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College of Education Departments

Educational Leadership and Counseling

Educational Leadership Doctoral Program, now 100% online!

2021 Best Doctorates in Educational Leadership Programs as a Best Value School

The Doctor of Education Degree (Ed.D.) in educational leadership is a professional degree offered by TAMUK designed to provide leaders throughout the state at all educational levels. The program requires courses emphasizing leadership in the areas of educational theory, philosophy, policy, innovations, and research. The overarching goal of the program is for the student to develop a style of thinking, feeling, and behaving that centers on knowledge of professional literature, respect for data of various kinds, careful, reflective and constructive reasoning, effective leadership behavior, and an overall leadership vision.

Program Features

The program features coursework, seminars, a residency year, a dissertation, and a cohort structure designed to promote peer support and interaction. The 60-hour program includes 42 hours of required core coursework, while also allowing for a cognate of 18 hours in an area that supports their professional goals. The most common cognate areas are higher education and the superintendency; however, any area in which there is a graduate degree is eligible for use as a cognate area, including adult education, early childhood, educational administration Principal Certificate, instructional technology, reading, special education, or content areas (math, English, biology, etc).

The Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling also offers a Transcripted Certification in Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL). As well as a  Transcripted Certification in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Program Outcomes

Our students exercise high levels of independent scholarship, remain current with issues of the field, and give a great deal of emphasis on educational leadership theory and research. The applications of theory and research experiences impact personal and organizational change to improve educational programs.

Program Faculty

Dr. Linda Challoo
Dr. Jeffery Chernosky
Dr. Don Jones
Dr. Kelly Hall
Dr. Daniella G. Varela

Program Characteristics

The following documents contain some statistical information about our doctoral program.

Program Handbook

Below is a PDF copy of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Student Handbook:

Below is a fillable pdf copy of the Educational Leadership Degree plan:

Timeline for Applications

  • Applications are accepted throughout the year. New cohorts begin core coursework each summer term but students may be accepted to begin the program early to begin cognate courses.
  • Please email Dr. Varela (daniella.varela@tamuk.edu) or Dr. Hall (kelly.hall@tamuk.edu) for more information about application requirements.

How to Apply: 

1. Go to Apply Texas

2. Wait for up to 2 weeks to receive a K# via email which gives you access so you are able to complete the next step. 

3. Submit materials noted below to the Graduate Admissions  Office under "How to submit your admission requirements" (gold tab at bottom of page).

For Domestic Graduate Admissions:

4. GRE or MAT Test Scores are waived

5. The three letters of recommendation have been waived.

Factors Considered for Admission

Factors Considered for Admission
Completion of Master’s Degree in a Relevant Discipline
  GRE/MAT Scores
  Official Transcripts of Prior University Work
  Personal Interview (virtual, scheduled by admission committee).
  Writing Artifact: Provide a copy of one writing artifact from previous work (thesis, research paper, journal article, field study, grant, specialist project, etc.) which highlights academic/professional writing skills.
  Personal Statement (<500 words): Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.