Overview

The Doctor of Education degree program is for applicants who wish to complete a course of study leading to a doctorate in higher education leadership. The degree program includes three years of coursework, participation in residencies, a completed dissertation, and the completion of 61 semester credits. 

Program Outcomes

• Students will analyze higher educational systems from a historical, cultural, and/or philosophical context.
• Students will practice reflection and sustained personal formation.
• Students will apply strategic and collaborative thinking to issues and problems.
• Students will demonstrate leadership in areas of diversity, inclusion, and equity.
• Students will demonstrate strong academic writing and research abilities.
• Students will integrate faith/values and ethics in their leadership of educational institutions.

Program Design

• Cohort-based organization allowing maximum group interaction, collaboration, and mutual support throughout the program.
• All courses (except residency courses) delivered completely online using best practices in internet technology, instructional design, and adult learning.
• Residencies offered on the Bethel University campus during each of the three years of the program focused on professional growth, collaboration, and coursework.
• Individual learning plan developed for each student based on previous educational training, credentials, and experience.

Admission Requirements

The Ed.D. degree in Higher Education will consider applicants who:

• Meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School.
• Submit an official transcript (U.S. schools) or NACES or AICE evaluation (international schools) showing an earned master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited (or internationally recognized as equivalent) institution and official transcripts or NACES or AICE evaluations from all graduate and post-graduate coursework. 
• Have earned a graduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit two professional Admission References.
• Submit a written Statement of Purpose.
• Interview with the program director upon invitation.

Students who have not achieved the minimum GPA, grade standards, or other assessment criteria may still apply to be considered for provisional acceptance. See Admission Categories.

Degree Requirements

Ed.D. Leadership in Higher Education

The required curriculum for the Doctor of Education degree in Leadership in Higher Education comprises a 61 credit sequence of courses.

Note: If a student receives a D, F, or U in a doctoral-level course due to lack of demonstrated proficiency in academic writing, the student is required to take EDUC 846 Academic Writing for Graduate Students  within the subsequent academic year in order to continue as an active student in the program.

Courses from the Ed.D Leadership in K-12 Administration major may fulfill degree requirements with Program Director permission.