Online Doctor of Education in Leadership & Innovation

Applicants must currently hold a position related to education that will allow them to implement change in their workplace.

All applicants must show proof of a completed master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Additionally, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master’s degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• Graduate admission application and application fee.
• Official transcripts.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Personal statement.
• Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
• Writing sample.

The online program admits students two times a year in the spring and fall semesters. Your application will be rated and ranked based on the following:

1. What interests you about this particular doctoral program, given your current or prior professional experiences?
2. The extent to which your local problem of practice is unique, important and worthy of investigation as part of your action research projects and dissertation.
3. How you envision the program helping you address your identified problem of practice and achieving your professional goals.
4. How you see the program improving your commitment and ability to engage with issues of diversity and inclusion.
5. Your overall fit, given the goals and objectives of the program.
6. The overall quality of your writing.

This EdD in leadership and innovation aims to develop scholarly and influential practitioners who are committed to making improvements in educational settings. Successful students in this program identify and implement actions in their own workplaces and study the results of this work.

For the committee to gain a better understanding of your fit for the program, you must submit a three-page, double-spaced (1" margins and 12-point font) personal statement that answers the following topics:

1. In approximately 250 words, explain why you’re interested in pursuing this EdD in leadership and innovation.
2. In approximately 200 words, describe a local problem of practice in your work context that you might address in your action research dissertation. How does this problem align with the EdD in leadership and innovation program?
3. In approximately 300 words, share how your background and experiences demonstrate your commitment and ability to engage with issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Additionally, discuss how those values might be reflected in your research.

Please note: The admissions committee closely evaluates the quality of writing and clarity demonstrated in your answers to these questions.

To allow the admissions committee to best evaluate your qualifications for entrance into the EdD program, please submit a 3–5-page essay to address the following question:

What is action research and how can it be used to address problems of practice?

Your essay should be between 800 and 1,200 words (not including references). The writing sample must be double-spaced, use 1" margins and written in 12-point font.

We have made three articles available to you to read and consider when formulating your response (see below). We encourage you to refer to these resources and other literature in your essay. You must ensure all literature is appropriately cited and referenced following APA 7th edition style guidelines.

Please email doctoraleducation@asu.edu if you have any questions or need assistance.

Provided research literature:

• Rasmussen, H. T. (2018). Getting to maybe: Improving the education doctorate in an era of uncertainty. Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, 3(2), 24-29.
• Hammond, M. (2013). The contribution of pragmatism to understanding educational action research: value and consequences. Educational Action Research, 21(4), 603-618.
• Buss, R. R. (2018). Using Action Research as a Signature Pedagogy to Develop EdD Students’ Inquiry as Practice Abilities. Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, 3(1).

For a complete application, you’ll need three professional references. The admission committee prefers to review a reference from each of the following categories:

• Your current supervisor or someone in a supervisory position with whom you’ve worked.
• Someone in an academic position with whom you’ve studied or worked, such as a professor or someone who can write about your ability to undertake graduate studies.
• A person of your choice, such as someone who you know professionally and who can write about your qualities that will contribute to your success in a practice-focused doctoral program.

Your recommenders will receive a form that asks them to explain your qualities and fit for the program with respect to the following desired professional attributes: Collaboration with others.

• Dedication to equity access and inclusiveness.
• Initiative.
• Overall potential for graduate studies.
• Perseverance.
• Potential for leadership.
• Professionalism.
• Receiving and using feedback.
• Research aptitude.
• Writing ability.

Please provide the recommenders’ names, current places of business, and email addresses when submitting your application. Recommenders will receive a form to complete and provide their feedback.