Program Requirements
The GRE is not required for admission into the program. Doctorate applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and a master’s degree (30+ credits minimum) with an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher. If the master’s degree is not in Education or a related field, you may be required to take education leveling courses.
You can complete leveling courses as a master’s or Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Student before being admitted into the doctoral program. These courses help prospective students gain the necessary background knowledge to succeed in the doctoral program. Consult with the doctoral faculty for enrollment into education foundation courses before applying.
Application Deadlines
The Ed.D. program accepts students on a rolling basis. If you do not complete the application by the deadline, you may seek Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Student status. However, doctoral cohorts generally start each June with the first on-site residency in Winona, Minnesota, for seven days in mid-July. Student Applications are not reviewed or considered until all materials are complete. Most cohorts are filled in the late fall or early spring, allowing those students who apply early to take one or more courses before residency.
A maximum of 12 graduate credits earned as a Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Student may be accepted into a degree program upon recommendation of the academic department. Minnesota State generally allows up to 10 recent transfer credits to count towards a WSU degree.
Admission as a graduate non-degree seeking student does not guarantee admission to a graduate degree program. You must still meet all admission requirements and formally apply to WSU Graduate Studies and the Doctor of Education program.
Application Process
Once admitted to WSU’s School of Graduate Studies, aspiring doctoral students can send their application materials to educationdoctorate@winona.edu:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Three letters of recommendation (on university or professional letterhead) speaking to your ability to complete post-graduate level coursework.
- Professional statement explaining why one wishes to earn an Ed.D.
Refer to the Doctor of Education Admissions Checklist (PDF) to ensure your application is complete.
We’ll send you a letter to let you know if you’ve been admitted to your program and then set up a time for you to meet with your doctoral advisor and outline your individualized program of study. Sample Ed.D. program of study (PDF)