Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership Admission & Application Requirements

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Application Deadlines

The Ed.D. cohort coursework begins in the fall semester. Applicants receiving an offer letter will be given the option to start elective coursework in the preceding spring or summer terms. The deadlines listed below are to insure there is enough time for registration.

• Optional Summer Admission: March 1
• Regular Fall Cohort Admission: June 25
• Optional Spring Admission: December 1

Steps to Apply

You may begin your application before all documents are ready. GradCAS saves your progress, and you may return any time to continue updating your application.

1. Create your account in GradCAS
2. Select your program from the list and click “+” to add to your cart.
3. Complete the three general application sections.
4. Complete the fourth, MSUM section (See Application Requirements below).
5. Make sure to request all documents before submitting your application. Once you submit, you can no longer amend or upload additional documents.
6. Pay the $50 application fee.

The Admission and Graduate Studies Offices will verify your documents and requirements.

Ed.D. Educational Leadership Admission Requirements

• A master's degree (MA, MBA, M.Ed., MLS, MPA, MPH, MS, MSW) from a regionally accredited institution in education, student affairs, corporate learning and development, non-profit organizational leadership, higher education or a related field (Physical therapy, nursing, economics, education, counseling, student affairs, psychology).
• Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Applicants with a GPA below 3.5 may still apply and be considered for a provisional decision.

Ed.D. Educational Leadership Application Requirements

• GradCAS application
• A current resume reflecting at least three years of professional employment and accomplishments within education or a related field.
• Unofficial transcripts are required from all institutions you list on your application.
  • If you attended MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions, you can retrieve your unofficial transcripts from eServices, contact graduate@mnstate.edu and we can assist.
  • Upon admission, you must request official transcripts from your degree-conferring institutions and any other transcripts listing possible graduate transfer coursework. Official transcripts can be requested through Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse and sent directly to processing@mnstate.edu.
  • MSUM or MN system institution students do not need to request official transcripts. The admission team will do this on your behalf.
• Three letters of recommendation from professional and academic sources directly familiar with your skills and experience.
• A personal essay addressing the following questions:
  1. Why are you interested in pursuing a doctoral degree at this stage of your career?
  2. Why have you chosen MSUM?
  3. What issue(s) would you like to focus on in your doctoral research?
  4. What type of leader are you and why? Illustrate with examples.
  Do not use references or citations. (500-750 words-two pages)
• Finalists will be invited to a virtual interview with the Ed.D. program faculty.

International Student Requirements

• An official comprehensive course-by-course transcript evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluator (ECE), World Education Services (WES) or any other NACES accredited evaluation firm, from post-secondary institutions outside the U.S.
• The ECE, WES, or NACES evaluation must certify your international degree is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
• For students whose native language is not English, or who were not taught in English, an official score from either TOEFL (6678 MSUM code) or IELTS (Minnesota State University Moorhead) is required.
  • TOEFL scores-550 (paper-based) or 78-80 (online)
  • IELTS score of 6.5

For questions about the program or the application process please call Graduate Studies 218.477.2134 or email graduate@mnstate.edu.

Visit the GradCAS Applicant Help Center for detailed application instructions.

Questions about completing the application:
Call | GradCAS Customer Service at 857.304.2086
Email | support@gradcas.myliaison.com
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