Graduate Catalog  |  School of Graduate Studies  |

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•  |  Graduate Course Descriptions
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Additional EDAD Bulletin Information

Educational Administration and Leadership, K-12 Ed.D. Program (EDAD)

Offered through the Department of Educational Leadership and Administration    
in the School of Education
Center for Doctoral Studies
Education Building, Office B121
Phone: 320.308.4220
Fax: 320.308.4221
Department E-mail: edad@stcloudstate.edu
Department Web Site: www.stcloudstate.edu/edad/

Doctoral Studies Web Site: www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/doctoralstudies

Department Co-chairs: Dr. John Eller and Dr. Michael Mills
Doctoral Program Director: Dr. John Eller
Program Office Manager: Ms. Michele Braun
Program Faculty: Dr. John Eller, Dr. Janine Dahms-Walker, Dr. Frances Kayona, Dr. Nicholas Miller, and Dr. Roger Worner
Program Faculty Information: www.stcloudstate.edu/edad/staff.asp

Ed.D in Education Administration and Leadership, K-12

Program Mission

The mission of the Doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership is to advance the skills, knowledge, and dispositions of school practitioners to promote high quality administration of PK-12 schools and school districts benefitting students, communities, and the global society. This mission is grounded in the St. Cloud State University mission of “commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, and service fostering scholarship and enhancing collaborative relationships in a global community.

Program Description

The applied doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership is designed for experienced school leaders to provide a practical, rigorous and meaningful advanced program of study to enhance skills, knowledge and dispositions to successfully meet the demands associated with the leadership of schools and school systems operating in dynamic political, social, cultural, and economic arenas. This is a terminal degree program which will interface with administrative licensure programs offered at the graduate level at accredited colleges and universities.

Program Overview

• Faculty members are accomplished professionals with experience in the field.
• A cohort approach is offered with up to 15 students progressing together through the curriculum.  This fosters a learning community where students support one another and provides a network after graduation.
• A new cohort typically starts each fall semester on the St. Cloud campus or at the Twin Cities Graduate Center in Maple Grove. International students may attend the program in either location. 
• A weekend model (Friday evening and all day Saturday) of course delivery makes it a great choice for working professionals. 
• Coursework may be completed in six semesters (two years).  Completion of the dissertation proposal, research, and final defense vary depending on the student’s research time line.
• Students usually take two courses per semester (fall, spring, and summer) and concentrate on one course at a time. Each course typically meets three weekends.
• Course learning typically takes place in the classroom. Some online assignments and hybrid courses may be offered.
• The program infuses internationalization and globalization into the curriculum.

Application Process

The Educational Administration and Leadership Ed.D. program begins a new cohort each fall semester. When applying for a doctoral program, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) serves as a liaison between the applicant and the doctoral program. Application materials should be sent to the School of Graduate Studies. Once all application materials are received, the SGS will forward materials to the doctoral program for review and an interview will be scheduled.  Thereafter, an admission recommendation will be forwarded to the SGS for a final decision and notification to the applicant. Applicants may apply online at stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies.

Application Program Requirements

• For admission consideration, Ed.D. applicants must meet minimum admission requirements found at the Admissions Requirements page, plus additional program requirements.
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher or completion of a graduate degree with an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Have a master’s degree in education or related field.
• Hold an administrative licensure (preferred but not required) such as principal, superintendent, special education director, or similar license.

Application Materials

• Application for admission to doctoral degree.
• A $40 application fee enclosed with your application. The fee is not refundable.
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. SCSU transcripts and those from MnSCU institutions do not need to be requested, SCSU can obtain your transcript directly. International applicants must complete a WES or NACES course-by-course transcript evaluation. Please see Transcripts page for details.
• Three recommendation letters.
• A resume or curriculum vita of career progress and professional accomplishments.
• Professional writing sample (master’s research or thesis, published article, paper prepared for a professional conference or written analysis of a professional article).
• Statement of Intent.
• Participation in an interview with doctoral program faculty.
• International applicants must complete a proof of English proficiency and financial certification paperwork. Please see International Admissions for details.
  Application materials will become the property of the School of Graduate Studies and will not be available to the applicant or enrolled student for purposes other than admission consideration.

Application Deadline

• Applications will be accepted up to January 15th, March 15th, and June 1st.  Admissions interviews will be conducted and admission decisions will be made following each deadline date.  Students applying for doctoral-level Graduate Assistantships and international students are strongly encouraged to apply by the January 15 or March 15 deadlines.  Applications meeting or following the June 1st deadline will be considered on a space available basis.

Program of Study

The Ed.D. in Educational Administration is 72 credits in length. The program accepts up to 12 credits from the student's master's degree and up to 27 credits from the sixth-year licensure program.

*Course sequence is subject to change.
*Students also take elective courses (3-30 credits) that support their career goals and are established in consultation with their advisor. Up to 27 credits of elective courses may be transferred upon approval.

Course Information

For information about courses, please visit the Course Descriptions.

Core Courses (21 credits):

EDAD 803                                              3 Credits                               Leader and Program Development
EDAD 804                                              3 Credits                               Visioning and the Change Process
EDAD 807                                              3 credits                                Collaborative Partnerships
EDAD 815                                              3 Credits                               Legal and Political Issues
EDAD 821                                              3 credits                                Educational Achievement, Student Learning, and Program Development
EDAD 823                                              3 Credits                               Twenty-first Century Leadership: Global Understanding
EDAD 824                                              3 Credits                               Seminar Series: Ethical Leadership

Research/Dissertation Courses (21 credits):
EDAD 827                                              3 Credits                               Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methodology
EDAD 828                                              3 Credits                               Assessment and Information Management
EDAD 829                                              3 Credits                               Doctoral Research Design and Methodology
EDAD 899                                              12 Credits                             Dissertation

Elective Doctoral Courses (3-30 credits):
EDAD 806                                              3 Credits                               Human Resource Development
EDAD 814                                              3 Credits                               Educational Policy and Governance
EDAD 817                                              3 Credits                               Communication Strategies for Education Leaders
EDAD 818                                              3 Credits                               Educational Diplomacy
EDAD 825                                              3 Credits                               Seminar Series: Organizational Structures
EDAD 826                                              3 Credits                               Seminar Series: Leadership Theory and Research

*Up to 27 credits of elective courses may be transferred upon approval. The program accepts up to 12 credits from the student's master's degree and up to 27 credits from the sixth-year licensure program.

Steps for Admission and Completion of Program

Career Opportunities

• The average salary of those with a doctorate degree is 20% higher than those with a master’s degree.*
• Most schools require a master’s or doctoral degree with many states requiring a licensure as a school administrator.**
• Employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020.**
• Earning a doctorate places you at the pinnacle of a field where top-level employment opportunities within larger schools and districts are within reach anywhere in the world.
• Earning a doctorate provides you with a competitive advantage when seeking employment opportunities.
• Earning a doctorate provides valuable personal development for professionals at all stages of their career.

*Ewert, S. (Feb. 2012). What It’s Worth: Field of Training and Economic Status in 2009.  U.S. Census Bureau.  P70-129. Retrieved from census.gov/prod/2012pubs/p70-129.pdf

**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Postsecondary Education Administrators, on the Internet at bls.gov/ooh/Management/Elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm.

Doctoral Tuition

• Doctoral tuition is $525** per credit on the St. Cloud Campus and $600** per credit at the Twin Cities Graduate Center in Maple Grove.
• Students typically enroll in at least 6 credits per semester.
• **Please visit the Business Services web site for the most recent information on tuition and fees http://www.stcloudstate.edu/billing/tuition/.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistants work 20 hours per week for a $15,000* stipend during the academic year with faculty members in instructional, administrative, or research areas. Graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver for six * doctoral credits during fall and spring semester.

*Graduate assistantship stipend and tuition waiver are subject to change.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities are available from numerous sources, including:
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/soe/students/scholarships.asp
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies/current/scholarships.asp
http://www.finaid.org/
http://www.scholarships.com/
http://www.scholarshipexperts.com/
https://www5.stcloudstate.edu/financialaid/scholarshipsearch
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/financialaid/scholarships
http://www.braintrack.com/financial-aid-articles
http://bulletin.stcloudstate.edu/gb/financial/USscholarships.asp
http://www.stcloudstate.edu/coe/students/scholarships.asp

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid can provide you with a general overview of financial aid programs and give you guidance in the application process. Please note that Students who receive Federal or State Financial Aid may be required to maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) and number of course credits to remain eligible for financial aid.

Research Funding

The Office of Sponsored Programs has student research funds available each year to support academic research and creative activity by SCSU graduate students under the direction of a SCSU faculty member.