Program Description: The program leading to the Ed.D. degree in educational leadership prepares senior-level administrators as school leaders in rural communities for service in Pre-K through 12 school systems, community colleges, and four-year institutions of higher education.
The program requires 60 semester hours beyond the master’s degree including a core of course work in leadership, research, and a concentration area; an extensive internship; a written comprehensive examination; and a dissertation. Students select one of three concentration areas: Community College/Higher Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or Educational Administration.
Required Standardized Test: GRE General Exam
Minimum Admissions Requirements: Same as the Graduate School
Additional Admissions Criteria: Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and a detailed resume; participate in an interview with program faculty, and complete an on-site writing sample. Admissions decisions are made by the department graduate faculty.
Application Deadline: February 1
Prerequisites:
Community College/Higher Education:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Curriculum and Instruction:
- Master’s degree in educational leadership or related field preferred. Master’s degree in other education fields may require six semester hours of co-requisite courses
- Principal licensure, C&I licensure, and/or extensive leadership experience
- Minimum three years' teaching experience
Educational Administration:
- Master’s degree in educational leadership or related field
- Principal licensure
- Preferred administrative experience
Number of Graduate Faculty: 17
Number of Students: 73
Location of Course Offerings: Asheville and Cullowhee with distance education components.
Graduate Program Director:
Dr. Mitchell R. Williams, Community College/ Higher Education
Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations
828-227-2295
mmwilliams@wcu.edu
Graduate Program Director:
Sandra Tonnsen, Ph.D.—Educational Administration/ Curriculum & Instruction
Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations
828-227-3324
tonnsen@email.wcu.edu
Departmental Website: Educational Leadership - Ed.D.