education doctoral programs in texas

University Catalogs

• General Information
• Undergraduate
• Search Courses

Print Options

The doctor of education, admission to candidacy.

The Doctor of Education (EdD) is a professional degree that emphasizes preparation for the highest levels of educational practice. It provides academic training and educational service experiences for individuals who will have leading roles in educational practice and who will help define the scope and functions of education in society. Programs are oriented toward the application of theory and research to issues of education and human development and to the development of skilled practitioners to fill a variety of roles in institutions that educate children, youth, and adults.

Students in educational leadership and policy complete a treatise; those pursuing the EdD in other fields complete a dissertation. Most policies affecting the EdD are similar to those described for the  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) , such as the requirement for a minimum of 30 semester hours of advanced coursework, including dissertation or treatise hours. Additional policies on admission to the program and to candidacy are given below.

In addition to the requirements for admission to the Graduate School, each department may require evidence of successful performance in an educational setting and evidence of interpersonal problem-solving skills and other skills useful for predicting success in professional educational roles. The applicant must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited United States institution or the equivalent.

In addition to the requirements listed for the PhD degree, the curriculum must have a clear and predominantly applied focus. The student’s program normally entails an internship in an operational setting that is distinct from previous or concurrent work experience.

In addition to the requirements listed for the PhD degree in regard to the Dissertation Committee, at least one member of the committee must be from outside the major program or from the field of practice represented by the dissertation.

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-2024 General Information Catalog

2022-2023 General Information Catalog

2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

2022-2023 Graduate Catalog

2022-2024 Law School Catalog

2023-2024 Medical School Catalog

2022-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Texas A&M University

School of education & human development.

School of Education and Human Development

Doctoral admissions, admissions process.

Each graduate degree program has its own unique admissions process. Learn more about each department and programs’s specific steps to admittance and requirements below.

Educational Administration & Human Resource Development

• Ph.D. in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration
• Ph.D. in Educational Administration with an emphasis in PK-12 Educational Leadership
• Ed.D in Educational Administration with an emphasis in PK-12 Educational Leadership
• Ph.D. in Educational Human Resource Development with an emphasis in Human Resource Development
• Ph.D. in Educational Human Resource Development with an emphasis in Adult Education

Educational Psychology

• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
• PhD. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Special Education
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Bilingual Education
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental Sciences
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Learning Design & Technology
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Research, Measurement and Statistics
• Ph.D. in School Psychology

Kinesiology & Sport Management

• Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Motor Neuroscience
• Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Management
• Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Pedagogy
• Ph.D. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Clinical Exercise Physiology

Teaching, Learning & Culture

• Emphasis in Technology and Teacher Education
• Emphasis in Multicultural Education
• Emphasis in Science Education
• Emphasis in Reading & Literacy
• Emphasis in Mathematics Education
• Emphasis in English as a Second Language
• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

Can't find what you are looking for?

Education & Human Development

Teaching, learning & culture, how to apply.

The Department of Teaching, Learning & Culture

Teaching, Learning and Culture (TLAC) encompasses students, faculty and staff whose efforts and interests center on the many different aspects of academics, teaching and classroom education. TLAC’s mission is to create experiences that advance teaching, research and service through the application of knowledge in the preparation and development of quality educators; placing high value on collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, democratic governance and global leadership.

• Undergraduate Programs in Education
• Graduate Programs in Curriculum & Instruction
• Online Graduate Programs in Curriculum & Instruction

Having two highly-ranked graduate programs within one department serves as an index of the world-class academic programs and faculty who are committed to a culture of excellence in research and discovery, and the scholarship of teaching.

-Dr. Michael de Miranda, Dean of The School of Education and Human Development 

Former Student Highlight

Merrari boffil.

First-generation student Merari Boffill ’18 hopes to become a teacher and share the importance of education.

Master’s →

Bachelor’s →

Certificates →

From Our Former Students

“One of the things that set this program apart is that it is located within the Teaching, Learning & Culture Department at Texas A&M. There’s more to teaching than just delivering a curriculum or instructional strategy; we have to consider the influence that culture has one what we do.”

Dr. Byron William

Online Ed.D in Curriculum & Instruction

TLAC PROGRAMS

UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

TLAC offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education, with one of three focuses.

Undergraduate Studies

Graduate Programs

The Culture and Curriculum program offers students the opportunity to learn and grow in many areas.

GLOBAL ONLINE EDUCATION

Providing greater opportunities and flexibility for students, TLAC offers online degree programs, in addition to many individual Web-based classes.

Online Education

Certificates

TLAC offers several types of certificates for students as well as Texas Teacher Certifications

Doctoral Admissions

Doctoral admissions deadlines, 1. start your application.

• To apply to Texas A&M’s School of Education graduate degree program you must first apply online . The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport.
• The major is Curriculum and Instruction.
• A non-refundable $89 application fee for domestic applicants and $114 application fee for international applicants. The application fee may be paid by check, money order or approved credit card. Applicants who wish to pay by credit card may do so as part of the online application. If you are unable to pay the fee online, you may call the Graduate Admissions Office at 979-845-1060.

2. Submit Official Transcripts and Records

Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. NOTE: You do not need to submit an official transcript from Texas A&M University. For more information on submitting official transcripts to Texas A&M University, visit the Office of Admissions website and view the section titled ‘How to Submit Your Documents.’

International transcripts must be uploaded with a certified translation and converted to a 4.0 grade point scale to be considered for review. Some of the services the Office of Admissions will accept are: WES, Global Credential Evaluators, SpanTran, SDR Educational Consultants, International Academics Evaluators, and INC (IACE).

3. Submit Your Test Scores

Ed.d. / ph.d. test score requirements.

• Ed.D. applicants must submit GRE scores for the 2023-2024 application cycle.
• For international applicants only : TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to be considered official. The institutional code for Texas A&M University for the TOEFL is 6003 (no department codes needed).

4. Submit Other Required Documents

Ed.d requirements, online ed.d. in curriculum and instruction.

Please note, to be considered for the Online Ed.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction you need to complete both the Texas A&M University graduate admissions requirements and the TLAC departmental requirements below.

Texas A&M University Graduate Admissions

If you are currently a graduate student at Texas A&M University, contact our office at (979) 862-8122 for information on applying to the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture (TLAC).

• Completed UniCas Application: Apply online. The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable $89 application fee for domestic applicants and $114 application fee for international applicants. The application fee may be paid by check, money order or approved credit card. Applicants who wish to pay by credit card may do so as part of the online application. If you are unable to pay the fee online, you may call the Texas A&M University Graduate Admissions Office at 979-845-1060.
• Official Transcripts and Records: Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You do not need to submit an official transcript from Texas A&M University. For information on submitting official transcripts to Texas A&M University, please visit the Registrar’s Office .
• GRE Scores: The GRE is required for the 2023-2024 application cycle.
• Departmental Essays : Responses to all essays, prompts included below under “TLAC Required Essays” must be uploaded as one document with appropriate essay headings into Texas A&M University’s UniCAS application portal .
• Resume/vita: Upload your resume/vita, which includes employment, professional presentations, publications, grants, professional certifications/ licenses held and participation in professional organization to the  UniCAS application portal as a document.
• Writing Sample: Writing sample of 10-15 pages that demonstrates your writing abilities and potential for success in the program should be uploaded into Texas A&M University’s UniCAS application portal . Examples include, but are not limited to a journal article, a paper written for class or a graduate capstone project. Examples do not include lesson plans, school handbooks, intervention plans or other informal pieces of school writing.
• Reference Surveys/ Letters: Submit information for at least three professional or academic references (no friends or colleagues) to the electronic reference system in the UniCas application portal . Reference letters can be uploaded in addition to, but not in place of, these surveys.
• TOEFL Scores (international applicants only): Test scores must be sent directly from the  testing agency  to be considered official. The institutional code for Texas A&M University for the TOEFL is 6003. Department code not needed.

For questions regarding the Ed.D. application, contact the  Graduate Advising Office  at (979) 862-8032 or  [email protected]

TLAC Required Essay

Please submit this essay with appropriate headings to Texas A&M University’s UniCAS application portal . Your response will be evaluated holistically by rubric using these four criteria:

• Style and Organization
• Mechanics and Format

Employ your best writing skills and include in-text citations to attribute specific ideas to experts. APA format is required .

Each student in the online Ed.D. program designs and executes a problem-based dissertation (known at Texas A&M as a record of study) that is intended to focus on a specific problem of practice and to offer concrete solutions for these problems. Our Ed.D. Prospectus outlines the differences between the Ed.D. and Ph.D.

Describe an idea for a possible dissertation in practice that you might be able to carry out. Justify your choice of problem using the existing literature on this topic (cite at least three sources) and formulate at least one possible research question.

Ph.D. In Curriculum & Instruction

Ph.d. in curriculum and instruction.

Please note, to be considered for the Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction you need to complete both the Texas A&M University graduate admissions requirements and the TLAC departmental requirements below.

If you are currently a graduate student at Texas A&M University, contact our office at (979) 862-8032 for information on applying to the Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture (TLAC).

• UniCAS Application: Apply online at the UniCAS application portal . The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport. (Applications for Fall admission will be available August 1st)
• Official Transcripts and Records: Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. NOTE: You do not need to submit an official transcript from Texas A&M University. For information on submitting official transcripts to Texas A&M University, please visit the Registrar’s Office .
• GRE Scores: GRE scores are not required to apply to the Ph.D. program.
• Departmental Essays: Responses to all essays, prompts included below under “TLAC Required Essays” must be uploaded as one document with appropriate essay headings into UniCAS application portal .
• Resume/vita: Upload your resume/vita, which includes employment, professional presentations, publications, grants, professional certifications/ licenses held and participation in professional organization to the UniCAS application portal as a document.
• Reference Surveys/Letters: Submit information for at least three references to the electronic reference system in the UniCAS application portal . Reference letters can be uploaded in addition to, but not in place of, these surveys.
• Statement of Purpose: Response should include why you are interested in this program; one page or less explaining your interest, goals, and plans for this degree.

For questions regarding the Ph.D. application, contact the  Graduate Advising Office  at (979) 862-8032 or  [email protected]

TLAC Required Essays

Please submit these essays as one document with appropriate headings to Texas A&M University’s UniCAS application portal . Your responses will be evaluated holistically by rubric using these four criteria:

Successful applicants to this program indicate a match between their professional goals and the research-extensive Ph.D. offered in this department. Explain your views regarding the match you see between (1) what a specialty area in this department has to offer and (2) your desire to advance your education and experience to meet your professional research goals. Please use the information provided on the TLAC website about faculty and specialty areas to identify at least one faculty member from an area of specialization whose interests match your own. Discuss the match that you see between that person’s qualifications and your professional research goals. (1000 word limit)

One of the critical skills for a doctoral student is to be able to develop a research-based argument. Pick an issue in education and write a paper where you present different sides of your chosen topic. You should use, and properly cite, the ideas of others to support your argument. (1500 words maximum, not including references)

Doctoral Programs

Students applying to a program must follow all department admissions. Program faculty will determine the admission of an applicant to the specific program.

Can't find what you are looking for?

• International
• Request Info

Developmental Education (Ed.D./Ph.D.)

Ed.d/ph.d developmental education (doctoral).

• Apply Today
• Review Admission Requirements

Program Overview

As the first doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) and one of three doctorates of education (Ed.D.) programs in developmental education in the country, the program fills a crucial need for innovative research in a field that serves students underprepared for postsecondary education by valuing social, cultural and critical perspectives.

Course Work

The Ph.D. and the Ed.D. program requires 66 total credit hours consisting of:

• core courses grounded in developmental education theory and research
• research methodology courses
• specialization courses in the student's preferred concentration: developmental literacy, developmental mathematics or learning support
• dissertation courses

Students enter in cohorts each fall term. Full-time students typically take 9-10 hours each semester, and part-time students (with the exception of a one-year residency requirement) take 6-7 hours until they advance to candidacy.

What Our Alumni Say

“The program provides the portal into the field of postsecondary student success. It provided me the knowledge and tools to make a difference for students who are underprepared. The transition from theory and research to practice was seamless. I live out my course work every day! ˮ

— Mary Helen Martinez, Ed.D. ᾿20

Program Details

Doctoral students are frequently recognized for their research and scholarship. They win awards, fellowships and scholarships and present papers at regional and national conferences.

Program Mission

The doctoral program in developmental education prepares future scholars, researchers, leaders, administrators, instructors and practitioners in the field of developmental education.

Both rigorous and supportive, the program aims to advance theory, research and practice in multiple areas of developmental education - including developmental literacy, developmental mathematics and learning support - by actively engaging students in teaching, scholarship and professional service. In this multidisciplinary program, the faculty, staff and students work collaboratively across various academic disciplines, diverse communities and geographic boundaries.

Career Options

The doctoral program prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers. The Ph.D. is designed for students planning careers as researchers, faculty and scholars who will build a strong research and theoretical base for developmental education. The Ed.D. is designed for students planning careers as highly qualified program leaders, policymakers, researchers and practitioners who will advance developmental education in a variety of contexts.

Program Faculty

Faculty research interests include:

• theoretical and applied issues of student motivation, emotion, learning strategies and self-regulation
• strategic college reading and the role of technology in supporting strategic reading
• postsecondary student success courses
• demographic changes in higher education and effective instruction with culturally and linguistically diverse learners
• college transitional readers' deliberate and non-deliberate responses to texts and conceptualizations of literacy
• the impact of professional development on instruction in the adult student transition to postsecondary literacy
• educational equity for youth and the intersections of formal and informal cultures in education

Contact  The Graduate College  for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more. If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following individuals.

Doctoral Program Director Dr. Taylor Acee [email protected] 512.245.7903 Academic Services Building North (ASBN) , Room 401C

Advisor Support Dena Guerrero [email protected] 512.245.6839 Academic Services Building North (ASBN) , Room 401

Apply Now Already know that Texas State is right for you?

• Start Your Application

Application Process

Review requirements, submit application, upload documents, check status, application deadlines.

This program's deadline is firm. This type of deadline means the application and other application requirements must be submitted by the program's specified deadline day.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below.  Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our  international web pages .

Application

• Completed  online application

Review  important information  about the online application.

Application Fee

• $55 Nonrefundable application fee, OR
• $90 Nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

Review  important information  about application fees.

Transcripts & GPA

• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
• master's degree from a regionally accredited university or demonstrated success in graduate-level studies or professional experience in a field relevant to developmental education* (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a U.S. Master’s degree. Master’s degrees following a three-year Bachelor’s degrees may not be equivalent; please contact [email protected] if you are unsure.)
• a copy of an official transcript from  each institution  where course credit was granted
• minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all completed graduate course work

*The developmental education doctorate (both Ph.D. and Ed.D. tracks) requires 96 semester credit hours for students admitted with a bachelor's degree. Students admitted with a bachelor’s degree will follow the same program of study as students admitted with a master’s degree (66 semester credit hours) but with an additional 30 semester credit hours of open electives.

Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

Test Scores

• GRE not required

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our  exempt countries list .

• official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
• minimum individual module scores of 6.0
• official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
• official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.

Review important information about official test scores.

Documents & Other Requirements

• statement of purpose (approximately 500-1000 words) demonstrating your research interest and goals as a developmental education professional and your potential to contribute to the advancement of scholarly work in the field of developmental education. A discussion of your relevant teaching, research, and/or policy experience should be included as well as clear evidence of your commitment to research and scholarship.
• three letters of recommendation addressing your professional and academic background
• interviews with the admissions committee will be arranged (following the initial screening using the admissions criteria) for qualified applicants

Review important information about documents.

Additional Information

• Application Decisions
• International Applicants
• Reapplication Process

Ready to Apply?

Need more info.

• Request Program Information

Doctoral Program in Developmental Education

• Program Faculty & Staff
• Developmental Education Registration

Social Media

• Follow us on Twitter!
• Like us on Facebook!

Current Students

• Faculty & Staff
• Family & Visitors

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas State University offers two doctoral degrees in developmental education: a PhD that will produce researchers, university faculty, and scholars who will build a strong research and theoretical base for developmental education and an EdD that will produce highly qualified program leaders and practitioners in developmental education programs. As the first PhD and one of the only EdDs in developmental education in the country, the program will fill an urgent need for advanced research in a rapidly expanding field that serves those students who are underprepared for postsecondary education.

Welcome to the official website of the Doctoral Program in Developmental Education (DE). We appreciate your interest in our program and the field of developmental education. Our Graduate Program in Developmental Education offers M.A., Ed.D., and Ph.D. degrees in developmental education. We also offer a graduate minor. This website is specific to our doctoral program and graduate minor.

Our website contains detailed information for current and prospective students. As you explore our degree plans and funding opportunities, we also hope you will become more familiar with our community of graduate students, staff, and faculty, and the research and educational initiatives in which we are involved.

Should you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Sincerely,  

Taylor W. Acee, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator

Email:  [email protected]

Office Phone: 512.245.7903

What is Developmental Education?

Developmental Education is a field of research, policy, and practice focused on student success at the postsecondary level. Attuned especially to those students who struggle, due to a variety of factors, in their first year (and beyond) of a 2- or 4-year college, the field seeks to understand the reasons for those struggles, support those students who struggle, and define the role of higher education as a place where all learners can succeed. Traditional areas of the field have included course-based aspects of support, such as developmental reading, basic writing, developmental math, study skills, and learning frameworks courses, as well as non-course-based aspects of support like tutoring, supplemental instruction, and mentoring. Developmental Education has a multi-dimensional focus and is concerned with student issues of cognition, affect, identity, and other aspects of the college context. In short, Developmental Education is about student success for college students, especially those underprepared or misprepared for the postsecondary educational context.

Below is a list of a few key professional organizations related to the fields in and around Developmental Education:

National Organization for Student Success (NOSS)

College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA)

National College Learning Center Association (NCLCA)

Association of Colleges for Tutoring and Learning Assistance (ACTLA)

Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession (ATP)

Council of Learning Assistance and Developmental Education Associations (CLADEA)

National Center for Developmental Education (NCDE) 

Council for the Study of Community Colleges (CSCC)

Also, below are a few other professional organizations related to educational research that have connections to postsecondary teaching and learning that may be of interest:

American Educational Research Association (AERA )

Literacy Research Association (LRA)

Prospective Students

Applicants for the doctoral program are interested in the field of developmental education, and are focused on issues related to postsecondary learners. Many applicants are current and future developmental education instructors, coordinators, and administrators. Each student's degree plan will be designed by the student in consultation with the doctoral program director and program faculty, during the first year of study. Degree plans depend on each student's academic preparation, scholarly accomplishments, experience, and professional goals. This process creates a highly flexible and personalized degree that also ensures strong preparation for graduates to address pressing needs of this important field.

Our Mission

The graduate program in developmental education within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction prepares future scholars, researchers, leaders, administrators, instructors, and practitioners in the field of developmental education. Both rigorous and supportive, our program aims to advance theory, research, and practice in multiple areas of developmental education—including developmental literacy, learning support, and developmental mathematics—by actively engaging students in teaching, scholarship and professional service. As a multidisciplinary program, the faculty, staff, and students work collaboratively across various academic disciplines, diverse communities and geographic boundaries.

Programmatic Elements

Two degree tracks:  PhD and EdD.

Three concentration areas:  Developmental Literacy, Developmental Mathematics, and Learning Support.

Core coursework and degree requirements focused on Developmental Education theory and research, research methods, and professional development.

Educational Objectives

Preparing developmental education professionals who engage in divergent and critical thinking, are culturally competent, and are skilled in maximizing technology applications for learning.

Preparing developmental education professionals who understand and can respond to the nature and need of students enrolled in developmental education programs; the complexities of motivation, teaching, learning, and assessment in developmental education settings; and the political, cultural and social systems that create inequities in educational settings.

Registration

University Schedule of Classes

Summer 2024 Course Offerings

Fall 2024 Course Offerings

Course Sequence

Comprehensive Exam

Program Forms

Graduate College Forms

Admission Requirements

Courses and Degree Plans

How to Apply & Fund

Professionals and Researchers

Faculty & Staff

Doctoral Students

Award Winners

Alumni Dissertations

• Current Students
• Faculty + Staff
• Alumni + Friends
• Parents + Family
• Community + Visitors
• Bachelor's Degrees
• Master's Degrees
• Doctorate Degrees
• Certificates
• Arts & Design
• Business & Industry
• Communications & Media
• Data Analytics & Information
• Health & Wellness
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Music & Performing Arts
• Public Service
• Multidisciplinary
• Still Exploring & Undetermined
• International
• Bienvenidos
• Featured Videos
• College Tour
• Tuition & Aid
• Student Life
• Search Type Search Search
• Quicklinks:
• STUDENT EMAIL
• UNT DIRECTORY
• INFO FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
• INFO FOR FACULTY + STAFF
• INFO FOR ALUMNI + FRIENDS
• INFO FOR PARENTS + FAMILY
• INFO FOR COMMUNITY + VISITORS
• UNT LIBRARIES
• UNT CALENDAR
• JOBS AT UNT

Higher Education Ph.D.

Want more info.

We're so glad you're interested in UNT! Let us know if you'd like more information and we'll get you everything you need.

Why Earn a Higher Education Ph.D.?

If you are interested in scholarly research, exploration and teaching higher education, the Doctor of Philosophy degree is for you. This degree will provide you with a career as a professor or an applied researcher and prepare you for senior leadership positions in higher learning institutions, statewide higher education coordinating agencies, medical centers and government agencies.

Our faculty members have published more than two dozen books, monographs and book chapters and more than 100 refereed journal articles. Their research areas include leadership in higher education, higher education policy and finance, access and equity, institutional effectiveness, professoriate, student affairs and student development. Our faculty have:

• Served as editors or editorial board members for various academic journals
• Presented numerous papers at national and international professional meetings and conferences
• Generated more than $2 million in grants from federal, state and private foundations

The program is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). CPED is a consortium of colleges and schools that aims to improve the quality of the doctorate in education.

• Assess, develop, implement, and evaluate strategies
• Advanced oral and written communication
• Resource management of people, physical/financial assets
• Produce and use theory-driven research/practices
• Multi-cultural/diversity competencies

Higher Education Ph.D. Highlights

What can you do with a higher education ph.d..

The Higher Education Ph.D can prepare your for roles in:

• Academic and research positions in graduate instructional programs of higher education, higher education institutes and centers for the study of higher education
• Applied and management research positions in institutions of higher learning, government agencies, consortia of higher education institutions and higher education professional associations
• Senior administrative positions in four-year colleges and universities where in-depth knowledge and understanding of the conceptual bases of higher education administration are required

Higher Education Ph.D. Courses You Could Take

Learn More About UNT

Explore more options.

It’s easy to apply online. Join us and discover why we’re the choice of nearly 47,000 students.

Texas A&M University Catalogs

Doctor of education in educational administration.

The School and Department's vision is “We transform lives.” Specifically, the K-12 EAP’s mission is (a) to prepare leaders for public, charter, and private schools in Texas and the nation and (b) to prepare individuals to conduct research and/or teaching at a university, college, institute, or educational agency. As a result of these dramatic changes, the K12 EAP faculty is dedicated to attracting, mentoring, and preparing the "best, brightest, and culturally aware young leaders for key roles as superintendents, principals and university professors." To reach these goals, the faculty must prepare change agents to focus on improving schools and addressing inequities in schools. The EdD meets the challenges of preparing leaders to integrate theory and research to solve complex problems of administrative practice. The faculty members believe that both the school practitioner and the university professor must prepared to integrate reliable formal knowledge with clinical knowledge, i.e., theoretical with craft knowledge.

If you want to work at the district level, we offer a K-12 Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Administration degree. This allows you to be an administrator at the district and school level. The program’s format is a cohort model where students in lock step take classes together. The rationale behind having a cohort model is to create a network of peers across the state of Texas. The Record of Study (ROS) is the culminating research problem of practice for candidates in the program. As the student progresses through the program the ROS is woven into the course of study. A student’s Record of Study should address some aspect of school leadership, management, and areas inequities in schools. The ROS will have a context of addressing social justice in public education. Candidates will choose from three ROS options: a comprehensive district analysis/redesign; journal-ready articles; or research following traditional dissertation guidelines.

Upon successful completion of all required coursework for superintendent certification, the student must complete the following in order to be recommended for Superintendent Certification in the State of Texas, if they choose to pursue this route:

• Complete all components of the required practicum experience;
• Complete all preparation work recommended by faculty and provide a passing score on the superintendent certification practice exam;
• Complete the SBEC online certification application;
• Submit copy of passing 195 Exam scores and
• Complete the School of Education and Human Development Certification and Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Developments Requirements.

Program Requirements

Student’s advisory committee, degree plan, transfer of credit.

• Preliminary Examination

Preliminary Examination Format

Preliminary examination scheduling, report of preliminary examination, retake of failed preliminary examination.

• Final Examination

Report of Final Examination

Record of study.

After receiving admission to graduate studies and enrolling, the student will consult with the head of his or her major or administrative department (or chair of the intercollegiate faculty) concerning appointment of the chair of the advisory committee. The student’s advisory committee will consist of no fewer than four members of the graduate faculty representative of the student’s several fields of study and research, where the chair or co-chair must be from the student’s department (or intercollegiate faculty, if applicable), and at least one or more of the members must have an appointment to a department other than the student’s major department. The outside member for a student in an interdisciplinary degree program must be from a department different from the chair of the student’s committee.

The chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the advisory committee. Only graduate faculty members located on Texas A&M University campuses may serve as chair of a student’s advisory committee. Other Texas A&M University graduate faculty members located off-campus may serve as a member or co-chair (but not chair), with a member as the chair.

If the chair of a student’s advisory committee voluntarily leaves the University and the student is near completion of the degree and wants the chair to continue to serve in this role, the student is responsible for securing a current member of the University Graduate Faculty, from the student’s academic program and located near the Texas A&M University campus site, to serve as the co-chair of the committee. The Department Head or Chair of Intercollegiate faculty may request in writing to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School that a faculty member who is on an approved leave of absence or has voluntarily separated from the university, be allowed to continue to serve in the role of chair of a student’s advisory committee without a co-chair for us to one year. The students should be near completion of the degree. Extensions beyond the one year period can be granted with additional approval of the Dean.

The committee members’ signatures on the degree plan indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign en masse. The chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student’s research and dissertation or record of study, has the responsibility for calling all meetings of the committee. The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree plan, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study and the final examination. In addition, the committee, as a group and as individual members, is responsible for counseling the student on academic matters and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Graduate and Professional School.

Each student’s proposed degree plan will be individually designed on the basis of the student’s career objectives and the competencies associated with the professional role to which the student aspires. It will contain a minimum of 69 semester hours, including the following components:

• At least 6 semester hours of proseminars stressing the foundation concepts with which every EdD student should be familiar;
• A set of courses selected to prepare the candidate for a specific professional role within a field of specialization;
• One or more courses that develop basic understanding of the procedures and applications of research;
• At least one supporting field of 12 or more semester hours or two supporting fields of 9 or more semester hours each;
• A professional internship of at least 6 semester hours related to the professional role to which the student aspires;
• A record of study involving at least 12 semester hours of credit.

A maximum of 9 hours of 400-level undergraduate courses may be used toward meeting credit-hour requirements for the Doctor of Education.

No changes can be made to the degree plan once the student’s Request for Final Examination or Request for Final Examination Exemption is approved by the Graduate and Professional School.

No credit may be obtained by correspondence study, by extension or for any course of fewer than three weeks duration.

For non-distance degree programs, no more than four courses may be taken by distance education without approval of GPS and no more than 50 percent of the non-research credit hours required for the program may be completed through distance education courses.

To receive a graduate degree from Texas A&M University, students must earn one-third or more of the credits through the institution’s own direct instruction. This limitation also applies to joint degree programs. 

The degree plan must be filed with the Graduate and Professional School prior to the deadline imposed by the student’s college, and no later than 90 days prior to the preliminary examination.

Courses for which transfer credits are sought must have been completed with a grade of B or greater and must be approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Graduate and Professional School. These courses must not have been used previously for another degree. Except for officially approved joint degree programs with other Texas A&M University System institutions, credit for theses or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for “internship” coursework in any form is not transferable. Courses taken in residence at an accredited U.S. institution or approved international institution with a final grade of B or greater will be considered for transfer credit if, at the time the courses were completed, the courses would be accepted for credit toward a similar degree for a student in degree-seeking status at the host institution. Credit for coursework taken by extension is not transferable coursework  in which no formal grades are given or in which grades other than letter grades (A or B) are earned (for example, CR, P, S, U, H, etc.) is not accepted for transfer credit . Credit for coursework submitted for transfer from any college or university must be shown in semester credit hours, or equated to semester credit hours.

Courses used toward a degree at another institution may not be applied for graduate credit. If the course to be transferred was taken prior to the conferral of a degree at the transfer institution, a letter from the registrar at that institution stating that the course was not applied for credit toward the degree must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

Grades for courses completed at other institutions are not included in computing the GPA. An official transcript from the university at which transfer courses are taken must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

Examinations

Preliminary examination for doctoral students.

The student’s major department (or chair of the interdisciplinary degree program faculty, if applicable) and his or her advisory committee may require qualifying, cumulative or other types of examinations at any time deemed desirable. These examinations are entirely at the discretion of the department and the student’s advisory committee.

The preliminary examination is required. The preliminary examination for a doctoral student shall be given no earlier than a date at which the student is within 6 credit hours of completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan (i.e., all coursework on the degree plan except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The student should complete the Preliminary Examination no later than the end of the semester following the completion of the formal coursework on the degree plan.

The objective of preliminary examination is to evaluate whether the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:

a.     a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program;

b.     an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and an ability to carry out bibliographical research;

c.     an understanding of the research problem and the appropriate methodological approaches.

The format of the preliminary examination shall be determined by the student’s department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) and advisory committee, and communicated to the student in advance of the examination. The exam may consist of a written component, oral component, or combination of written and oral components.

The preliminary exam may be administered by the advisory committee or a departmental committee; herein referred to as the examination committee.

Regardless of exam format, a student will receive an overall preliminary exam result of pass or fail. The department (or interdisciplinary degree program, if applicable) will determine how the overall pass or fail result is determined based on the exam structure and internal department procedures. If the exam is administered by the advisory committee, each advisory committee member will provide a pass or fail evaluation decision.

Only one advisory committee substitution is allowed to provide an evaluation decision for a student’s preliminary exam, and it cannot be the committee chair.

If a student is required to take, as a part of the preliminary examination, a written component administered by a department or interdisciplinary degree program, the department or interdisciplinary degree program faculty must:

a.     offer the examination at least once every six months. The departmental or interdisciplinary degree program examination should be announced at least 30 days prior to the scheduled examination date.

b.     assume the responsibility for marking the examination satisfactory or unsatisfactory, or otherwise graded, and in the case of unsatisfactory, stating specifically the reasons for such a mark.

c.     forward the marked examination to the chair of the student’s advisory committee within one week after the examination.

Prior to commencing any component of the preliminary examination, a departmental representative or the advisory committee chair will review the eligibility criteria with the student, using the Preliminary Examination Checklist to ensure the student is eligible for the preliminary examination. The following list of eligibility requirements applies.

Student is registered at Texas A&M University for a minimum of one semester credit hour in the long semester or summer term during which any component of the preliminary examination is held. If the entire examination is held between semesters, then the student must be registered for the term immediately preceding the examination.

An approved degree plan is on file with the Graduate and Professional School prior to commencing the first component of the examination.

Student’s cumulative GPA is at least 3.000.

Student’s degree plan GPA is at least 3.000.

At the end of the semester in which at least the first component of the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 693, 695, 697, 791, or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog). The head of the student’s department (or Chair of the Interdisciplinary Degree Program, if applicable) has the authority to approve a waiver of this criterion.

Credit for the preliminary examination is not transferable in cases where a student changes degree programs after passing a preliminary exam.

If a written component precedes an oral component of the preliminary exam, the chair of the student’s examination committee is responsible for making all written examinations available to all members of the committee.  A positive evaluation of the preliminary exam by all members of a student’s examination committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her preliminary exam.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Preliminary Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Report of Doctoral Preliminary Examination form. The Preliminary Examination checklist form must also be submitted. These forms should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School within 10 working days of completion of the preliminary examination.

The Report of the Preliminary Examination form must be submitted with original signatures of the approved examination committee members. If an approved examination committee member substitution (one only) has been made, that signature must also be included, in place of the committee member, on the form submitted to the Graduate and Professional School. The original signature of the department head is also required on the form.

After passing the required preliminary oral and written examinations for a doctoral degree, the student must complete the final examination within four years of the semester in which the preliminary exam is taken. Exams taken in between terms will expire at the end of the term that ended prior to the exam. For example, a preliminary exam taken and passed during the fall 2019 semester will expire at the end of the fall 2023 semester. A preliminary exam  taken in the time between the summer and fall 2019 semesters will expire at the end of the summer 2023 semester.

Upon approval of the student’s examination committee, with no more than one member dissenting, and approval of the Graduate and Professional School, a student who has failed the preliminary examination may be given one re-examination. Adequate time must be given to permit the student to address the inadequacies emerging from the first preliminary examination. The examination committee must agree upon and communicate in writing to the student, an adequate time-frame from the first examination (normally six months) to retest, as well as a detailed explanation of the inadequacies emerging from the examination. The student and the committee should jointly negotiate a mutually acceptable date for this retest.  When providing feedback on inadequacies, the committee should clearly document expected improvements that the student must be able to exhibit in order to retake the exam.  The examination committee will document and communicate the time-frame and feedback within 10 working days of the exam that was not passed.

Final Examination for Doctoral Students

The candidate for the doctoral degree must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the “Graduate and Professional School Calendar” each semester. The doctoral student is allowed only one opportunity to take the final examination.

No unabsolved grades of D, F, or U for any course can be listed on the degree plan. The student must be registered for any remaining hours of 681, 684, 690, 691, 692, 791 or other graduate courses specifically designated as S/U in the course catalog during the semester of the final exam. No student may be given a final examination until they have been admitted to candidacy and their current official cumulative and degree plan GPAs are 3.00 or better.

To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:

1.       completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690 and 691, 692 (Professional Study), or 791 hours,

2.       a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,

3.       passed the preliminary examination,

4.       submitted an approved dissertation proposal,

5.       met the residence requirements.

The request to hold and announce the final examination must be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School a minimum of 10 working days in advance of the scheduled date. Any changes to the degree plan must be approved by the Graduate and Professional School prior to the submission of the request for final examination.

 The student’s advisory committee will conduct this examination. The final examination is not to be administered until the dissertation or record of study is available in substantially final form to the student’s advisory committee, and all concerned have had adequate time to review the document. Whereas the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate’s training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the graduate faculty may, with mutual consent of the candidate and the chair of the advisory committee, be invited to attend a final examination for an advanced degree. A positive vote by all members of the graduate committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her exam. A department can have a stricter requirement provided there is consistency within all degree programs within a department. Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings.

The student’s department will promptly report the results of the Final Examination to the Graduate and Professional School via the Report of Doctoral Final Examination form. These forms should be submitted to the Graduate and Professional School within 10 working days of completion of the final examination. The Graduate and Professional School​ must be notified in writing of any cancellations.

A positive evaluation of the final exam by all members of a student’s advisory committee with at most one dissension is required to pass a student on his or her final exam. The Report of the Final Examination Form must be submitted with original signatures of only the committee members approved by the Graduate and Professional School. If necessary, multiple copies of the form may be submitted with different committee member original signatures. If an approved committee member substitution (1 only) has been made, his/her signature must be included on the form submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

The EdD student will produce a major research document called a record of study. The research project may involve such topics as

• a field study on a problem of major proportions in time or extent;
• a curriculum development project validated through pilot and field testing; or
• action research on a curricular, instructional, supervisory or administrative problem based on empirical data.

The EdD student must have primary responsibility for the design and development of the research, and the record of study must be the sole and original work of the candidate.

Whatever the nature of the research project undertaken by the candidate, he or she will be required to prepare a record of study that explains and supports the activities undertaken in the project and supports its conclusions with adequate investigations, empirical data and a comprehensive bibliography. Procedures used in the student’s research will be described in sufficient detail for educators in other locations to apply or extend the procedures. All records of study should be characterized by accuracy of observation and measurements, thoroughness of analysis and synthesis, and accuracy and completeness of presentation.

Guidelines for the preparation of the record of study are available in the  Thesis Manual  which is available online at  https://grad.tamu.edu/ . After successful defense and approval by the student’s advisory committee and the head of the student’s major department, a student must submit his/her record of study in electronic format as a single PDF file. The PDF file must be uploaded to the website  https://grad.tamu.edu/ . Additionally, a signed approval form must be brought or mailed to the Graduate and Professional School. Both the PDF file and the signed approval form are required by the deadline.

Deadline dates for submitting are announced each semester or summer term in the Graduate and Professional School Calendar (see Time Limit statement). These dates also can be accessed via the website  https://grad.tamu.edu/ .

Before a student can be “cleared” by Thesis and Dissertation Services, a processing fee must be paid through Student Business Services. This processing fee is for the thesis/dissertation services provided. After commencement, dissertations are digitally stored and made available through the Texas A&M Libraries.

A record of study that is deemed unacceptable by the Graduate and Professional School because of excessive corrections will be returned to the student’s department head. The manuscript must be resubmitted as a new document, and the entire review process must begin anew. All original submittal deadlines must be met during the resubmittal process to graduate.

Additional Requirements

Continuous registration, internship or practicum.

• 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

Application for Degree

The residence requirement for the EdD degree is 30 semester credit hours in resident study at Texas A&M University. Of these 30 semester hours, at least 18 must be taken as a full-time student. The residence requirement must be fulfilled within five consecutive calendar years. This requirement may be satisfied by a student who presents any combination of full-time study during summer sessions of at least five weeks duration and/or work as a full-time student during regular sessions which totals in the aggregate at least 18 semester hours, accomplished within a five-year period beginning with the first course proposed to apply to this requirement.

Students who are employed full-time while completing their degree may fulfill total residence requirements by completion of less-than-full time course loads each semester. In order to be considered for this, the student is required to submit a Petition for Waivers and Exceptions along with verification of his/her employment to the Graduate and Professional School.

A student in a program leading to the EdD who has completed all coursework on his/her degree plan other than 692 (Professional Study) is required to be in continuous registration until all requirements for the degree have been completed. See  Continuous Registration Requirements .

Each EdD degree candidate will complete a university-directed internship in a professional employment setting with a minimum duration of 300 clock hours accrued at the rate of 10–40 hours per week. The internship will require of the student full participation and responsibility in experiences directly related to the student’s career specialization. Credit for the internship will not be given for a continuation of regular employment activities (e.g., continuing to serve as a junior college teacher or as an elementary school principal), but only for completing an entirely new work experience. The internship may be on a paid or unpaid basis, must be undertaken after the student has a degree plan on file, and must be supported by prior or concurrent coursework (usually toward the end of the degree program). Prior to its beginning, the internship must be approved in writing as to details by all members of the student’s doctoral committee. At the conclusion of the internship, a formal written summary of its nature and results must be approved by the student’s advisory committee.

 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees

In Texas, public colleges and universities are funded by the state according to the number of students enrolled. In accordance with legislation passed by the Texas Legislature, the number of hours for which state universities may receive subvention funding at the doctoral rate for any individual is limited to 99 hours. Texas A&M and other universities will not receive subvention for hours in excess of the limit.

Institutions of higher education are allowed to charge the equivalent of non-resident tuition to a resident doctoral student who has enrolled in 100 or more semester credit hours of doctoral coursework.

Doctoral students at Texas A&M have seven years to complete their degree before being charged out-of-state tuition. A doctoral student who, after seven years of study, has accumulated 100 or more doctoral hours will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to out-of-state tuition. Please note that the tuition increases will apply to Texas residents as well as students from other states and countries who are currently charged tuition at the resident rate. This includes those doctoral students who hold GAT, GANT, and GAR appointments or recipients of competitive fellowships who receive more than $1,000 per semester. Doctoral students who have not accumulated 100 hours after seven years of study are eligible to pay in-state tuition if otherwise eligible.

Doctoral students who exceed the credit limit will receive notification from the Graduate and Professional School during the semester in which they are enrolled and exceeding the limit in their current degree program. The notification will explain that the State of Texas does not provide funding for any additional hours in which a student is enrolled in excess of 99 hours. Texas A&M University will recover the lost funds by requiring students in excess of 99 hours to pay tuition at the non-funded, non-resident rate. This non-funded, non-resident tuition rate status will be updated for the following semester and in all subsequent semesters until receipt of a doctoral degree. Please see the  Tuition Calculator  at the non-resident rate for an example of potential charges.

The following majors are exempt from the 99-Hour Cap on Doctoral Degrees and have a limit of 130 doctoral hours:

• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Clinical Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Epidemiology and Environmental Health
• Genetics and Genomics
• Health Services Research
• Medical Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neurosciences (School of Medicine)
• Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health Sciences
• School Psychology

For information on applying for your degree, please visit the  Graduation  section.

Doctor of Education

• Tell Me More!

713-942-5996 [email protected]

• B The Dome Blog

• Accreditation  - Learn More 
• Alumni  - Learn More 
• Bondholder Disclosures  - Learn More 
• Contact Us  - Learn More 
• Dean of Students  - Learn More 
• Emergency & Safety  - Learn More 
• Employment  - Learn More 
• Giving  - Learn More 
• Maps & Directions  - Learn More 
• Mass Schedule  - View UST's Mass Schedule Online 
• Offices & Services  - Learn More 
• HR Policies  - Learn More 
• Report A Problem  - Learn More 
• Work Order Request  - Learn More 

HOUSTON’S CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY…

#USTHouston | @StThomasHouston

Copyright © 2023 University of St. Thomas. All rights reserved.

• Privacy Policy
• Report Sexual Misconduct
• Title IX Information
• Consumer Information
• Accessibility
• CARES Act Reporting

Awesome! Please select one of the options below: Apply Now, Schedule Visit, or Request Info.

For more information about the Doctor of Education program, please contact:

Dr. Jon Kirwan 713-942-5996 [email protected]

• Admission Requirements
• International Students
• Admission Deadlines
• A baccalaureate degree and master's degree from accredited institutions of higher education with a GPA in graduate study of 3.25 or above
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended with the exception of UST transcripts - Official transcripts are sent (by mail or electronically) directly from the institution to the University of St. Thomas. UST transcripts will be automatically retrieved by Graduate Admissions.
• No GRE required
• These letters should come from different sources, e.g., professional and academic
• There is no provided format
• Individuals writing the recommendation email letters directly to the Office of Admissions at  [email protected] .
• Include demonstration of leadership skills and abilities as well as professional and/or personal commitment to ethics.
• A 500-word (or two full pages double-spaced) written statement of purpose reflecting the understanding of the nature, function, and responsibility of Christian and/or virtue-based leadership in K-12 schools, higher education, non-profits, and other education or business-related fields, and current challenges to this vision of leadership.

An interview may be included in the admission process once all application materials are received.

Admission Requirements for International Students

Permanent residents are eligible to apply and must submit the following in addition to the information listed above. The Ed.D. in Leadership program course sequence includes 6 credit-hours per semester during years one and two. Year three semesters may have either 6 or 9 hours each and satisfy dissertation and degree completion.

• Proof of English proficiency: International applicants (except those who are from countries where English is the only official language, or those who have earned degrees from regionally-accredited U.S. institutions) are required to submit proof of English proficiency.
• Official evaluation of transcripts and diplomas:  International applicants must have all transcripts and diplomas evaluated by an accredited evaluation agency. Preferred evaluation agencies are SDR Educational Consultants, World Education Services (WES), and Spantran. Reports must include course-by-course evaluations and grade point average equivalents.
• Front and back copy of valid Permanent Residency card
• Reading – High 22-30
• Listening – High 22-30
• Speaking – Good 26–30
• Writing – Good 24-30
• Additional " Admission Requirements "

Next Start: Summer 2024

Application Priority Deadline:  April 17, 2024

Application, essay, 2 letters of recommendation, official transcripts and resume must be received by May 1, 2024.

Ed.D. Tuition

We offer one price for the three-year program. This flat rate tuition is an innovative pricing plan that constructs the same tuition amount per semester.

3-Year Cost $49,950 ($5,550 Per Semester)

Tuition includes

• 54 coursework credit hours

Monthly payment plans are available. You may also be eligible for student loans. The first step is filing a FAFSA at fafsa.gov to determine your eligibility. Contact a financial aid counselor in our Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to learn more at 713-525-2170.

The School of Education and Human Services offers several scholarships each fall semester.

Throughout his over 30 years of experience in public and higher education, Ray Garcia, Ed.D. has worked in a variety of administrative capacities including: Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Educational Leadership in California State University East Bay, Dean of a Corporate University, Chief Academic Officer in an urban school district, Executive Director for Information Technology, Director of Accountability, Director of Staff Development as well as a Knowledge and Evaluation Manager for a non-profit in San Francisco. He began his educational career as an elementary and middle school teacher and subsequently assumed the role of school principal. The focus of Dr. Garcia’s career is working with teachers, principals and district leaders on the school improvement process.

His work with school leaders concentrates on approaches to sustaining school improvement efforts for English Language Learners, leadership training on optimizing staff commitment, and diversity training on leveraging cultural traits for enhancing school performance.

Dr. Garcia’s research interests target the building of leadership capacity to transform entrenched organizational patterns into potent new ways of being and doing in educational settings. In addition to his current book on Bridging the English Learner Achievement Gap, he has published in scholarly journals and is a noted speaker and trainer at national and state forums. His work is guided by the philosophy that leaders can readily take action to alter a school’s culture belief system by creating experiences to achieve desired results.

Ed.D. Faculty Advisory Committee

Information Sessions for the Doctoral Program in Ethical Leadership are an excellent opportunity to hear how this program suits your career goals.  The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) program offers separate specializations in K-12 Leadership, Higher Education Leadership for Community Colleges and Universities, and other education-related fields including non-profits.

Come hear and see what makes us different. Dr. Garcia, Director, and a current student in the program will give you details and first-hand experience of the collaborative model, rigorous curriculum and benchmarks to success.

Upcoming Dates:

Open House Location

All information sessions are held in the Carol Tatkon Board Room, first floor, Malloy Hall .

For directions and parking, please visit stthom.edu/CampusMap and stthom.edu/Parking . (Malloy Hall - building #11)

For more information about the program, information sessions, or campus visits, contact:

• Maria Younger:   [email protected]
• Dr. Ray Garcia:   [email protected]

Semester Schedules

• Spring 2024

Offering two tracks, this unique program blends the best of classical thought and wisdom with modern leadership theory. This program is designed for those seeking leadership roles in K-12 and higher education, business-related fields, medical education, non-profits, religious education, and prison education.

Degree Plan for Educational Leadership   Degree Plan for Strategic Leadership

• Service to the State

College of Education - UT Austin

• Academics Overview
• Bachelor’s Programs
• Master’s Programs
• Doctoral Programs
• Post-baccalaureate
• Educator Preparation Programs
• Student Life Overview
• Career Engagement
• For Families
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Commencement
• Office of Student Affairs
• Departments Overview
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership and Policy
• Kinesiology and Health Education
• Our Programs
• Educational Psychology
• Special Education
• Centers and Institutes
• Find Faculty
• Office of Educational Research
• Alumni and Friends Overview
• Advisory Council
• Meet Our Alumni
• Update Your Information
• About Overview
• College Leadership
• Facts and Rankings
• Reimagine Education
• Visit the college
• Building Renovations

How to Apply

• How To Apply
• Newly Admitted Students
• Academic Advising
• Student Services
• Office of Educational Research Support
• Communications, Marketing and Media
• Visit the College

Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership

Doctoral program.

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy

Empowering Equity-Minded and Entrepreneurial Leaders

The Executive Ed.D. is a doctoral program in Higher Education Leadership launched in 2019 explicitly designed for working professionals aspiring to high-level administrative and executive roles in higher education. We develop students who will lead dynamic organizations in an increasingly complex world. Our courses are taught by renowned faculty and higher education administrators with years of experience in advancing the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Courses are offered on the UT Austin campus, with some online components.

Program Features

• Practitioner-focused curriculum
• Flexible schedule designed for current and aspiring executives
• Real-world, real-time application
• Cohort model: team collaboration, networking, shared learning
• Designed for completion in 30-36 months
• Face-to-face contact with renowned faculty, combined with eLearning

Key Competencies You Will Gain

• Social justice, inclusion, and equity foundations
• Assessment, evaluation, and research
• Law, policy, and governance      
• Organization and human resources
• Student success and learning  
• Technology in education 

This program starts in the summer semester only. You must select the “summer” semester in the ApplyTexas application. If you apply to the wrong semester or incorrect program track in the Educational Leadership and Policy department in the ApplyTexas application, you could be subject to additional application fees.

The Student Experience

Application Requirements

Important Notice

This program requires additional materials beyond the Graduate School Application, such as pre-requisites, program-specific documents or other information. Please make sure to check with the department/program in order to ensure you have submitted all required application materials on or before the deadline.

All graduate students are required to apply to the state application system ApplyTexas. We strongly encourage you to start this process well in advance of the deadline to allow us time to process your information. Learn more on our How to Apply page .

GRE test scores are not required and submitted test scores will not be considered.

• A master’s degree  from an accredited U.S. institution, or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution in education, the social sciences, or related field.   
• why you are interested in the Executive Ed.D. program at UT Austin;
• how does an Executive Ed.D. support your career goals and aspirations during and after you complete your degree;
• what type of research would you be interested in conducting for your  treatise  and which faculty member(s) you would like to work with; and
• what personal experiences, achievements, and accomplishments, best reflect your strengths and fit for admission to the executive Ed.D. higher education leadership program.  
• Submission of a 4-6-page writing sample  (e.g., master’s thesis, published article, paper prepared for a professional conference, etc.) after you receive an acknowledgment email from the Graduate School. This email will also contain your UT EID and temporary password, as well as a link to the Online Admissions Status Check page. From this site, you will be given the opportunity to upload your essay.  
• Three letters of recommendation Professional : Please provide  one  recommendation from a recent or current direct supervisor. If you are unable to ask a recent or current direct supervisor for a recommendation, we advise you to select an indirect supervisor or a client for your recommendation. The Admissions Committee is looking for insights from an individual who has a superior knowledge of you as a professional and should speak to your work qualities and leadership potential. Academic : Please provide  one  recommendation from a faculty member. If you are unable to ask a recent or current faculty member for a recommendation, we recommend asking an advisor for a recommendation. The Admissions Committee is looking for insights from an individual who has a superior knowledge of you as a student and should speak to your qualities and academic potential. Employer support letter:  Your employer’s support while you work towards earning your Ed.D. is important. Ideally, the person you select should be a direct supervisor who acknowledges the time, energy, and discipline it will take to complete an executive program in 30 months in written form.

About Our Program

• Program of Study (PDF)
• Program Costs
• Financial Support
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 2023 Cohort Profile
• ELP Wiki for Current Students

Researches how early childhood stakeholders respond to and conceptualize policies affecting the the complex educational, cultural, and individual goals and aspirations of teachers, children, and their families.

Dr. Juan C. Gonzalez is Clinical Professor in the College of Education within the Program in Higher Education Leadership (PHEL). His expertise in student affairs leadership and administration, improving the college student experience, and expanding ...

Works in support of first-generation, low-income and underserved populations in the areas of student development, retention, academic support, assessment and advising.

Examines the experiences of faculty of color at predominantly White institutions; mentoring relationships between faculty and Black students; and work-life balance in academia.

I study student success for children experiencing poverty. I analyze how school leadership and state policy facilitate student success across the education pipeline.

Leads the Project MALES (Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success Initiative focused on Latino males in education; seeks to advance research-informed policy solutions that enhance educational outcomes for students in secondary and post-seconda...

Follows trends around cultural and racial identities, agency, migration, and social movements in education.

Expertise in Title IV policy and administration and higher education fundraising. Focused on issues of college affordability, under-represented student recruitment, and donor relations.

Faculty in Residence

Interests include higher education policy and planning focused on expanding participation in higher education, improving graduation rates, and ensuring success in the workforce.

Executive Vice Chancellor of Operations and Public Affairs, Austin Community College

Director of Assessment, Office of Admissions

President, National University

President Emeritus, Huston Tillotson University

President, Texas A&M University - Central Texas

Centers research on college student identity development, personal branding for student leaders, and work/life integration for student affairs administrators

Comparing the PHEL Ed.D. and Ph.D. Qualifiers

Connect with Us

Additional Resources

• Current Student Resources

At a Glance

• Program Starts : Summer
• Deadline to Apply : Priority: December 1 Official: January 15
• Credit Hours Required : 57
• Schedule : Full Time
• Program Location : On Campus
• GRE Required? No

Faculty Director Michael Nava

Specialist, Program Director Joe Wilcox

Find out information about the admission process and application requirements.

Become a Longhorn

Start your ApplyTexas application today to take the next steps towards your future as a Longhorn.

Request Information

Let us know what your academic interests are within the College of Education and we’ll be in touch.

Educational Leadership and Policy News

Discover the exciting research and work being done by faculty and students in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. 

Graduate Students

• All Graduate Programs
• Graduate Student FAQs
• Master’s Programs

Adult, Professional, and Community Education Doctoral Program

• What is APCE?

Program Overview

• Location & Contact Information
• Admission Policies
• News & Announcements
• Testimonials
• Degree Requirements
• Graduate Tuition Rates
• Doctoral Research Assistantships (APCE)
• Additional Financial Aid Resources
• Student Organizations & Student Support
• APCE Coursework
• Important Information
• Program Forms
• Comprehensive Exam
• APCE Dissertation Planning Sheet
• Grad College Dissertation Guide
• Doctoral Research Assistantships
• Financing Your Graduate Education
• APCE Library Toolkit
• Accelerated Dissertation Completion Stipends
• Conferences
• Graduate Catalogs
• Guidelines for the Dissertation Proposal
• Fellowships & Grants
• Graduate Student Travel Funds
• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• IRB Process & Overview
• IRB Online Application
• Adult, Professional, & Community Education Override
• APCE Registration
• 20th Year Celebration of APCE & SI Programs
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Family & Visitors

Ph.D. Program

Advancing to Doctoral Candidacy

When you’re ready to advance to doctoral candidacy, review the policies and procedures.

Doctoral students are required to review the degree plans for their program, along with information about specific degree requirements and estimated timelines to reach various benchmarks for the different degree plan specializations.

Oral Examinations

Once your dissertation is nearing completion, it’s time to schedule your defense—your final oral examination.