Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

Requirements for the Major

Admission Requirements

• Complete and submit the online application: Complete and submit the online application: https://gradadmission.smu.edu/apply/.
• A master’s or post-baccalaureate degree.
• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts with a GPA of 3.000 or higher preferred for all degrees.
• Applicants with a degree from countries where the predominant language is not English are required to supply scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service. The minimum scores for admission speaking 24, listening/reading 22, and writing 21.
• Statement of professional purpose with no more than 2 pages (double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins)
• Three letters of recommendation. Letters should be 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; the supervisor will also be asked to indicate agreement for the student to miss work in order to attend classes (for time on Fridays and summer terms). 
• A resume/curriculum vita.

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

Electronic transcripts should be sent directly by the institution to: gradappmaterials@smu.edu

Paper transcripts should be sent directly by the institution to: 

Graduate Application Processing
PO Box 518
Dallas, TX 75275-0518

If applying for the Superintendent certificate, please provide the following as well:

• 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
• A copy of a Principal certificate or the equivalent issued by the TEA, another state or country.