Assessment, Learning, and Student Success: Higher Education 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.
• Students who have taken graduate courses are expected to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in their graduate coursework.
• Submission of three letters of recommendation from former professors or other individuals who know the student’s ability.

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 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 applications 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 three letters of recommendation from former professors or other individuals who know the student’s ability.
4. submit a statement of purpose (750-1000 words) communicating professional goals and suitability for the doctoral program in Assessment,Learning, and Student Success. In the statement student should address how participating in this program will result in increased student success. 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 may be included.
5. submit a current vitae including education and employment history, experience with student success, professional presentations and publications, awards, recognitions, etc.

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 Student Success Doctoral Program requires

1. completion of 60-72 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 a field related to student success.

Curriculum: Assessment, Learning and Student Success, Higher Education Concentration

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 24 hours of dissertation research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.