Doctor of Education (EdD)
The purpose of the Doctor of Education (EdD) program is to improve professional practice, strengthen students’ understanding and practice of educational administration, and develop skills in leadership and policy development. The doctor of education degree is designed to deepen the content competencies and applied leadership skills of candidates following the completion of a Master of Arts or Master of Science. The program is also designed to develop applied research competencies in obtaining and synthesizing information for the solution of educational problems.
The Doctor of Education applies theory and coursework to current issues arising from practice; research will reflect application skills in the candidate’s chosen field of study. During this program, students will typically be engaged in 6 hours of course work per semester and identified as full time graduate students. Entering doctoral students who already possess a Master of Arts in School Administration or in a related field must complete a minimum of 48 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master’s level degree. The nature of doctoral studies implies a high degree of individualized program development to reflect the personal, professional, and academic goals of each student. Consequently, each doctoral student admitted to the program works with a committee chair and a committee to develop and carry out a research study.
GPA and Grades
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher throughout the course of the EdD program. No more than two grades of C are allowed in the entire course of doctoral study. However, students must not receive a grade of C in any of the capstone courses. If a grade of C is earned the course must be retaken. In Capstone I & II students must earn a grade of A or B.
If a student receives a grade of F the course must be retaken. The initial grade of F is not replaced on the transcript. The new grade and the previous grade of F on the transcript are both used to calculate the new GPA.
Grades of I for Incomplete mean the student did not satisfy the course requirements during the term the course was taken. The student’s first responsibility is to complete the course requirements. Therefore, students with a grade of I may not enroll in another course without the approval of the assistant dean, department of educational leadership.
Students who do not meet the requirements of the EdD program will be able to apply earned credit toward the Educational Specialist (EdS) program. Students must complete and submit a Change of Major form to change their degree from EdD to EdS.
Criteria for Admission to Doctoral Program
• Master’s degree
• Application to Graduate Admissions
• Application to EdD program
• Current résumé
• GPA of 3.40 or higher in previous graduate studies
• Interview and on-site writing sample
• Four letters of recommendation, at least two of which must have credentialed doctorates.
To earn the doctoral degree student must complete the doctorate level coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, pass a comprehensive exam, and complete and receive approval of the doctoral dissertation. For specific deadlines and guidelines, please see the Lindenwood University EdD Handbook.
There are two distinct paths toward an EdD at Lindenwood: educational administration and instructional leadership. For more information about these two options, refer to each degree description.
Doctoral Continuous Enrollment Policy
To promote continuous quality and progression, all doctoral students should remain active in their coursework and dissertation writing from the time of the first enrollment in the doctoral program until completion of the EdD degree. All credits, whether transfer or doctoral, applied to the EdD degree must be earned in the seven years prior to the completion of the degree. EDA 77500 (Capstone III and Leadership Seminar) and all dissertation work must be completed within three years after passing the Comprehensive Exam. Doctoral students do not have to be enrolled in a class each semester until the completion of EDA 77500 (Capstone III). Students who have not completed their dissertation by the end of Capstone III must enroll in EDA 78000 Capstone Experience each fall and spring semester until the dissertation is completed. EDA 78000, Capstone Experience, is a one credit course that maintains full-time enrollment. If a student encounters medical or financial difficulties that may prohibit working on the dissertation and maintaining continuous enrollment, the student may contact the Office of Graduate Studies and request a Stop-Out.
Students should be mindful of the seven-year and three-year windows to complete the degree and work with their advisor and schedule their coursework to allow for this completion. Failure to complete the degree in this timeframe will result in removal from the EdD program. If the student does not have an EdS degree, but is eligible for one, the EdS degree will be awarded. All doctoral students are expected to complete the degree within seven years.
Transfer of Credit from EdS to EdD Programs
Upon completion of EdS in Educational Administration (Advanced Certification), up to 24 hours may be transferred to the EdD program. Upon completion of the EdS in Instructional Leadership, (all emphasis areas) up to 24 hours may be transferred to the EdD Instructional Leadership Program. Upon completion of the EdS in School Administration, up to six credit hours (EDA 53000, EDU 57000, or other 50000-level education course) may be transferred into the EdD Educational Administration Program.