Doctorate of Education

EdD students spend the first two years of the program completing practical coursework and the final year working on a CRIP project or dissertation.

The program begins with the first residency session on the Concordia University Texas campus in Austin, Texas. Students complete a one-week orientation on campus that includes course activities (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) that are an integral part of their 8-week EDU 6310 Christian Ethics course.  

The second residency session occurs during the following summer, at which time students return to campus for a week to complete additional course activities in a hands-on manner for another 8-week core course (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). After taking and passing the qualifying exam at the end of the first year, students are formally entered into candidacy for the Doctor of Education and complete 24 credit hours of specialization courses.

The foundational coursework is completed online, aside from the two required weeklong residencies.

During the third year, students shift their focus to the required practicum (six credit hours) and their CRIP project or dissertation (nine credit hours). Students can complete the entire program in just over three years following this plan.

Students choose to complete either the CRIP project or a doctoral dissertation.

The CRIP is an alternative to the theoretical doctoral dissertation. This option allows students more flexibility to identify research, curriculum, or leadership initiative needs within their school districts or organizations and develop research-based solutions and evaluations. The creative aspect of this option provides a more accommodating modality for student research while upholding the expectations of a doctoral program.

The CRIP may appeal to students looking to become active problem-solvers within their districts, impress district leadership with research-based solutions, and become valued contributors within their current environments.

The theoretical dissertation is also an option. A dissertation focuses on evaluating or constructing theory based on research methods focused on this end. Dissertations use the standard five-chapter format allowing students to develop more generalizable conclusions and recommendations.

The dissertation may appeal to students looking to excel in careers within higher education or the educational research community.

Dissertation Handbook (PDF)

Students in both specializations have the choice of completing either a CRIP project or a dissertation throughout the third year of the EdD program.

Before students start their dissertation (3rd year of the program) a committee will be assigned to them. The committee chair is assigned during the Spring of year 2 and the other two committee members are assigned before they start dissertation coursework in the Fall of their 3rd year. 

Admission to the optional Texas Superintendent Certification program is completed toward the end of the first year of the EdD program for students pursuing the Educational Leadership (EDL) specialization.

Superintendent certification courses are part of the EDL specialization program and are subject to the regulations of the Texas Education Agency.
At this time, the candidate seeking Texas Superintendent Certification must:

• Submit a written application for admission.
• Complete a faculty interview (rubric with faculty recommendation).
• Be admitted to EdD Candidacy (Qualifying Exam report).
• Provide service record showing at least three credible years of managerial experience in a public school district.
• Provide a certificate demonstrating a valid, unexpired mid-management/principal certification from Texas.
   
  To be accepted and remain in the Texas Superintendent Certification program at Concordia University Texas, the candidate must:
• Meet all admission requirements to the Educational Leadership specialization, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 either cumulatively or in the last 60 credit hours from the most recently earned master's degree or higher
• Earn passing scores on both the interview and qualifying exam
• Accept the admissions offer within the required time frame
• Remain in good standing with the University
• Pass all the necessary coursework
• Pass a Superintendent Certification Practice Exam after completing specialization courses.
• Complete EDL 6335 Practicum I and EDL 6336 Practicum II at a TEA-approved district in Texas under the guidance of a state-certified mentor (Texas Superintendent Certification) with at least three years of experience.
• Pass the TExES Superintendent Exam after completing EDL 6335 Practicum I or EDL 6336 Practicum II. 

EdD Handbook (PDF)
Library 

Doctoral Schedule, Educational Leadership
Year 1
Residency	EDU	6310	Christian Ethics & Values
Fall	EDU	6311	Research I, Academic Writing
	EDU	6312	Research II, Quantitative
Spring	EDU	6313	Multicultural Experiences
	EDU	6315	Research III, Qualitative
Summer	EDU	6314	Grant Writing
Residency	EDU	6341	Digital Learning
Superintendent Certification Application/Benchmarks
Year 2
Fall	EDAD	6320	Program Analysis & Evaluation
	EDAD	6322	Organizations & Public Relations
	EDAD	6324	Leadership & the District
Spring	EDAD	6321	Issues in District Leadership
	EDAD	6325	Advanced School Law
Summer	EDAD	6352	Conflict Resolution
	EDAD	6351	School Finance
	EDAD	6323	Research IV, Proposal
Year 3
Fall	EDAD	6361	Research V (1) Dissertation/CRIP
	EDAD	6335	Practicum
Spring	EDAD	6362	Research V (2) Dissertation/CRIP
	EDAD	6335	Practicum
Summer	EDAD	6363	Research V (3) Dissertation/CRIP

Doctoral Schedule, C&I
Year 1
Residency	EDU	6310	Christian Ethics & Values
Fall	EDU	6311	Research I, Academic Writing
	EDU	6312	Research II, Quantitive
Spring	EDU	6313	Multicultural Experiences
	EDU	6316	Research III, Qualitative
Summer	EDU	6314	Grant Writing
	CAI	6352	Supervision & Leadership
Residency	EDU	6341	Digital Learning
Year 2
Fall	CAI	6320	Curriculum Theory
	CAI	6321	Stratagies for Professional Development
	CAI	6324	Assessment of Student Learning
Spring	CAI	6322	Curriculum Design
	CAI	6325	Contemporary Issues
Summer	CAI	6351	Program Evaluation
	CAI	6323	Research IV, Proposal
Year 3
Fall	CAI	6361	Research V (1) Dissertation/CRIP
	CAI	6235	Practicum
Spring	CAI	6362	Research V (2) Dissertation/CRIP
	CAI	6235	Practicum
Summer	CAI	6363	Research V (3) Dissertation/CRIP

Curriculum & Instruction Practicum Resources

EdD C&I Practicum Handbook (PDF)

C&I Practicum Proposal Form (PDF)

Educational Leadership Practicum Resources

EdD EDL Practicum Handbook (PDF)

EDL Practicum Proposal Form (PDF)

 

Admission Requirements

1. Complete application
2. Master's degree from an accredited university with a graduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
3. Combined five years of credited teaching experience and/or administrative/leadership experience (mid-management or principal certification for those seeking Texas Superintendent Certification)
4. Employer Support Form (PDF) or a letter from the applicant's employer indicating support for the candidate's pursuit of the EdD, willingness to allow the candidate to conduct fieldwork in the organization (if a school district), and flexibility in work schedule so candidate can attend class and conduct approved fieldwork
5. Letters of Reference (LOR) -  three are required from professional sources including (they may be a combination of any of these three):
   
   1. Present supervisor
   2. Academic/Professor
   3. Co-worker/Professional peer
6. Official transcripts from accredited master's degree-conferring institution
7. Resume or CV that summarizes educational and professional career (applicant should be able to explain any gaps in service)
8. Letter of intent that introduces the applicant to the EdD Review Committee and answers the question, "Given the mission of Concordia, what can this program do for me?" (two typed pages, double-spaced)
9. Sample of scholarly writing (research from graduate school, published article, or paper that demonstrates the ability to conduct cited scholarly research)
10. For Texas Superintendent Certification only — a copy of service record and Social Security number
11. Evidence of English language fluency (if applicable)
12. Although no formal testing is required for entry, scores from the recent (five years or less) Graduate Record Exam (GRE) will be accepted and may be used if space is limited
13. Space in the program is limited, so the quality of items submitted will be taken into account. Various point values may be assigned to the above items in cases where there are more qualified applicants than program space. In all cases, Concordia will select students who present the most competitive applications and who we consider most likely to be successful, contributing members of the Concordia community who will graduate.
    
    

NOTE: Only fully complete admissions packets will be forwarded to the EdD Review Committee. Applications with incomplete materials will be held until all materials are received.

Application Process

The admissions process begins with submitting an application to the Office of Admissions. Decisions regarding acceptance are made at the completion of the application file. All applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

1. Online Application and Application Fee

Complete the online application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. On your application, please use your legal name and fill in any maiden names.

If you have a promo code, do not enter your credit card information.

2. Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from the college or university where you earned your master's degree.

The Office of Admissions requires that you have the official transcript from your degree-granting institution sent directly to the University (see official address below). Please request your transcript immediately, as it may take up to six weeks for transcripts to arrive in our office.

If any transcripts are from a foreign institution, an official WES Foreign Education Credential Service evaluation must be completed and sent to the Office of Admissions. For more information please visit the WES websites. Please note: This process could take several weeks.

You have three ways to get your transcripts to Concordia:

Student Delivered
A student-delivered transcript will be accepted as an official transcript only if it is received in the original sealed envelope and stamped by the institution of records as "Issued to Student in a Sealed Envelope."

Electronically

National Transcript Center

ScripSafe

Mailed
Concordia University Texas
Office of Admissions Processing
11400 Concordia University Drive
Austin, TX 78726

3. Professional Work Experience

Submit a copy of your resume that shows at least five combined years of credited teaching experience and/or administrative/leadership experience (mid-management or principal certification for those seeking Texas Superintendent Certification). Leadership experience should be starred on your resume if it's not obvious.

Students seeking Texas Superintendent Certification must submit a copy of their service record and Social Security number.

4. Other Materials

EdD applicants must also submit the following:

• Employer Support Form (PDF) or a letter of support from your employer
• Three letters of reference
• Letter of intent
• Sample of scholarly writing
• Evidence of English-language fluency (if applicable)
• Optional GRE scores

5. Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the online federal application at studentaid.gov for the school year. The Concordia University Texas school code is 003557.

For those eligible, financial aid is available in the form of unsubsidized loans.

6. Payment Options

The Concordia EdD features locked-in tuition, meaning that you will pay the same rate of tuition throughout the entire program.

Please send all admissions documents to the address below.

Office of Admissions Processing
Concordia University Texas
11400 Concordia University Drive
Austin, TX 78726

FAX: 512-313-4639

admissions@concordia.edu

The Concordia EdD program offers locked-in tuition, meaning that you will pay the same tuition rate throughout the duration of the program.

View Program Costs

Financial Aid Opportunities

Please visit our Financial Aid page to learn about payment options, deadlines, FAFSA and how to get help paying for your education.

For those eligible, financial aid is available in the form of unsubsidized loans.

If you have any questions, please contact your admissions counselor.

Financial Aid Info

Payment Types

Concordia accepts three methods of payment:

• Online through your MyInfo account
• Check or money order sent by mail to: Concordia University Texas, Attn: Student Accounts, 11400 Concordia University Dr., Austin, TX 78726
• Cash, check, credit or debit card at the Student Central office, which is located on campus at C-256 in Cedel Hall

 

Payment plans are available and can be set up through your MyInfo account.

If you have any questions, please contact your admissions counselor.

Service Members Information

Concordia University Texas is grateful, proud and supportive of those who have or continue to serve through the military.

For those looking to start or continue their education, we have a variety of options to assist. CTX is a Yellow-Ribbon Institution and accepts most VA-funded students, including Montgomery and Post 9/11. Note that the Hazelwood Act is only valid for public institutions.

View Service Members Information

An EdD will allow you to gain advanced knowledge and skills related to the field of education. Individuals who want to demonstrate their dedication to the field and their pursuit of understanding will benefit from earning an EdD. The passion to optimize student performance drives individuals to further their education to further their abilities.

Many school districts (primarily mid-size to larger) require their superintendents and executive team (e.g., regional superintendents, curriculum director, finance director, etc.) to possess a terminal degree and often seek those individuals who have completed their Superintendent Certification.

Additionally, an EdD will help you stand out in the marketplace, giving you access to opportunities for advancement and larger salaries that would otherwise be unavailable.

By further developing your instructional knowledge and leadership skills, you will be better prepared to empower your students, trainees, and coworkers to succeed.

Concordia's EdD program is designed for busy adults with full schedules. You'll complete most of the coursework online, and the CRIP/dissertation is built into the three-year timeline.

With the Concordia EdD, you can access new advancement opportunities, better pay, and higher leadership roles. Students will also gain skills to better assist students of all backgrounds, lead districts to better educational outcomes, and help learners reach their highest potential.

Educators with an EdD can become school district executives, faculty at the university level, training supervisors in businesses, school-level curriculum leaders, or chief learning officers in corporations.