Assessment, Learning, and Student Success: Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement Concentration, 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. The following are guidelines for admission to the Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success (although meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission to this selective program of study). Applicants are

• expected to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in undergraduate coursework.
• expected to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in any graduate coursework previously taken.
• expected to have scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) that indicate capacity for success in doctoral study.
• expected to submit three letters of recommendation from former professors or other individuals who know the student’s ability to succeed in a rigorous doctoral program.
• expected to submit a statement of purpose that outlines how earning this degree will facilitate the student’s ability to achieve his or her career goals.

Use of Prior Earned Credits

A master’s degree is not required for entry to this program. Students with a master’s degree in a related field may have up to 15 hours of previous coursework applied after determination that the content of the courses is directly equivalent to existing courses in the curriculum. Student entering with an Ed.S. degree in a related field may have up to 30 hours of previous coursework applied after determination that the content of the courses is directly equivalent to existing courses in the curriculum. No more than 15 hours at the 6000 (master’s) level may be applied to degree requirements. All previous course work and requests for substitutions must meet MTSU College of Graduate Studies guidelines and be approved by the Program Admissions Committee.

Application Procedures

All application materials must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. NOTE: The program is partnering with local school districts for off-campus cohorts. Please contact program office for current procedures pertaining to location and deadlines.

Applicant must

1. submit application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php). Once this initial application has been accepted, the applicant will receive directions on how to enter the graduate portal to be able to submit other materials.
2. 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);
3. 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;
4. submit three letters of recommendation which must meet the following specific criteria.The first letter must be from an educational leader (principal, assistant principal, central office administrator, school board member) of your school or school district and should specifically address: (a) your abilities, and (b) their support for you to lead an effort to significantly improve student learning and achievement in your current position. The second letter must be from a tenure-track professor, and it should address your potential to successfully complete an academically rigorous doctoral program. The third letter may be from any educational professional (i.e.: LKPreK-12 education leader, university faculty, policy maker, governmental agency representative, non-profit or philanthropic organization leader, etc.) and should address your specific skills, attitudes, and experience(s) related to the goals of this program.
5. submit a statement of purpose (750-1000 words) communicating your professional goals and suitability for the doctoral program in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success. 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;
6. submit a current vitae including education and employment history, experience with school improvement, professional presentations and publications, awards, recognitions, etc.;
7. participate in an interview with the Assessment, Learning, and Student Success 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.

Use of Prior Earned Credits

A master’s degree is not required for entry to this program. Students with a master’s degree in a related field may have up to 15 hours of previous coursework applied after determination that the content of the courses is directly equivalent to existing courses in the curriculum. Students entering with an Ed.S. degree in a related field may have up to 30 hours of previous coursework applied after determination that the content of the courses is directly equivalent to existing courses in the curriculum. No more than 15 hours at the 6000 (master’s) level may be applied to degree requirements. All previous coursework and requests for substitutions must meet MTSU College of Graduate Studies guidelines and be approved by the Program Admissions Committee. 

Degree Requirements

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

1. completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours;
2. completion of a minimum of one research-based article submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal; (The research-based article and presentation must receive approval from the program director (or designee) to meet degree requirements.)
3. completion of one research-based presentation at a regional/national educational conference; (The research-based article and presentation must receive approval from the program director (or designee) to meet degree requirements.)
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 Concentration

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.

Program Notes

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