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
- Doctoral candidates will demonstrate inquiry skills in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methodologies.
- Doctoral candidates will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge, research, and theories appropriate to their major field by completing an online portfolio.
- 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
- Doctoral candidates will successfully complete course work in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methodologies.
- Doctoral candidates will successfully develop an online portfolio. Portfolios will be evaluated by a team of faculty members.
- 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Inquiry | 16 | |
| RSCH 9800 | Research Design and Foundations for Advanced Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Research | 3 |
| RSCH 9820 | Qualitative Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| RSCH 9840 | Quantitative Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Advanced Mixed/Quantitative Research Methods | ||
| Advanced Mixed Method | ||
| RSCH 9871 | Planning for Dissertation | 1 |
| RSCH 9872 | Dissertation Topic Conceptualization | 3 |
| Area C: Major and Interdisciplinary Courses | 21 | |
| Leadership Core | 9 | |
| Seminar in Organizational Leadership | ||
| Planning and Change for Leaders | ||
| LEAD 9040 | Organizational Theory, Culture, and Leadership | 3 |
| Interdisciplinary Courses | 12 | |
| Review of Academic Discipline and Pedagogy Literature | ||
The advisor and student will jointly design a program of study based on the selected concentration. | ||
| Area D: Dissertation | 9 | |
| Total Hours Required for the Degree | 55 | |
