Leadership (EDDL), EdD

Doctorate in Education in Leadership (EDDL), Ed.D.

Harding University’s Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership equips candidates with the expertise to work in various leadership roles in public and private education, post-secondary and higher education, state and federal departments of education, community and non-profit foundations, and business and medical organizations. This 35-hour hybrid program, designed on a cohort learning model, can be completed in as few as seven semesters while working collaboratively with a dissertation team that guides, supports, and encourages successful dissertation completion.

Admission to the Ed.D. program is determined on an individual basis with the following criteria considered: (1) academic preparation, (2) character, (3) educational interests, and (4) academic potential. The effort is made to admit all students who qualify and can benefit from the unique educational program and opportunities available, irrespective of religious faith, national origin, sex, race, or color. When applying, students should be aware of the distinct purpose of Harding University and be willing to commit themselves to upholding institutional values.

Harding’s Ed.D. program does not include leveling coursework, comprehensive degree exams, or admission fees. The candidate pays the semester tuition (technology support included) and a graduation/regalia fee during the final semester. The Ed.D. is a terminal degree with no licensure requirements.

Admission Requirements

An applicant to Harding’s Ed.D. program must have completed 51 hours of graduate coursework above a bachelor’s degree that includes 6000-level courses or above or be within 6 hours from the 51 hours, completing a program of study from an institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. An applicant must submit transcripts for review by the program director. After a transcript evaluation, the applicant will receive a curriculum plan outlining any required coursework, if applicable. An applicant enters with the understanding that not all classwork may substitute or satisfy the requirements for entry into the doctoral program. In addition, courses taken as part of the 51-credit hour requirement cannot be counted toward the 35-credit hour doctoral degree. (Upon completing the Ed.D., a candidate will have a minimum of 86 graduate hours above a bachelor’s degree or 56 graduate hours above a master’s degree.) Some professional work experience is preferable but not required.

Note: A curriculum plan can be developed for a candidate seeking an Arkansas superintendent endorsement to meet the 51-credit hour requirement if a master’s degree principal licensure is held. A candidate with an educational background should provide a copy of a current valid educator license with the application. Documentation of completed requirements for a superintendent license found in official transcripts will also satisfy the requirement of a superintendent license.

Note: A curriculum plan in a specialized area of interest can be developed for a candidate seeking admission to meet the 51-credit hour requirement not interested in a superintendent endorsement.

Application Procedure

1. Complete the online application. No application fee is required.
2. Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to admissions@harding.edu. Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher on graduate work.
   *Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as these are on file.
3. Submit documentation of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) immunization records complying with state law.
4. Submit two writing artifacts from previous work (thesis, research paper, journal article, field study, grant, specialist project, etc.).
5. Submit professional resume inclusive of work experience and professional accomplishments.
6. Submit documentation of the applicant’s supervisor’s support for participation in the program.
7. Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who will address the applicant’s potential for success in the program and professional and academic background.
8. After application items are received, a personal interview with the Doctoral Admissions Committee will be conducted. This interview will determine the candidate’s professional objectives, professional commitment, ability to discuss professional topics, and the compatibility of the Doctorate in Education in Leadership Program with his or her goals and interests.
9. After the interview, the applicant will complete an impromptu writing sample. A writing review committee will use an objective rubric to evaluate the writing sample to determine the applicant’s level of writing skill and analytical ability. If writing and analytical skills are less than acceptable, an applicant may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis for no more than two semesters. A doctoral candidate who receives provisional admission must complete a personalized writing improvement plan designed by the writing review committee to include activities to improve writing skills. After completing the personalized writing improvement plan, including a retest, a candidate can be admitted without condition. A candidate cannot remain in provisional status for more than two semesters.

Application Review and Selection of Candidates

The purpose of the Doctoral Admissions Committee is to review the data submitted for entry into the doctoral program. Because selection is based on a composite evaluation, the committee will determine the admission or non-admission of the applicant. The Doctoral Admissions Committee’s decision is final and is not subject to appeal.

Additional information may be requested from the applicant before final approval for admittance to the doctoral program. An applicant is notified in writing regarding acceptance, provisional acceptance, or non-acceptance to the program.

Other Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, a candidate must consult with the program director concerning the required course of study, register for classes outlined in the curriculum plan, and complete financial registration with the business office.

All degree requirements must be completed within seven (7) years from acceptance into the doctoral program.

Transfer Candidates

Doctoral candidates may transfer up to six hours of doctoral-level graduate coursework if pre-approved by the program director.

Academic Standing Requirements

The Ed.D. in Leadership requires a GPA of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher for graduation. A candidate is placed on academic probation if the GPA falls below a B (3.0). The GPA must be 3.0 by the end of the following semester to avoid dismissal from the program. No more than six semester hours of C work may be included as degree credit. A grade lower than C renders the credit unacceptable for meeting degree requirements.

Degree Requirements 

Curriculum Completion: To earn the doctoral degree, a candidate must complete 51 hours of graduate work above a bachelor’s degree and 35 hours outlined in the Ed.D. curriculum plan, which includes coursework, dissertation writing, dissertation proposal, and the successful defense of the dissertation.

Application for Graduation: Application for graduation may be submitted before a candidate’s final semester but must be submitted no later than the fourth week of the final semester. The graduation fee must be paid to the business office during the last semester before graduation.