Educational Leadership (EDD-EDLD) Ed.D.

Return to: **Programs of Study

The Cannon-Clary College of Education provides two prerequisite tracks leading to an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Both tracks lead to the same 39-credit hour doctoral program of study; the difference is the prerequisites and the emphasis within the degree.

1. Track 1 prerequisites lead to an emphasis in P-20 Education Leadership, appealing to educators with a specific interest in becoming a school district superintendent.
   1. Track 1 is specific and requires possession of specific school building level licensing, completion of a master’s degre (~36 credit hours), completion of a 24-credit hour (minimum) program of study at the district level (or its equivalent) before applying to the doctoral program and then the 39-credit hour Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program of study, which includes coursework and a dissertation, to complete (~99 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree).
2. Track 2 prerequisites lead to an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership, appealing to applicants in various fields of study such as education, counseling, business, health care, etc.
   1. Track 2 is less specific and requires 60 credit hours (minimum) above a bachelor’s degree that includes 600/6000-level courses or above in a professional field of study before applying to the doctoral program and then the 39-credit hour Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program of study, which includes coursework and a dissertation, to complete (99 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree).

Track 1

Educational Leadership (EDD-EDLD) Ed.D. with an emphasis in P-20 Education Leadership

The Ed.D. in 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. The 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.

Track 2

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP (EDD-EDLD) Ed.D. with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership will equip the candidate with the expertise necessary to administrate public and private education at the higher education and graduate school levels. 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. The 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 Educational Leadership program must:

Track 1 applicants

1. Hold a master’s degree and have completed or be within six hours of completing a program of study (24 credit 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.

Track 2 applicants

1. Complete or be within six hours of completing 60 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree that includes 600/6000-level courses or above. Applicants coming with credit hours or a degree above their bachelor’s degree must submit their transcripts for review by the program director. After a transcript evaluation, applicants will be given a crafted plan that outlines any remaining coursework required, if applicable. Applicants enter with the understanding that not all of the classwork might substitute or satisfy the requirements for entry into the doctoral program. In addition, courses taken as part of the 60-credit hour requirement cannot be counted toward the 39-credit hour doctoral degree.

2. Some professional work experience is preferable but not required.

Tracks 1 and 2

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 minimum score of 396 or the GRE with a minimum 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.

6. Provide a copy of a curricula vitae inclusive of work experience and professional accomplishments.

7. Provide a copy of two writing artifacts from previous work (thesis, research paper, journal article, field study, grant, specialist project, etc.).

8. Provide a copy of the list of technology skills.

9. Submit to a personal interview with the program area graduate faculty.

10. At the time of the interview, complete an impromptu writing sample.

Application Procedure

An application form for admission may be obtained online at www.harding.edu/education/grad.html or by contacting the Educational Leadership Office, Box 12261, Searcy, AR 72149-5615; or email edleadership@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 completion of the required coursework depending upon application track.

3. A required MAT or GRE score.

4. A copy of a current teaching license including at least an initial building-level license (only required for Track 1 applicants).

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 Educational Leadership Office, Box 12261, Searcy, AR 72149-5615; or email edleadership@harding.edu.

6. A copy of a curriculum vitae 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 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 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, 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 on 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.

Other Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, students must consult with the director of the program concerning the required course of study, register for classes online through campus Pipeline each semester, and complete financial registration with the business office online.

1. Track 1 applicants: The program of study (24 hours minimum above a master’s degree) for a district-level administrative license in leadership will not be included within the 39-hour minimum requirement for the doctoral degree.
2. Track 2 applicants: Courses taken as part of the 60-credit hour requirement above a bachelor’s degree that includes 600/6000-level courses or above cannot be counted toward the 39-credit hour doctoral degree.

All requirements of the program must be completed within seven years from the time of acceptance into the doctoral program.

Transfer Students

Doctoral students may transfer up to six hours of doctoral-level graduate coursework if pre-approved by the program director and completed prior to the completion of the last semester prior to the beginning of the dissertation.

Academic Standing Requirements

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership requires a grade-point average (GPA) of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) for graduation. When a student’s average falls below a “B” (3.0), he or she is placed on academic probation and must bring up 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 the doctoral degree, students must successfully complete the following.

Track 1 applicants: (1) a master’s degree (also must possess a school building-level license), (2) a 24-credit hour (minimum) program of study at the district level (or its equivalent), and then (3) the 39-hour Ed.D. degree in Educational Leadership program of study, which includes coursework and a dissertation (approximately 99 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree).

Track 2 applicants: (1) The 60 credit-hour (minimum) requirement above a bachelor’s degree that includes 600/6000-level courses or above in a professional field of study and then (2) the 39-credit hour Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program of study, which includes coursework and a dissertation (99 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree).