This is an archived copy of the 2017-2018 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

The Leadership major develops effective, ethical, and diverse leaders who can lead organizations in a rapidly changing world. Skill applications serve as the connection between knowledge and inquiry. The skills developed in the core leadership, interdisciplinary, and research curricula contribute to the development of a culture of continuous organizational improvement.

The program is designed for professionals serving in a variety of organizations including P-12 schools, colleges and universities, non-profits, social service agencies, and other businesses. Students may earn concentrations in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Curriculum Leadership, Technology Leadership, or P-12 Performance-based Leadership (initial P-12 GaPSC leadership certification). Advanced P-12 GaPSC certification in school leadership can be earned by completing any concentration except Higher Education. Concentrations may be customized with the permission of the advisor.

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. Doctoral candidates will demonstrate inquiry skills in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methodologies.
  2. Doctoral candidates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge, research, and theories appropriate to their major field by completing an online portfolio.
  3. Program graduates will demonstrate the ability to engage in focused inquiry by researching a topic, evaluating relevant literature, writing a comprehensive dissertation, and presenting the results of their study.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

  1. Doctoral candidates will successfully complete course work in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methodologies.
  2. Doctoral candidates will successfully develop an online portfolio. Portfolios will be evaluated by a team of faculty members.
  3. Program graduates will be evaluated by a faculty committee on the development and defense of their dissertation.

Prior to admission to any graduate program at Valdosta State University, applicants must first submit a completed application to the Graduate School. A completed application packet includes official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, official test scores (GRE or MAT), completed application form, fee, and any additional program requirements submitted by the admission deadline. To be considered for the preferred term, all required materials must be received by the Graduate School no later than the close of business on the deadline. It is the responsibility of the applicant to allow adequate time for document submission and to ensure receipt of documents.

Admission Deadline

The Ed.D. program in Leadership considers applications for Fall term only.

Fall Deadline: March 15

Go to the Graduate School website and click on Our Programs, then click on Ed.D. Leadership Program for information on:

  • Specific Ed.D. Leadership Program Admission Requirements
  • Ed.D. Leadership Program Retention, Dismissal, and Readmission Policies
  • Ed.D. Leadership Program Graduation Requirements

To Apply Online, click here.

Requirements for the Ed.D. with a Major in Leadership

Area A: Disciplinary Studies 9
Select three from the following:9
Adult Learning Strategies
Curriculum Design, Implementation, and Evaluation
Leadership Problems: Interdisciplinary Analysis
Interdisciplinary Studies in Education
Area B: Educational Inquiry16
RSCH 9800Research Design and Foundations for Advanced Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Research3
RSCH 9820Qualitative Research Methods in Education3
RSCH 9840Quantitative Research Methods in Education3
Select one of the following:3
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
Advanced Mixed Method
RSCH 9871Planning for Dissertation1
RSCH 9872Dissertation Topic Conceptualization3
Area C: Major and Interdisciplinary Courses21
Leadership Core
LEAD 9010Seminar in Organizational Leadership3
LEAD 9020Planning and Change for Leaders3
LEAD 9040Organizatioanl Theory, Culture, and Leadership3
Interdisciplinary Courses 12
The advisor and student will jointly design a program of study based on the selected concentration.
Area D: Dissertation9
Total Hours Required for the Degree55

Please note that all students who hold or are seeking a GaPSC educator certificate must successfully complete EDUC 5999.