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EdD - Doctor of Education

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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.

Online

Online Education Information Session

June 20

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.

Learn More about the June Education Information Session about"Online Education Information Session

Apply today to start next term
Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Students are advised to submit applications as early as possible to assure optimal admission consideration.

Request Info Visit Apply Today Program Details

Top Reasons to choose EdD - Doctor of Education at florida southern college

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.

EDU 7070 Curriculum Analysis

Students in this course focus on the adult learner in higher education or non-profit organizations as they apply instructional design principles to the development of instruction. This course encourages students to explore curricula through areas of inquiry that are central to their professional lives .

View Academic Catalog

The Passion To Get Ahead

Howard explains why Florida Southern was the right school for him to advance his passion for education and professional goals.

Meet our Mocs

Sara Kane

Sara Kane

Assistant Vice President for Academic Success
Warner University
Master of Science in Library Information Studies

The Florida Southern College Doctor of Education program has helped me to realize my potential as a scholar and a leader in higher education administration.

Monique Mavour

Monique Mavour

Academic Advisor and Faculty
University of Tampa
Master of Business Administration

I am very pleased with all that Florida Southern College Doctor of Education program has to offer. At this time during my educational journey, Florida Southern College provides the resources and the hands on guidance that I need to further my education. The faculty and staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable in their fields.

Christopher Rudolph

Christopher Rudolph Jr.

Chief Deputy Tax Collector and Chief Administrative Officer
Polk County, Florida
Master of Arts in Political Science

I have found the Florida Southern College Doctor of Education Program extremely valuable in gaining greater insights into the importance of education and the part it plays in continuous process improvement and organizational success.

Sheila Rios-Dean

Sheila Rios

Dean, Associates in Science Degree Programs
Hillsborough Community College
Master of Science in Management and Policy

I was first attracted to the Doctorate in Education program at Florida Southern College for its attention and support provided by the faculty and staff. The rigor is complemented by a great team of dedicated faculty members and staff that has surpassed my expectations. My cohort colleagues bring a wealth of diverse experiences contributing to a rich student experience. They are one of the best parts of this journey. The bond that exists already, is one that will last a lifetime.

Troy Hersberger

Career Field Administrator - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, United States Air Force, M.A. Environmental Biology
U.S. Air Force

In my position with the Air Force, I'm engaged with students from across the country in diverse educational settings. The Doctor of Education program at FSC has introduced new ways of thinking that allow me to affect positive and consequential change for the student, organization, and society. The hybrid approach and collaborative institutional support have allowed me to participate in the program and maintain a productive family and professional life balance. What a great opportunity to join a community of scholars and grow as an individual and leader!

Mijana Lockard, EdD
- Assistant Professor of Education

The Doctor of Education at Florida Southern engages participants in academic and scholarly experiences, discourse, study, and research with expert faculty and peers from varied academic backgrounds and with diverse perspectives. This unique and extraordinary approach to explore a myriad of ideas, problems, issues, and solutions for the adult learner in teaching and learning environments will provide the program graduate lifelong sources of inspiration and purpose, and the knowledge and skills to create a shared path for learning for others.

Read More about Mijana Lockard, EdDMeet Our Faculty

 on success

Program Details

A full-time schedule is comprised of two courses per semester.

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.

  • 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 descriptions are available in the academic catalog.

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

Florida Southern College reserves the right to revise fee schedules. $250 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first-semester tuition balance.)

2023-2024

Base Required Fees Cost
Tuition Per Credit Hour $535
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)

*Tuition will be billed prior to the beginning of each semester based on credit hours. Tuition must be paid by the first day of class.

Related Materials

EdD - Doctor of Education

FSC Adult, Graduate, and Doctoral Education Programs

FSC Graduate Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

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 and one online class each semester. Summer courses meet for 7 consecutive weeks. During your first summer term you have the opportunity to make meaningful connections with other students in your cohort by meeting face-to-face for 7 consecutive weeks. One class meets every Saturday (8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) and the other meets every Monday and Wednesday (5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.). Students’ first summer term is the only term that students enroll simultaneously in two in-person courses.

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 every Saturday for the 7-week B 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.

Download Full Frequently Asked Questions PDF

Program Contact

Kenley VanValkenburg

Admission Counselor and Advisor
 863.680.4914
863.225.8405

Melanie Fowler, Ed.D.

Coordinator, Doctor of Education Programs
Assistant Professor of Education
863.680.4135

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