Application Process (EdD)

The Higher Education Administration 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..

Admission Requirements Specific to the Program

• For admission consideration, Ed.D. applicants must meet minimum Graduate Studies admission requirements plus additional program requirements listed below.
• 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.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.  All applicants must submit a GRE score. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or other recognized graduate admissions tests may be accepted in lieu of the GRE but is subject to approval by the graduate dean and department.
• Our application criteria and review procedures give significant advantage to applicants who have work experience in higher education organizations or other professional work experience.

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.
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. Please write your test date on your application.
• 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.
• 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

Do I need to take the GRE test?
All students in the Higher Education Administration doctoral program are required to take the GRE test. This score is only one small piece in determining admission. Admission is determined based upon an overall assessment of the applicant’s application materials such as work experience, career goals, letters of recommendation, academic background, GRE scores, writing sample, and interview with program faculty. Our application criteria and review procedures give significant advantage to applicants who have work experience in higher education organizations or other professional work experience. We know a majority of our applicants have been out of college for some time or have English as a second language and understand how this may affect GRE scores. For this program, the verbal reasoning and analytical writing scores are more important than the quantitative mathematical portion. Please just do the best that you can.

What if I am not able to get my GRE taken before the application deadline?
In this circumstance, we recommend that you schedule your GRE as soon as possible. Please write your GRE test date on your application. We will then watch for your GRE scores to come in later. A final admission decision will not be made until the scores are received. Therefore, please take the GRE test at the earliest convenient time.

My GRE scores are over five (5) years old, will you still accept them?
The Educational Testing Services only keeps GRE scores for five years after the testing year in which you tested. However, the doctoral program will accept scores over five years old if you still have your original letter with your GRE scores. Take your original copy to a notary public and have them make a copy of your original. They can notarize the copy indicating that the copy was made from your original letter.

How can I determine what courses will apply towards my program electives?
Students can apply up to 12 master’s level courses towards doctoral program electives. During your first semester in the program, your advisor will work with you to determine which courses may be applied towards your doctoral program. You advisor will also work with you to determine which elective courses will be the best fit for you based on your career goals.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions can be found through Graduate Admissions.