Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2025-2026 Graduate Bulletin

Educational Leadership - Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration, EdD


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   Program Code: EDD_702J_1

CIP Code: 13.0401


Program of Study for the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership


Basic Admission Requirements: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university and a complete application to the Graduate School 

Additional Admission Requirements:

  • Personal Statement 
  • Work Experience

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate School . Meeting these criteria does not guarantee acceptance.

Letters of Recommendation: Three, must be professional or academic

Minimum GPA to Qualify for Regular Admission: 3.0

Location: Online

Course Requirements for the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership


Total Required (Minimum 60 Credits)


Select Two of the Courses Below with Advice and Approval of an Advisor

Dissertation (6 Credits)


Students are required to register for 6 credits of Dissertation, followed by at least 1 credit of GRD 7989 for every semester thereafter until the dissertation is completed. (Please also review the Dissertation  section on the List of Academic Policies  page.)

Concentration Requirements (18 Credits)


Select 18 credits of doctoral and graduate level courses with approval of an Advisor and/or the Doctoral Program Director, based on students’ professional and/or research interests.

Other Requirements for the EdD in Educational Leadership


  • Dissertation: Required
  • Proficiency: None required
  • Candidacy: Required
  • Qualifying Exam: Required
  • Product of Learning: Not required

Notes


  • As required by UNC Board of Governors policy, doctoral students must remain enrolled in at least one credit each Fall and Spring semester until graduation once 6 dissertation credits are completed.
  • The program requires a minimum of 60 credit beyond the student’s master’s degree. All students must take at least 48 credit of doctoral coursework (or a combination of doctoral coursework and approved EdS courses).
  • Students who hold an earned EdS degree from Appalachian State will be exempt from 24 - 30 credits of course work in the doctoral program. A student who holds an EdS from a regionally accredited university may be exempt from up to 30 credits of coursework in the doctoral program. The exemption is not automatic. Specific EdS coursework that might substitute for doctoral coursework will be identified after evaluation of eligible courses by the Program Director. All other degree requirements remain in effect. For further information on exemptions, contact the program director.

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