Doctor of Education, Ed.D

Executive Doctorate in Education
Degree Overview

Program Details

EACS offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree through our Executive Ed.D. program at the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education in Norman, Oklahoma. The program prepares students for administrative and other leadership positions in schools and school districts.

Those selected for the program will be served by a rigorous, high-quality program designed to meet the needs of working professionals by offering courses that are 8 weeks long. Each class meets twice in person on a Saturday during the semester. So, that will be 4 times a semester in person from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. All our summer classes are online. We also follow more traditional advising where each candidate has an advisor based on their research interests.

Why Study for an Ed.D. in Education with EACS at Norman

The Executive Ed.D. emphasizes technical knowledge and applied research skills to prepare administrators to lead and manage complex organizations. The program suits working professionals expected to serve with distinction in demanding positions while completing the degree. The degree is a district-level leadership skills program approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education for certification purposes. Mentored, organized fieldwork is an integral part of the program.

Doctoral Program Requirements

Three letters of reference from people familiar with your academic and/or professional qualifications.
A professional CV/resume emphasizing career experience.
A statement of your career objectives, why you have chosen this field of study over other fields, and how the Ed.D. will help you achieve your academic and/or professional goals.
An administrative writing sample.
An academic writing sample, preferably from a graduate course (or two academic writing samples, in lieu of an administrative writing sample).
Create an application for admission into the Graduate College.
Application deadlines are flexible but it is preferred by the first week of December for Spring admission and the first week of May for Fall admission.

For a Complete List of Requirement

Executive Doctorate in Education Overview

Those who are selected into the program will be served by a rigorous, high-quality program that is designed to meet the needs of working professionals by offering intensive weekend classes supplemented by outside research activities, field experiences, and individual research for the doctoral dissertation. All coursework is offered at the Norman Campus. Nearly all the courses are taught by full time, Norman campus and OU-Tulsa faculty. Professionals from regional educational entities may also serve as co-teachers, guest speakers, or adjunct instructors.

The format includes a highly intensive cohort graduate degree program. The program combines three years of coursework supplemented by research and residency activities with ongoing dissertation research and development embedded within the coursework. This is an advantage for students who can finish their dissertations timelier.

Ed.D. Program of Study

The program consists of the following:

Leadership Core: 25 credit hours
Research Tools: 15 credit hours
Electives: 15 credit hours
Dissertation Research: 6 credit hours

Students must complete 95 credit hours, including the master’s degree.

Complete list of Ed.D. Courses

Certifications

In Oklahoma, administrative certificates are issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). Individuals are strongly recommended to check with the State Department for specific certification requirements. Norman EACS has certification programs for the preparation of school principals and superintendents.

Additionally, you could directly view the OSDE website at sde.ok.gov/education-profession-enhancements.

Employers

Surrounding Pre-K-12 Public Schools
Private, and Charter Schools and School Districts throughout Oklahoma
National, State, and Local Education Organizations
YMCA/YWCA
DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity)
Additional Roles aligned with an Ed.D.
- Training and Development Manager
- Human Resources Manager/Director
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Executive of Non-Profit or For-Profit Company
- Government Administrator
- Non-Profit Director
- Program Improvement Specialist
- Corporate Trainer
- Social or Community Service Manager
- Survey Researcher
- Healthcare Administrator
- Professional Development Specialist

Scholarships

The College of Education has many scholarships and financial resources to support your educational endeavors. These resources can be explored as you engage in the application process. Here are examples of two that are available:
Dr. Glenn Snider Education Scholarship Fund:
Applicants must be full-time, regularly enrolled Ph.D. students in the College of Education studying secondary school administration (EACS).
Michael Langenbach Scholarship Fund:
Education Administration and Curriculum Supervision majors enrolled in the College of Education and must maintain a 3.0 combined retention GPA; must demonstrate need for supplemental financial assistance.

Take the Next Step

Your Executive Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision from Norman EACS can set you apart and open doors to opportunities that will put you on an engaging and robust lifetime journey.

Apply Now

Note: If you have any difficulties with the application process, contact Graduate Admissions directly at gradadm@ou.edu or by phone at (405) 325-6765.

Request More Info

Mike Jenkins
Graduate Programs
Support Specialist

Email: mjenkins@ou.edu
Phone: (405) 325-4525