Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement, Ed.D.

Admission Requirements

Admission is limited and will be based on a holistic review of test scores, past academic success, and potential for success in a rigorous doctoral program whose objective is the development of individuals who can effect immediate school improvement and student learning achievement. The following are minimum requirements for admission to the Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement (although meeting these criteria does not guaranteed admission to this selective program of study):

Applicants are expected to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in master’s coursework.

Applicants are expected to have scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that indicate capacity for success in doctoral study.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

Applicant must

1. have earned a Master’s degree from an accredited institution;
2. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php);
3. submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended showing a grade point average (GPA) in previous academic work that indicates potential for success in advanced study (successful applicants will typically have a GPA in prior graduate work that exceeds 3.50);
4. submit official scores for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing measures of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) that indicate potential for success in the Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement doctoral program. Although specific minimum scores are not set, evaluation of scores is an important factor in admission decisions and successful applicants will typically submit scores above the 50th percentile on each measure;
5. submit three letters of recommendation. Letters from professors and/or professionals should address the applicant’s potential to successfully complete an Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement. Letters from leaders of school districts (including directors of schools, school board members or other educational community leaders, and colleagues who are teachers or administrators) should specifically address the applicant’s ability/opportunity to lead an effort to significantly improve student learning and achievement in her/his current position;
6. submit a statement of purpose (750-1000 words) communicating your professional goals and suitability for the doctoral program in Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement. In your statement you should address how your participating in this program will result in increased student learning and achievement as measured on standardized test scores for students under your educational care and authority. You may include a brief discussion of any literature (e.g. research articles, texts—please use appropriate APA citations) that has informed your professional practice or influenced you in some way;
7. submit a current vitae including education and employment history, experience with school improvement, professional presentations and publications, awards, recognitions, etc.;
8. participate in an interview with the Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement doctoral program admission committee as part of the admissions process.

NOTE: Accepted students will be required to attest to their commitment to the cohort and to contribute the necessary quality and quantity of time and energy to ensure the success of this community of learners as each student prepares to lead an effort to significantly improve her/his school or school district.

NOTE: International students will be required to meet MTSU’s English language proficiency requirements in addition to the program admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Assessment, Learning and School Improvement Doctoral Program requires

1. completion of the 60-credit-hour program of study;
2. completion of a minimum of one research-based article submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal;
3. completion of one research-based presentation at a regional/national educational conference;
4. mastery of academic coursework (measured by course grades and successful completion of a comprehensive examination); and
5. successful defense of a dissertation that demonstrates mastery of applied research methods in the field of education.

Curriculum: Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement

Candidate must complete a minimum of 60 hours in the following course of study:

Program Notes

Currently, the program admits students in successive cohorts each fall semester only. All students in the graduate program are expected to complete all coursework with their cohort as scheduled.

Candidate must

1. file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to the completion of 30 credit hours;
2. file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which candidate intends to graduate.