College of Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Lead change through research you can put into practice. This online doctoral program helps experienced educators investigate complex challenges and develop informed approaches to instruction, organizational improvement, and leadership.
Doctor of Education at Findlay
Why study Doctor of Education at Findlay?
Lead improvement in educational and organizational settings through Findlay’s fully online Doctor of Education program. The Ed.D. combines applied coursework, research, and sustained dissertation support.
- Study leadership and policy. Examine instructional systems, supervision, improvement, and innovation through a doctoral curriculum.
- Use evidence in practice. Apply research methods to complex challenges affecting organizations and communities.
- Work toward a doctorate. The program lists 60 required credits and a three-year completion path.
The Ed.D. can support leadership, administration, policy, and higher education paths. Requirements for particular roles depend on the employer and applicable credentials.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) by the Numbers
3
Years
The Ed.D. can be completed in three years.
60
Required credits
Listed for the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program.
College of education
At a Glance
College
College of Education
Degree
Doctor of Education
Format
Online
Required credits
60 Credits
Curriculum
Course Requirements
Students earning a Doctorate degree in Education must complete the following curriculum.
The education core consists of required courses grounded in doctoral identity and scholarly formation; leadership, policy, and improvement; innovation and knowledge dissemination; global and affective perspectives; and research methodologies. View the full core curriculum in the University of Findlay Graduate Catalog.
Residency Requirement – Individuals are required to attend the annual Summer Institute (third week of July) at the conclusion of year one, two, and three.
Doctor of education
Admission Requirements
- Possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution, with the possible exception of first-professional doctorate-degree holders, specifically when no master’s degree was offered (e.g., DPT and PharmD).
- Have a minimum graduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submit an online application form.
- Supply two letters of recommendation, which will include an assessment of the candidate’s ability to perform doctoral-level work.
- Submit official transcripts, which can be in the form of attested credentials from a university-recognized document verification agency, of all graduate-level work.
- Supply a Curriculum Vita or Resumé.
- Supply a Statement of Research Interest.
- Supply a scholarly writing sample.
- Interview (face-to-face or online) with College of Education faculty.
- To obtain complete student doctoral status, EDUC 700: Writing as a Doctoral Scholar must be passed with a “B-” or better.
- Students whose native language is not English and who have not graduated from American universities must meet the previously listed admissions conditions, plus:
- Score at least 79 on a verified TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) with a minimum of 4.5 in speaking and writing, a verified International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic score with a minimum overall band score of 6.5, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) academic minimum score of 61, or a Duolingo minimum score of 105. International students can take the program online and enter the U.S. for the annual, one-week Summer Institute. To facilitate this, the Office of International Admissions would create a new SEVIS record with a new initial I-20 each time, and the student would need to pay the SEVIS fee each time.
- Provide an affidavit of financial support (original), if not an American citizen or permanent resident.
beyond graduation
Careers
Career options for Ed.D. holders include, but are not limited to:
- Superintendent
- Program Administrator
- College Administrator
- Higher Education Faculty
- Social and Community Service Manager
- Preschool and Childcare Center Administrator
For national context on related careers, explore the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for Postsecondary Education Administrators.
TESTIMONIALS
The Oiler Experience
Hear directly from students about their experience
at the University of Findlay.
“What I have enjoyed most about my experience at the University of Findlay is the structure of the doctoral program, which made it manageable as a working professional, parent, and leader, even through many long nights, because it truly accounted for those responsibilities. More importantly, the consistent support from day one—especially from faculty like Dr. Theriault and Dr. Ochsner—made the program feel purposeful, aligned, and ultimately possible to complete. “
financial aid
Cost of Education
Graduate students can support the cost of their education in a variety of ways during their time at Findlay.
college of education
Accreditation
University of Findlay’s College of Education is accredited by recognized regional and national bodies, ensuring your degree holds weight with employers and institutions nationwide. The College of Education holds national accreditation through CAEP.
Accreditation status is reviewed on a regular basis. For the most current accreditation information, visit the University of Findlay Accreditation page.
GET STARTED
Explore Your Next Step
Ready to see whether Findlay fits your goals?