The Ed.D Cohort 2024 application portal is now open!
- Applications will be continuously reviewed until all positions in the cohort are filled.
- Once all required application documents are submitted and reviewed by the Ed.D. admission team, applicants will receive notification of their admission decision.
- Early-admitted Ed.D. students have the option to complete any necessary prerequisites or program electives in a term preceding the start of foundational coursework in the Fall.
- Elective courses for the Ed.D. program are offered during the Spring and Summer Terms, while foundational coursework for each cohort begins in the Fall.
*See SAU’s Academic Calendar for term start dates.
Holistic Review
The Ed.D. Program admits students through a competitive process based on holistic admission criteria. Holistic review considers a broad range of candidate qualities including personal attributes and experiences. Holistic review is a growing strategy for widening the evidence base graduate schools consider when evaluating a candidate for admission. [For more information on holistic admission, see Kent, J.D. and McCarthy, M.T. (2016). Holistic Review in Graduate Admissions: A Report from the Council of Graduate Schools. Washington, DC: Council of Graduate Schools.]
Applicants will be notified of admission decisions by May 1. At the time of notification, doctoral students will be admitted to both the School of Graduate Studies and the Doctor of Education in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership Program.https://web.saumag.edu/facilities/
Web content may slightly change as the program continues to develop. Final policies and procedures are noted in the SAU Graduate Catalog, published each August.
Application Process
1. Submitted Application (duty on student)
- Apply online
- $100 application fee (paid online)
- Official transcripts of all previous college work
- Upload curriculum vitae
- Provide contact information for two references
- Submit Statement of Purpose
- International students require additional documentation as outlined in the Graduate Catalog
2. Application Review (duty on Ed.D. Admission Committee)
3. Invited Interview (duty on both)
- Upon request, complete interview
- Provide appropriate licensure documentation
4. Selection (duty on Ed.D. Admission Committee)
Requirements
Admission is in accordance with the requirements of the Southern Arkansas University School of Graduate Studies as found in the Southern Arkansas University Graduate Catalog, and the following application and admission requirements.
- There is no standardized test (GRE, MAT) required for applicants who are United States citizens.
- Applicants must be in good standing with the institution they last attended (and eligible for re-admission) in order to be eligible for admission to Southern Arkansas University.
- Prospective students must submit an application through the online admission portal found on the website at https://apply.saumag.edu. There is a $100 fee required to submit an application. Rolling review of completed applications will begin February 1.
- Students will not be admitted on a conditional or part-time basis.
- Submit official transcripts reflecting a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 from an accredited institution. Official transcripts must be mailed to School of Graduate Studies, 100 East University, MSC 9302, Magnolia, AR 71753 or sent electronically from the prior university via E-Scrip-Safe or Speede to: gradstudies@saumag.edu.
- Two recommendation forms must be received through the online admission portal. The forms gather feedback regarding the applicant’s professional and academic experiences, leadership capacity, and potential for scholarly research and writing. Applicants must submit contact information for two professional references early enough to ensure recommendations are completed prior to April 1. Do not send recommendation letters. The portal must be used.
- Submit comprehensive curriculum vitae.
- Submit statement of purpose expressing applicant’s professional trajectory, career goals, the value of rural and diverse educational experiences in life, and reasons for pursing a doctoral degree at this time. The statement of purpose will be evaluated as a writing sample. Statement of Purpose Instructions provide additional guidance.
- Upon request, complete an online interview with program faculty and/or staff.
- International students must meet additional requirements as described in the Southern Arkansas University Graduate Catalog and at saumag.edu/international.
- If admitted, additional coursework may be required for the following reasons:
- Students seeking licensure
- Students not having a master’s degree in the field of education
- Academic deficiencies as determined by the advising committee
- Superintendency Leadership Focus (K-12) applicants seeking superintendent’s licensure must, at the time of application, be a licensed building-level administrator with at least one year experience as a building-level administrator. Documentation of licensure(s) must be uploaded as supporting documents prior to enrolling. Note: Admission requirements are subject to change based on state licensure requirements for district-level administrators.
