Apr 16, 2025  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2018-2019 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Higher Education, Ed.D.

The Ed.D. in higher education is designed to prepare midcareer professionals from a variety of postsecondary institutional types and settings. These include public and private institutions; community colleges; and state, regional and national governance systems and organizations. Students are engaged with program faculty and their cohort in all course content, which includes the individual development and execution of a problem-based dissertation. Program activities benefit the students in their roles as postsecondary leaders, as well as the organizations they serve.

Degree Requirements

The Ed.D. curriculum is delivered in a three-year executive-style format in which students meet 10 weekends each year in addition to summer intensive sessions. The schedule is designed for midcareer professionals to further their education while continuing to work. Students remain in a cohort as they progress through the program. Some online assignments are given between weekend sessions. Five cross-cutting themes infuse courses and other learning opportunities:

  • Academic leadership.
  • Strategic and organizational leadership.
  • Policy and political leadership.
  • Evidence-based leadership.
  • Personal and ethical leadership.

An applied dissertation that serves as a capstone experience is designed for students to build upon and demonstrate leadership competencies through engaging in a multifaceted inquiry project based on a problem of practice.

Requirements for the Major

Core Courses

Total: 21 Credit Hours

Content Courses

Total: 39 Credit Hours

Total: 60 Credit Hours

Admission Requirements

  1. The online SMU application.
  2. A master’s or postbaccalaureate degree in education or a related field.
  3. Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.000 for both degrees.
  4. GRE graduate entry exam scores taken within the last five years, with the institution code 7464 (and TOEFL English language proficiency test scores if the student’s native language is not English).
  5. A statement of professional purpose.
  6. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the candidate’s academic and professional skills and potential. One letter should be from a direct supervisor in the candidate’s organization.
  7. A résumé/curriculum vita.
  8. A letter from the candidate’s organization indicating agreement for the student to miss work to attend classes (for time on Fridays and summer terms).
  9. Candidates applying for the preparation for superintendent certification programs only:
    1. A letter of agreement from the superintendent or other system-level administrator indicating that the school district will provide internship activities and a district mentor for the candidate.
    2. A copy of the candidate’s Texas Principal Certificate and service records.

Promising applicants may be invited to engage in an interview and additional selection processes.