Doctoral Program Application Process

The Educational Administration & Leadership Ed.D. program begins a new cohort each fall semester. When applying for a doctoral program, the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) serves as a liaison between the applicant and the doctoral program. Application materials should be sent to the School of Graduate Studies. Once all application materials are received, the SGS will forward materials to the doctoral program for review and an interview will be scheduled. Thereafter, an admission recommendation will be forwarded to the SGS for a final decision and notification to the applicant. Applicants may apply online at www.stcloudstate.edu/graduatestudies.

Application Program Requirements

• For admission consideration, applicants must meet minimum Graduate Studies admission requirements
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher or completion of a graduate degree with an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Application Deadline

• Deadlines for applying are January 15th (priority deadline), March 15^th, and June 1^st.  Applications will be reviewed and admission interviews conducted following each deadline date. Students applying for doctoral-level graduate assistantships and international students are strongly encouraged to apply by the January 15 or March 15 dates.  Applications meeting  the June 1^st deadline will be considered on a space available basis. 

Application Materials

• Application for admission to doctoral degree.
• A $50 application fee enclosed with your application.  The fee is not refundable.
• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Please see Transcripts for details.  SCSU transcripts and those from MnSCU institutions do not need to be requested, SCSU can obtain your transcript directly. International applicants must complete a WES or NACES course-by-course Transcript evaluation.
• Three recommendation letters.
• A resume or curriculum vita of career progress and professional accomplishments.
• Professional writing sample (master’s research or thesis, published article, paper prepared for a professional conference or written analysis of a professional article).
• Statement of Intent.
• Participation in an interview with doctoral program faculty and complete a writing essay.
• International applicants must complete a Proof of English proficiency and Financial certification paperwork.

Application materials will become the property of the School of Graduate Studies and will not be available to the applicant or enrolled student for purposes other than admission consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I determine what courses will transfer into the program?
Students may transfer up to 27 credits into the Ed.D. program. The program accepts up to 12 credits from the student's master's degree and up to 27 credits from the sixth-year licensure program. During orientation and/or during your first semester in the program, your advisor will work with you to determine which courses will transfer into your program. They will also work with you to determine any elective courses you may need to take that will be the best fit for you based on your career goals.