Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

The doctoral degree program in Educational Leadership is a practitioner-based, professional experience that focuses on the practices transformational leaders need to create educational systems that are grounded in research, are culturally responsive, strategic, and which ultimately improve student learning.  The 60-hour program of study reflects the visionary thinking needed for leadership in today’s 21st century educational organizations. It emphasizes effective leadership including strategic planning, using data to make instructional improvements, building a culture of trust and understanding how theory guides the educational leader to solve problems of practice. Graduate courses will be delivered using an Executive Cohort model which is designed to accommodate the working professional, emphasizes problem-based learning, action research, and field-based projects using authentic school district data and artifacts.

Admission Terms: Fall (August) Only

Deadlines for Application Materials:

For Fall 2020 admission consideration, all application materials must be received by the final deadline of June 30, 2020.

Application Materials:

High Point University has established rigorous admission requirements for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Applicants to the program would therefore be expected to submit the following:

1. A completed online application submitted through High Point University Graduate School.
2. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all college coursework excluding High Point University, a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the earned Master’s degree is required; The earned Master’s degree must be in professional education (or related field) from a regionally accredited university. If you have attended High Point University you must include it on your application.  The  Graduate School will request that transcript for you once application is submitted.
3. All professional School Administration/Teaching or other professional licenses (if applicable)
4. A current curriculum vita outlining significant leadership activities and involvement in professional organizations, professional presentations, or district-level initiatives
5. Three professional or academic reference reports
6. Written essay addressing previous research, work, and life experiences which have prepared you for the Doctor of Education program at High Point University.

Exceptions to any admission requirement may be considered under special circumstances.

Once Admitted: A signed Memorandum of Understanding by the district superintendent or designee endorsing the candidate’s pursuit of doctoral study and subsequent internship within that district or educational setting will be required.

Educational Leadership (60 hours)

• EDU 7171 – Leadership Theory: Human Dynamics, Ethics, and Organizational Effectiveness
• EDU 7172 – Leading in an Age of Accountability: Roles, Responsibilities & Functions
• EDU 7173 – Meeting the Challenge: Strategic Planning for 21st Century Schools
• EDU 7174 – Exemplary Teaching and Learning Practices for Extraordinary Schools
• EDU 7175 – Using Data to Inform Learning, Teaching, and Leadership
• EDU 7176 – The Nature of Organizational Cultures & Shared Leadership
• EDU 7271 – Political Systems: Effects on Governance and Operations
• EDU 7272 – Community and Public Relations
• EDU 7273 – Intercultural Communication Skills for Contemporary School Leaders
• COM 6610 – Applied Strategic Communication Practices
• EDU 7274 – Budgeting and Finance of Public School Operations
• EDU 7275 – Human Resources: Approaches to Enhance School Effectiveness
• EDU 7371 – Education Reform in the US: Innovative Practices to Change America’s Schools
• EDU 7372 – Law and Policy: Governance of 21st Century Schools
• EDU 7373 – Research Analysis in Education
• EDU 7374 – Applications of Research for Solving Problems of Practice

Internship Experience

• EDU 7300 – Practices in Executive Leadership I: Organizing for Problem Solution
• EDU 7400 – Practices in Executive Leadership II: Collaborating for Problem Solution

Capstone Experience

• EDU 8300 – Capstone Project: Implementation of Problem Solution
• EDU 8400 – Capstone Project: Evaluation of Problem Solution