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Apr 28, 2026
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2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
Educational Leadership, Ed.D. (30-36 hrs)
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Program Overview
This program emphasizes the application of evidence-based methodologies through core requirements. Administrative practitioners will develop advanced competencies in translating theoretical frameworks into organizational protocols and measurable institutional outcomes. By integrating rigorous systematic inquiry with strategic application, the curriculum prepares leaders to drive data-informed interventions and optimize operational efficacy within diverse educational systems. The doctorate is 30-36 hours above a specialist’s degree and cohorts begin each summer and fall term. To qualify for the Administrator License 486, students must complete 15 additional hours within the licensure pathway—including all practicum requirements—while actively enrolled in the program to meet official guidelines. Students who wish to obtain the Administrator License 486 must consult with their advisor on current licensure guidelines and maintain enrollment in the Ed.D. program. Program Admission Requirements
- Complete an online application Apply to Carey Graduate Admissions.
- Submit all official transcripts electronically to Graduate Admissions
- Have a GPA > 3.25 in a related specialist’s program
- Hold a specialist’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university
- Provide a copy of a valid teaching license or waiver of licensure form submitted
- Submit Graduate Record Exam score (competitive) taken within the last five years OR approved writing sample in conjunction with the completion of any specialist degree from WCU either with a minimum score of 3.
- Submit two reference forms from present or previous administrators who have supervised your work.
- Submit a current resume that includes your leadership and community service experience.
Transfer Credit Students may transfer six hours of approved coursework from an institution that is fully accredited by a recognized accrediting agency and aligns with our curriculum. Coursework used in a previous degree may not be used toward the doctorate. Program Progression Requirements
To progress through the doctorate degree program, the student must: - Maintain a GPA > 3.0 as outlined in the program of study.
- Complete all required work within six years after enrolling in the program.
- File with the coordinator of the Ed.D. program a signed program of study prior to completing 9 hours.
- Only two grades lower than a ‘B’ are allowed. Upon receiving a second grade lower than a ‘B’, a student is advised to repeat one of the first two grades lower than a ‘B’ before continuing in the program. A student making a third grade lower than a ‘B’ will be dismissed from the program.
- Pass a comprehensive examination, successfully defend a proposal, and obtain approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Progress to the research process, where one will obtain a Pass (P) or a Fail (F) for the Capstone I-IV courses (EDL 8210 , EDL 8220 , EDL 8230 , and EDL 8240 , if needed). Students must contact his/her chair and begin working with his/her committee after completing EDL 8260 Advanced Applied Research .
- A grade of ‘I’ (incomplete) will be assigned only when unavoidable circumstances prevent completion of the work of the course on schedule and must be approved by the instructor and the academic dean. Refer to the section on guidelines for Grades.
- Successfully complete all capstone requirements as per the capstone guidelines, chair, and committee. This includes successfully defending the thesis proposal and defense before the thesis committee, having a GPA > 3.0, making revisions suggested by the graduate reader, and successfully submitting the capstone to ProQuest.
- Maintain continuous enrollment until the capstone has been successfully defended except with administrative approval.
- A student who is absent from the program for 2 calendar years or less will not be required to complete original admission assessment.
Program of Study (30-36 hrs)
The Ed.D. requires 30 credit hours post-specialist’s degree. However, candidates who have not completed the WCU program prerequisites as part of their previous Ed.S. program, must complete these two courses as part of the Ed.D. program of study for a total of 36 credit hours. Administrator License 486 pathway (15 hrs)
Program Requirements and Professional Licensure Disclosure
Teacher education programs at William Carey University are designed to meet the professional competency standards for licensure in Mississippi. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should contact the License Coordinator in the School of Education to verify that their program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements. Refer to SARA information from the Office of Online Learning for details. Further, the Mississippi Department of Education establishes and maintains state licensure requirements, policies, and procedures, which supersede requirements listed in this catalog. Mandatory changes to this program of study will be communicated to the student through the School of Education. Refer to the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Educator Licensure (http://mdek12.org/OEL) for the most current licensure requirements, application procedures, and deadlines. |
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