Degree Programs
The 36-hour program includes advanced studies that are aligned with the ISLLC and ELCC standards for educational leaders. The program is designed to prepare transformative leaders with strong backgrounds in curriculum and instruction, as well as leadership, strategic planning, and supervision. The educational leadership program requires intense self-reflection and analysis of one’s own practice. Candidates participate in internship activities throughout their program of study to enhance their ability to combine theory and practice. During the internship experience, the candidate develops knowledge, skills, and dispositions through direct collaboration with practicing effective leaders.
In keeping with Xavier University’s mission, the doctoral program (Ed.D.) in educational leadership is designed for the candidate who aspires to become an effective leader and an agent of change for the challenges facing many schools and organizations today. The 60-hour online program focuses on urban education and organizational effectiveness. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, courses, and experiences blend theory and applied research with practice. Candidates engage in inquiry-based learning that demonstrates solutions-based research that sustains efforts to engage in significant and timely research facing school and organizational leaders through significant solutions-based outcomes. Dissertations add to scholarly research scholarship that candidates collaborate with the implementation of findings with districts, schools, and school districts.
Transfer students from other doctoral programs are welcome; however, no more than 9 hours of equivalent and approved courses with a passing grade of “A” or “B” from the previous program will be accepted.
Admissions Requirements
M.A.
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- GRE or MAT scores are preferred but not required
- Statement of interest detailing why you have chosen your program of study
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of 280 or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores of 380 are preferred but not required
Documents Needed:
- Graduate Application
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement detailing why you have chosen this program and why Xavier?
Ed.D.
- Master’s degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum combined GRE score of 294 or MAT score of 391 are preferred but not required
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement/statement of interest detailing why you chose this degree and Xavier to serve as your writing sample
- A writing sample is also required (a writing prompt will be provided to applicants during the application process)
Documents Needed:
- Graduate Application
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- GRE or MAT scores are preferred but not required
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement detailing why you have chosen this degree and the program at Xavier.
- Successful completion of an online interview upon invitation (instructions for recording the submission will be sent to each applicant upon receipt of the application).
Application Deadlines:
| Fall | Spring |
| April 1 – Priority | October 1 – Priority |
| May 1 – General | December 1 – General |