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Admission Requirements

The UHCL Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership provides the highest level of preparation a person aspiring to a leadership position in education can receive. As such, it is important to implement a rigorous selection process. The admission requirements are extensive and multi-faceted and include the factors outlined below.

The Admissions Subcommittee will review multiple sources of information about an applicant’s qualifications in making a decision. No applicant will be admitted or declined admission on the basis of a single criterion. The decision will be a holistic one based on the subcommittee members’ assessment of each applicant’s qualifications as presented in the application packet. One of the goals of the admission process is to create a cohort of doctoral students that is reflective of the diversity found in today’s public schools.

The admission decision will be based on the following sources of information:

1. The applicant’s UHCL - EdD Application Form.
2. The applicant’s curriculum vitæ.
3. The applicant’s master’s degree from an accredited institution.
4. The applicant’s grades and grade point average on the graduate courses included in the master’s program.
5. The applicant’s score on all sections (verbal, quantitative and analytical writing) of the Graduate Record Examination. Particular focus is given to the analytical writing section. Must have been taken within the past 5 years.
6. The applicant’s work and leadership experience in education. Preference will be given to work and leadership experience in the preK – 12 environment.
7. The applicant’s Letter of Intent in which he or she discusses accomplishments, obstacles overcome, prior experiences, career goals and how the EdD in Educational Leadership will help meet those goals.
8. The statements made on the applicant’s three Reference Forms. If possible, at least one of the Reference Forms should be from a professor involved in the applicant’s master’s program.
9. The statements made by the applicant’s employer indicating support of the applicant’s pursuit of the EdD and willingness to allow EdD fieldwork within the organization should the applicant be admitted to the program.
10. If the applicant has no degree or certification from a university for which English is the language of instruction, then evidence of written and oral fluency in English is also considered. Contact the Office of Academic Advising in the School of Education (281-283-3600, education@uhcl.edu) for information about the documentation that must be submitted.

The information will be evaluated and weighed against the following general criteria:

• Potential for academic success in the program
• Variety and quality of characteristics and experiences brought to the cohort
• General diversity and balance within the cohort
• Leadership potential to be developed through the program
• Personal characteristics that suggest a potential for persistence in and commitment to the program
• District and other support for the applicant
• Personal goals that are consistent with those of the program
• Academic preparation in Educational Leadership.