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Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education Program is for Educators in Every Sector

The Doctor of Education (EdD) degree prepares individuals for positions in administration, policy development, college or university teaching, and research. The degree includes broad topics covering curriculum, assessment and accountability, professional development, research driven decision making and policy analysis through offerings in face-to-face and online course for readiness to complete a dissertation.

Individuals with academic preparation from diverse disciplines, many with a master's degree outside the field of education, are offered the opportunity to develop skills and experience to lead and implement change through contextualized learning and research excellence. Experienced faculty guide students, preparing them to contribute a wealth of new knowledge and influence developments within their organizations and communities.

Top Reasons

Research-Focused

The curriculum provides students the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage in and contribute to academic conversations through research.

Involved Faculty

Composed of professors and scholars whose research and practical experience delve straight into today’s most complex and important issues in education.

Diverse Students

With a variety of graduate degrees from social sciences, natural sciences, business, fine arts, humanities, and education, students entering the program may focus their research on adult learners, higher education, and nonprofit organizations.

Cohort Model

Students build strong collaborative relationships through their coursework by taking courses with students in their cohort.

Campus Community

Doctoral students are part of the larger Florida Southern campus community and have full access to the Roux Library, Nina B. Hollis Wellness Center, athletic events, and fine arts performances. Additionally, students engage in research marathon events that support doctoral studies through focused engagement with librarians, faculty, staff, and students across cohorts.

Nationally Ranked

The Doctor of Education program is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

Meet Our Mocs

Dr. Dionna Doss
Troy Hersberger
Dr. Sara Kane
Monique Mavour
Dr. Christopher Rudolph
Dr. Amber Wakeman

The Passion to Get Ahead

Dr. Howard Hepburn '20, Instructional Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County, explains why Florida Southern was the right school for him to advance his passion for education and professional goals.

Melanie Fowler, Ed.D.

Featured Faculty

Melanie Fowler

I believe that the deepest learning occurs through experience and reflection. Thus, I incorporate engaging activities and group discussions in my courses. I encourage my students to customize their learning experience by integrating their personal interests with the education-related themes that pique their curiosity. I strive to give students the tools they need to meet or exceed their goals so that they can make a positive impact on our community.

Program Details

Admission Requirements

  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as verified by an official transcript from the conferring institution
  • An earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as verified by an official transcript from the conferring institution
  • Earned grade point average of 3.0 in accredited master’s degree program*
  • Applicants to Florida Southern College's Doctor of Education program are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application materials. In no more than 500 words, students should address the following in their personal statement:
    1. How will the pursuit of a doctoral degree help you in achieving your personal and professional goals?
    2. Why are you pursuing a doctoral degree at Florida Southern College?
    3. Describe any related research experience, professional presentations, or major projects you have completed
  • Recommendation Form or Letter of Reference
  • Current Résumé
  • Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores taken within last five years**
  • Personal Interview

* If you do not have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from your graduate degree, please submit official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score.

** If you have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from your graduate degree, then you meet the requirements for a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) exemption.

Additional International Requirements

  • Official Translated Transcripts With Course By Course Evaluation**
  • Bank Letter Verifying Funds of Sponsor***
  • Sponsor's Guarantee Form
  • Valid Passport
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS Score****

** SpanTran (discount available), Academic Evaluation Services, Inc., Josef Silny, or World Education Services or another similar approved transcript evaluation agency.

*** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

**** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement.

Course Delivery

Hybrid

A combination of online and in-class courses are offered to meet the needs of your busy schedule. By enrolling in our EdD full-time, you will complete all of your coursework in two years, plus a dissertation.

Curriculum

EDU 7005Ways of Knowing: Research in Education
EDU 7020Curriculum, Learning and Instruction
EDU 7040Organizational Theory and Behavior
EDU 7050Educational Politics, Policy and Current Issues
EDU 7065Legal Issues in Education
EDU 7070Curriculum Analysis
EDU 7085Finance and Budgeting
EDU 7090Quantitative Analysis
EDU 7093Advanced Quantitative Analysis
EDU 7120Qualitative Methods of Inquiry
EDU 7123Advanced Applications of Qualitative Research Methods
EDU 7135Planning and Evaluation in Education
EDU 7138Dissertation Seminar A (2-credit hour course)
EDU 7139Dissertation Seminar B (1-credit hour course)
EDU 7140Dissertation (9 hours)

Program Costs

2024-2025

Base Required FeesCost
Tuition Per Credit Hour$550
Technology fee per semester is based on credit hours enrolled$25 to $100

$250 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first semester tuition balance)

Related Materials

FSC Adult, Graduate, and Doctoral Education Programs thumbnail
FSC Graduate and Doctoral Programs thumbnail
EdD - Doctor of Education thumbnail

What is the program delivery?

Our program uses a cohort model wherein students move through the program with the same group of students throughout the two years of coursework. Courses are delivered via a hybrid model where a typical semester is comprised of one face-to-face class typically meeting every other Saturday (8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) and one online class each semester. Student’s first summer term is the only term that students enroll simultaneously in two in-person courses. This allows the opportunity to make meaningful connections with other students in your cohort. One class meets on alternate Saturdays (8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) and the other meets on alternate Mondays and Wednesdays (5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.).

What are the hours of the Saturday classes?

Classes are scheduled every other Saturday in the Fall and Spring from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In the Summer, classes are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM over seven Saturdays for during the 12-week C term.

How many classes is considered full time?

Students are considered to be full-time when taking 8 credits a semester at the doctoral level.

When does the cohort start?

A new cohort begins every summer, but students may join a cohort in the fall and spring terms as well.

Is financial aid available?

Students seeking financial aid should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. 

Online

Education Virtual Information Session

Adult & Grad Admissions

Education Virtual Information Session

Oct 10 6:00 PM

Florida Southern College's School of Education offers an online webinar series designed for prospective students exploring adult undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs. These webinars feature comprehensive insights into our education programs, including direct engagement with program directors, allowing prospective students to connect directly with faculty members.

Location: Online

Online

AG Online Education Student Panel

Adult & Grad Admissions

AG Online Education Student Panel

Nov 7 6:00 PM

An online webinar for prospective graduate and doctoral students to learn more about Florida Southern College's School of Education. This event is designed to provide an opportunity to connect with faculty and hear testimonials from current students in our programs.

Location: Online

Online

Education Virtual Information Session

Adult & Grad Admissions

Education Virtual Information Session

Dec 4 5:00 PM

Florida Southern College's School of Education offers an online webinar series designed for prospective students exploring adult undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs. These webinars feature comprehensive insights into our education programs, including direct engagement with program directors, allowing prospective students to connect directly with faculty members.

Location: Online

Program Contact

Laura Hutson Laura Hutson, MS

Admission Counselor and Advisor

 863.680.4914

 863.250.4194

Melanie Fowler Melanie Fowler, Ed.D.

Associate Provost for Student Success

Assistant Professor of Education

Center for Student Success - 917 Johnson Avenue

 863.680.4255

Lori Rakes Lori Rakes, Ph.D.

Dean of Education

Nina B. Hollis Endowed Chair of Education

Associate Professor of Education

Carol J. Barnett / Curry Education Office - 113

 863.680.4172