Doctor of Education
Ed.D. Program Overview
Prepare yourself with advanced training in PK-12 education with our Doctor of Education program at Freed-Hardeman University. This new adventure will expand upon your training and experience in education, equip you with advanced leadership skills, and allow you to become an expert on a specific topic through the completion of a dissertation.
Graduate Studies:
College of Education
Department Chair Name:
Aarek Farmer
Ed.D.
Program Director:
Aarek Farmer
Ed.D.
Learning at FHU
Why should you pursue a Doctor of Education at FHU?
Our program is designed for teachers, school leaders, and administrators in both public and private schools. It prepares students for visionary leadership, change management, and traditional instructional tasks such as goal setting, resource allocating, curriculum management and more! FHU offers two separate tracks: One concentration in administration and supervision leading to licensure and one concentration in teacher leadership that does not lead to licensure.
Ready to Apply?
All current and new students applying for a Master’s or Doctorate program will use the online application process.
Your Future With A Doctor of Education
An educator equipped with an Ed.D. degree from FHU is poised for a transformative impact in education. Equipped with advanced expertise in leadership, curriculum development, and educational innovation, you’ll stand out as leaders in your school, district, and industry. From pioneering new teaching methodologies to spearheading systemic reforms, you’ll be prepared to shape the future of PK-12 education!
Doctor of Education Degree Requirements
Our Ed.D. program offers a perfect balance of academic excellence and spiritual enrichment. As a well-respected Christian institution, FHU is committed to providing a supportive environment that fosters growth and achievement for all of its students. With a flexible curriculum and an aptly qualified faculty, earning a doctorate degree in education has never been easier!
Core Courses: 45 Hours
For Licensure:
| EDU 601 | Foundations of School Administration and Supervision | 3 |
| EDU 610 | Leadership Theories and Applications | 3 |
| EDU 611 | School Business Management | 3 |
| EDU 612 | School and Community Relations | 3 |
| EDU 613 | The Principalship | 3 |
| EDU 614 | Instructional Leadership Licensure Internship | 3 |
| EDU 621 | Advanced Education Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 630 | Professionalism and Ethics | 3 |
| EDU 635 | Advanced Legal Issues | 3 |
| EDU 637 | Data Analysis for School Improvement | 3 |
| EDU 670A | Advanced Educational Research Design I | 3 |
| EDU 670B | Advanced Educational Research Design II | 3 |
| EDU 671A | Quantitative Statistics Applied to Social Science Research I | 3 |
| EDU 671B | Quantitative Statistics Applied to Social Science Research II | 3 |
| EDU 672 | Qualitative Methods Applied to Social Science Research | 3 |
For Non-Licensure:
| EDU 601 | Foundations of School Administration and Supervision | 3 |
| EDU 621 | Advanced Education Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 630 | Professionalism and Ethics | 3 |
| EDU 634 | Seminar in Multicultural and Diversity | 3 |
| EDU 635 | Advanced Legal Issues | 3 |
| EDU 637 | Data Analysis for School Improvement | 3 |
| EDU 638 | Instructional Design and Improvement | 3 |
| EDU 639 | Development of Professional Learning Communities | 3 |
| EDU 670A | Advanced Educational Research Design I | 3 |
| EDU 670B | Advanced Educational Research Design II | 3 |
| EDU 671A | Quantitative Statistics Applied to Social Science Research I | 3 |
| EDU 671B | Quantitative Statistics Applied to Social Science Research II | 3 |
| EDU 672 | Qualitative Methods Applied to Social Science Research | 3 |
| EDU 685 | Seminar in Professional Development | 3 |
| SPE 561 | Literacy Interventions | 3 |
Candidacy: 9 Hours
| EDU 773 | Dissertation Seminar I | 3 |
| EDU 774 | Dissertation Seminar II | 3 |
| EDU 775 | Dissertation Seminar III | 3 |
Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Education Degree
To be considered for admission into the Ed.D. program at FHU, please submit the following:
- Free online application
- Official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Must have completed an appropriate master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education
- Accreditation and approved by the appropriate graduate program coordinator with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50.
- Verification of 3 years of teaching experience
- Copy of Photo ID
Meet Our Faculty
Aarek Farmer
Bucy Center Academic Coordinator / Director of Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership
Frequently Asked Questions About the Doctor of Education program at FHU
Will this program help me achieve my career goals?
Of course! Our program is designed for full-time working professionals seeking to advance in their career and improve educational outcomes within the schools, districts, and communities in which they work. Upon completion of our Ed.D. program, you’ll be well positioned to lead positive change and move up the ladder in your career!
How long will it take me to complete my Ed.D. from FHU?
The 57 credit hour program can be completed in about 3.5 years. Our program is not cohort based so students are welcome to take fewer or more credit hours to ensure a timeline that works for them.
What do I need to know about the dissertation process?
All students in the Ed.D. program will complete a rigorous research-based dissertation that integrates theory and research in the study of instructional leadership. The primary goal of the dissertation is to generate knowledge that contributes to the understanding of instructional educational practices, policies, or reforms. The dissertation is a significant scholarly work that uses rigorous research methods in the study of educational problems and practices and the application of problem-solving strategies. But don’t let any of this scare you. We believe you’re capable of accomplishing this task!
What is the difference between an Ed.D. and a PhD in education?
Both programs cover many of the same topics. However, the main difference lies in the objectives of the student. The Ed.D. is often described as a practitioner’s degree, intended for those interested in leadership roles in PK-12 education. A PhD program, however, is more research-oriented and designed for those looking for pursue scholarly work or maybe even teach at the collegiate level.
Questions about the application process?
Have more questions about applying for a graduate or doctorate program? If you’d like to discuss anything further, submit an inquiry or schedule a visit and we’ll have someone from the Office of Graduate Studies contact you.