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Apr 28, 2026
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2026-2027 Graduate Catalog
Educational Leadership, Ph.D. (42 hrs)
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Program Overview
This doctoral program prioritizes the advanced application of evidence-based methodologies and rigorous scholarly inquiry, anchored by core requirements. Candidates will cultivate sophisticated competencies in synthesizing theoretical frameworks to develop novel organizational models and evaluate complex institutional phenomena. By integrating systematic investigation with strategic analysis, the curriculum empowers researcher-leaders to generate data-driven insights that advance the field of educational leadership and optimize systemic efficacy within diverse academic environments. Program Admission Requirements
- Complete an online application Apply to Carey through Graduate Admissions.
- Submit all official transcripts electronically to Graduate Admissions
- Have a GPA > 3.25 in a related specialist’s program.
- Hold a specialist or graduate degree from an accredited college or university
- Provide a copy of a valid 5-year 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 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
To progress through the doctorate degree program, the student must: - Maintain a G.P.A. of 3.0 outlined in the curriculum.
- Complete all required work within six years after enrolling in the program.
- File with the coordinator of the Ph.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 present a study proposal, and obtain approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
- Progress to the research process (beginning with EDL 8110), where one will obtain a Pass (P) or a Fail (F) for the research courses (EDL 8110-EDL 8140, and EDL 8160).
- 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. dean. Refer to Academic Regulations section on guidelines for Grades.
- Have 80% of the coursework completed in order to receive an “I” and enroll in EDL 8160 to complete the coursework (EDL 8160 will cost the same as a regular course). EDL 8160 may be taken repeatedly until successful defense of the dissertation and within the university allowed six years to complete the course of study.
- Successfully complete all capstone requirements as per the guidelines, capstone coordinator, and committee. This includes successfully presenting and defending the research proposal and defense before the capstone team, having a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Maintain continuous enrollment until the dissertation has been successfully defended.
- A student who is absent from the program for 2 calendar years or less will not be required to complete original admission assessment.
Program Curriculum (42 hrs)
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