requirements

1. Upon acceptance into the program, students must consult with Director of Educational Leadership concerning the required course of study, register for classes online through Campus Pipeline each semester, and complete financial registration with the Business Office online.
2. The program of study (24 hours minimum above a master’s degree) for a district- level license in leadership will not be included within the 39-hour minimum requirement for the doctoral degree.
3. All requirements of the program must be completed within seven years from the time of acceptance into the doctoral program.

Transfer Students

Doctoral students can transfer up to six hours of graduate coursework if it is pre-approved by the chair of Graduate Studies and is completed prior to the completion of the last semester prior to the beginning of the dissertation.

Academic Standing Requirements

The Doctor of Education degree in P-20 Educational Leadership requires a grade point average (GPA) of “B” (3.0) for graduation. When a student’s average falls below a “B” (3.0), he or she is placed on academic probation and must bring his or her GPA up to 3.0 by the end of the next term or face dismissal from the program. No more than six semester hours of “C” work may be included as degree credit. A grade lower than “C” renders the credit unacceptable for meeting degree requirements.

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

1. Degree Requests (Graduation). Requests for degree may be submitted prior to a student’s final semester but must be submitted no later than the first week of the final semester. The graduation fee must be paid to the Business Office the last semester before graduation.
2. Curriculum Summary. To earn this degree, students must successfully complete (1) a 24-hour program of study above a master’s degree for a district-level license in leadership, and (2) the 39-hour doctoral degree curriculum, which includes coursework, a dissertation, and written and oral comprehensive examinations.
3. Curriculum. A minimum of 63 hours over the master’s degree will be required to obtain the doctoral degree.