Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

The University of South Alabama College of Education proudly offers an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. The program is an intensive 60 credit hour, cohort-based program designed for educators who wish to earn a terminal degree in educational leadership. Delivered in an executive format, the Ed.D. program allows students to maintain their current employment while also studying full-time.

The program is aligned with the recommendations of the Carnegie Project on the Educational Doctorate to redesign the Ed.D. to make it a stronger and more relevant degree for the advanced preparation of school practitioners, academic leaders, and professional staff for the nation’s schools and colleges and the learning organizations that support them.

There are two tracks available in the program, one for P-12 administrators and one for higher education administrators.

Coursework is delivered by highly qualified professors using a combination of intensive, face-to-face classes on campus, and blended, and fully online formats. Courses include program assessment and evaluation, finance, ethics, global education, legal issues, and quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. Effective leadership is a guiding principle throughout the program.

Course of Study

P-12 Leadership

The Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership (P-12) only admits in the summer semester (deadline March 15).

▼ P-12 Leadership Admission Requirements

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.25 cumulative graduate GPA.

*USA students applying to a USA graduate program in the College of Education and Professional Studies should complete a transcript request form (PDF) found on the University Registrar's Office website.

In the Name/Organization field for the transcript recipient write, "USA Graduate School". There is no charge associated with this request. This option applies only to USA transcripts for students applying to USA graduate programs.

ALABAMA Class A or Class AA Professional Leadership Certification in Instructional Leadership.
Current service or experience at the level of PK-12 Assistant Principal or higher is preferred. Applicants must hold active professional positions that allow them to implement small-scale change.
Three letters of recommendation from individual’s familiar with the applicant’s work (to include the applicant’s principal or supervisor attesting to candidate’s leadership and management potential). Recommendations MUST BE COMPLETED ONLY on the Recommendation Form for Graduate Admission to the Educational Leadership Program (PDF) and SUBMITTED by email to: ceps@253000xa.com.
Submission of official GRE scores. A minimum Analytical Writing score of 3 (out of 6) on the GRE Analytical Writing section is preferred.
A two-page narrative indicating the applicant’s career plan and goals in pursuing the Educational Doctorate in P-12 Leadership. Include how the program matches the applicant’s career goals (upload within online application).
Completed copy of the most recent performance appraisal to include the professional development component and evidence of ability to lead student achievement (upload within online application).
Completion of graduate level Research Methods and Evaluation course with minimum grade of “B”.
A resume with chronology of academic and/or professional employment (upload within online application).

Higher Education Leadership

The Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Higher Education) only admits in the Summer Semester (deadline March 15).

▼ Higher Education Leadership Admission Requirements

Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.25 cumulative graduate GPA.

Official transcripts* can be sent by mail or electronically. Instructions can be found under “Help” on the application.

*USA students applying to a USA graduate program in the College of Education and Professional Studies should complete a transcript request form (PDF) found on the University Registrar's Office website.

In the Name/Organization field for the transcript recipient write, "USA Graduate School". There is no charge associated with this request. This option applies only to USA transcripts for students applying to USA graduate programs.

Academic and/or Professional experience as a manager or director of units, or other supervisory position. Applicants must hold active professional positions that allow them to implement small-scale change.
Completion of graduate level Research Methods and Evaluation course with a minimum grade of “B”.
Three letters of recommendation from individual’s familiar with the applicant’s work (to include the applicant’s principal or supervisor attesting to candidate’s leadership and management potential). Recommendations MUST BE COMPLETED ONLY on the Recommendation Form for Graduate Admission to the Educational Leadership Program (PDF) and SUBMITTED by email to: ceps@253000xa.com.
Submission of official GRE scores. A minimum score of 3 (out of 6) on the GRE Analytical Writing section is preferred.
A two-page narrative indicating the applicant’s career plan and goals in pursuing the Educational Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. Include how the program matches the applicant’s career goals (upload within online application).