Educational Leadership (EDLD), EdD

Return to: Cannon-Clary College of Education

The Cannon-Clary College of Education provides two prerequisite tracks leading to an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Both tracks lead to the same 38-credit hour doctoral program of study; the difference is the prerequisites and the emphasis within the degree.

Track 1

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

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. It is specific and requires possession of specific school principal licensing, completion of a master’s degree (~30 credit hours), completion of a 24-credit hour (minimum) program of study at the superintendent level (or its equivalent) before applying to the doctoral program and then the 38-credit hour Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program of study, which includes coursework and a dissertation, to complete (~92 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree).

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

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. It is less specific and requires 54 credit hours (minimum) above a bachelor’s degree that includes 6000-level courses or above in a professional field of study before applying to the doctoral program and then the 38-credit hour Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program of study, which includes coursework and a dissertation, to complete (92 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree).

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 Education 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 superintendent license in leadership from an institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

2. Hold a minimum of a principal license in leadership. Some principal experience is preferable but not required.

Track 2 applicants

1. Complete or be within six hours of completing 54 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree that includes 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 54-credit hour requirement cannot be counted toward the 38-credit hour doctoral degree.

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

Application Procedure

1. Complete the online application.

2. Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to graded@harding.edu.

   *Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as they are on file.

3. In addition, applicants must submit the following:
   1. documentation of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization record
   2. request official scores for one of the following:

      1. Miller Analogies Test (MAT) target scaled score of 396 or 

      2. GRE score of 305 (quantitative and verbal combined)

   3. two writing artifacts from previous work (thesis, research paper, journal article, field study, grant, specialist project)
   4. professional resume inclusive of work experience and professional accomplishments
   5. documentation of applicant’s supervisor’s support for participation in the program
   6. three letters of recommendation from individuals who will address the applicant’s potential for success in the program as well as the applicant’s professional and academic background
   7. Track 1 applicants only: current valid educator license including principal and superintendent licenses.
      Note: Documentation of completed requirements for a superintendent license found in official transcripts will also satisfy the requirement of a superintendent license.
4. Submit to a personal interview with the Doctoral Admissions Committee.
5. At the time of the interview, complete an impromptu writing sample.

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 Doctorate in Education in 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 Education in Educational Leadership Program with his or her goals and interests.

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 candidate 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 candidate be admitted without condition. A candidate 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, candidates 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.

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

Transfer Candidates

Doctoral candidates 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. A candidate is placed on academic probation if the grade average falls below a B (3.0). The GPA must be brought up to 3.0 by the end of the next term to avoid 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 candidate’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, candidates must successfully complete the following.

Track 1 applicants: (1) a master’s degree (also must possess a principal license), (2) a 24-credit hour (minimum) program of study at the district level (or its equivalent), and then (3) the 38-hour Ed.D. degree in Educational Leadership program of study, which includes coursework and a dissertation (approximately 92 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree).

Track 2 applicants: (1) The 54 credit-hour (minimum) requirement above a bachelor’s degree that includes 6000-level courses or above in a professional field of study and then (2) the 38-credit hour Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program of study, which includes coursework and a dissertation (92 credit hours above a bachelor’s degree).