The Higher Education Administration Program offers the EdD program in Tuscaloosa. The EdD degree provides academic preparation and professional development for those individuals who have or will assume upper-level administrative and executive roles in two- and four-year colleges and universities, state and federal post-secondary education agencies and other post-secondary education-related organizations. The curriculum is designed around the key competencies necessary to assume a leadership role, with courses in program assessment and evaluation, policy, finance, organizational change and student affairs administration.
The EdD program is also offered in an executive format. The Executive EdD program is designed to meet the unique needs of experienced professionals seeking a doctorate in higher education. The program helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to advance in leadership positions by combining theoretically-rich studies with an applied research approach. The Executive EdD is a cohort program that allows students to build an immediate network of colleagues. Intensive coursework and a carefully-structured dissertation process allow students to complete the degree in nine semesters while maintaining their professional positions. The Executive EdD program’s alternative format meets all the expectations of a rigorous higher education program, including the credit hour and degree requirements stipulated by the College of Education and the Graduate School.
Admissions
In addition to the minimum Graduate School admission requirements, to be considered for regular admission an application must include:
- Three letters of recommendation
- A one-page statement of purpose for pursuing the degree
- Vita or resume
- Writing Sample: A five-page writing sample describing a problem that faces higher education today (nationally), analyzing salient points of the issue, and evaluating potential solutions. The sample should demonstrate formal writing and should include appropriate citations. Applicants may submit an academic paper in lieu of the five-page essay, preferably on a recent topic related to higher education.
Deadlines
- The application deadline for the Main Campus program is January 15th.
See the Admission Criteria section of this catalog for more information.
Curricular Requirements
The EdD requires 66 semester hours beyond the master’s degree. These 66 semester hours include at least 54 hours of coursework and 12 hours of dissertation research. The plan of study also includes 12 semester hours in theoretical foundations and a minimum of 12 semester hours in research methods.
The Executive Ed.D. program is an accelerated program designed to be completed in 3 academic years (9 semesters). Students enroll in 9 hours of coursework per semester for 6 semesters during the first two years of study and 12 dissertation hours during the final year.
Transfer Credit
Graduate School information on Transfer Credit.
Doctoral Plan of Study Requirement
Graduate School information on the Doctoral Plan of Study.
Comprehensive Exams
Students take the comprehensive exam when they have completed their required coursework for the EDD program. Doctoral students complete a take-home exam question which is followed by an oral defense at the end with their dissertation chair and one other faculty member.
Graduate School information on Comprehensive Exams.
Admission to Candidacy Requirements
Once students pass the comprehensive exam, they will be considered a candidate and can enroll in dissertation hours, based on the approval of faculty.
Graduate School information on Admission to Candidacy.
Continuous Enrollment Policy
Graduate School information on Continuous Enrollment.
Dissertation Requirements
Ed.D. students complete a dissertation, with the guidance of a faculty chair, after all course work and comprehensive examinations have successfully been completed. A student should invite a faculty member to chair and secure her/his/their agreement to do so prior to signing up for that faculty member’s section of AHE 699 Dissertation Research. Once a student begins taking dissertation hours, continuous enrollment must be maintained until the dissertation project is completed and approved by the Graduate School. Students should not enroll for hours during the summer without having gained prior approval from the dissertation chair.
The dissertation committee consists of at least four faculty: a dissertation chair and four members. While the dissertation chair may be a member of another program in the College of Education, students are encouraged to work with a Higher Education faculty member when possible. At least three members of the committee (may include chair) must be Higher Education Faculty members. At least one member must be from outside of the Department of Educational Leadership, Technology, and Policy Studies.
The dissertation proposal generally comprises the first three chapters of the dissertation. The student works carefully with a dissertation chair and submits work to a committee for review. The committee must have 10 working days prior to the proposal defense to review the document. An oral defense follows, with all committee members present to review and critique the proposal.
The dissertation defense comprises all chapters of a dissertation. The committee must have 10 working days prior to the dissertation defense to review the document. An oral defense follows, with all committee members present to review and critique the proposal.
Graduate School information on Dissertation Requirements.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
Graduate School information on Time Limits.
Academic Misconduct Information
Graduate School information on Academic Misconduct.
Withdrawals and Leave of Absence Information
Graduate School information on Withdrawals and Leave of Absence information
Academic Grievances Information
Graduate School information on Academic Grievances.
Grades and Academic Standing
Graduate School information on Grades and Academic Standing.
Graduate School Deadlines
Information on Graduate School Deadlines.
Application for Graduation
Information on the Application for Graduation.
While a GRE score is not required for admission, preference for a limited number of college-funded assistantships is given to applicants for full-time study who take the GRE and achieve a composite score of 300 or better. Other competitive assistantship, fellowship, and scholarship opportunities may be available for applicants without GRE scores.
Students are encouraged to apply for College of Education scholarships (https://education.ua.edu/students/scholarships/) and scholarships offered through UA Online (https://online.ua.edu/tuition-financial-aid-scholarships/scholarships/).
Graduate School information on Financial Assistance.