An EdD is designed as a practitioner program equal to a Ph.D., which is generally focused on the development of theory and research. A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program is a professional doctoral degree designed for experienced educators and leaders aiming to apply research and theory to real-world educational challenges. It focuses on developing advanced skills in leadership, policy, and organizational change to improve educational practice and outcomes across diverse settings. Often, those students looking to move into higher educational instructional positions either take instructional-focused electives or bring instructional experience. Time to degree completion is highly individualized, but motivated students can potentially finish in about three years. Occasionally, students can finish in less time. Overall, time to degree completion depends on your unique situation and academic persistence. Some students will take four or more years.
Students should consider what their potential workload can be prior to meeting with their academic advisor. Generally students take between one to three seven week courses each semester.
All students must advance through the program in a timely fashion. All degree requirements, including credits to be earned, transfer credits, the dissertation, and all other program requirements, must be completed within seven years from the beginning of your first course in the program. Your doctoral advisor will assist you in developing your program of study, including identifying your potential area of emphasis.
Under exceptional extenuating circumstances, a student may submit a petition through their advisor to the Dean of the Graduate School requesting an extension of the time limitation. Such a request is to contain all pertinent facts, justifying rationale, and a plan for degree completion. The Extension Request to Complete Degree form is available in Warrior Space.
Education Doctorate (EDUO) core courses from the Graduate Catalog