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

  • Admission & Application Requirements

    The admission process is competitive; applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

    Deadlines

    • Summer: n/a
    • Fall: n/a  
    • Spring: November 1 (firm deadline)

    Please Note: The admission cycle begins in the Spring Semester to allow students to take elective coursework prior to the EdD coursework that begins in the Fall Semester. All students will be admitted for a Spring Semester start date but registration in Spring and Summer is optional.

  • Admission Requirement

    Instructions

    1. Online graduate application
     

    Submit the Graduate Online Application.

    1. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
     

    Contact ALL the colleges and universities you have attended and have your transcripts sent to:

    Graduate Studies Office, MSU Moorhead
    1104 7th Avenue South
    Moorhead, MN 56563

    You do not need to order transcripts from MSUM or other Minnesota State system institutions. See Transcript Policy for more details.

    Upon completion of the application form in step one, you will receive an email in 1-2 business days giving instructions for the remaining steps. Please note that steps cannot be completed until you receive that email. If you do not receive the email with Self Service Center instructions, please contact the Graduate Studies Office.

    1. $35 Non-Refundable application fee for all graduate applications
     

    After you complete the Graduate Online Application:

    • Log in to eServices with your StarID.
    • Click on Bills and Payment, and you will be able to pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
     
    1. Master's degree from regionally accredited institution in education, student affairs, higher education or a related field
     

    This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department upon receipt of all transcripts.

    1. Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
     

    This requirement will be verified by the Graduate Studies Office and the department upon receipt of all transcripts.

    1. Resume or curriculum vitae
     

    Resume or curriculum vitae reflecting a minimum of three (3) years of professional employment and accomplishments within education or a related field and contact information for three professional references.

    • Log in to the Self Service Center site.
    • Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your submitted Ed.D. application.
    • Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
    • Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.
     
    1. Online permission form
     

    Supervisor contact information is collected as part of the submitted application. The supervisor is contacted by the Graduate Studies Office and must have appropriate authority to verify the following:

    • The candidate is working in or has access to a clinical setting (school, higher education institution, or institution related to education) that will allow regular application of theories, concepts, and principles gained through coursework for purposes of completing course assignments.
    • The candidate has permission to conduct dissertation research at the identified clinical setting.
     
    1. Personal Essay
     

    Prepare a 500-750 word essay on what courageous leadership means to you. Do not use references or citations. Please put your name on all pages.

    • Log in to the Self Service Center site (allow 24 hours after application submission before logging in).
    • Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your submitted Ed.D. application.
    • Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
    • Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.
     
    1. Letter of intent
     

    Letter of intent, including motivation for doctoral level studies, career goals or transitions and professional development goals. The Letter of Intent, which should be approximately 250-500 words, is designed to help learners frame their intended doctoral journey in a reflective and purposeful manner.

    • Log in to the Self Service Center site.
    • Select the “Applications” tab, where you will see your submitted Ed.D. application.
    • Select “Summary” to see a list of all program requirements and corresponding statuses.
    • Upload document by selecting the “Upload” link under the respective “Action” column.
     
    1. Professional Licensure
     

    Hold a professional licensure (preferred but not required) such as teacher, principal, superintendent, special education director, or counselor. Please include any professional licensures on resume/curriculum vitae submission.

    1. Interview
     

    Finalists will be invited to a virtual interview with Ed.D. program faculty.