Program Overview
The purpose of Argosy University’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Initial Educational Administration degree program is to prepare individuals to serve as school principals and/or building-level administrators. The program is designed for practicing educators who have already completed a graduate level program from a regionally accredited institution or an appropriately certified foreign institution, and seeking administrative licensure at the initial or K-12 level. Completion of the EdD in Initial Educational Administration degree program results in a terminal degree which includes a specific writing, research, and dissertation sequence.
Note
The EdD in Initial Educational Administration degree program leads to the State of Arizona Department of Education Principal Certificate upon completion of all state and program requirements, including passage of the principal portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA). This program is approved by the State of Arizona Department of Education and only meets the certification requirements for the State of Arizona. Students, who wish to work in a state other than Arizona, are responsible for investigating the other states’ regarding the reciprocity of the Arizona Department of Education Principal Certificate.
Note
There are limits to the number of online courses students may take and remain eligible for certification by the State of Arizona. When considering taking courses online students must seek guidance from the department chair or their academic advisor to avoid jeopardizing their eligibility to obtain an Arizona Department of Education Principal Certificate
Admission Requirements
- A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or an appropriately certified foreign institution
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in work leading to the master’s degree and in any subsequent graduate study
- A minimum score on an Argosy University pre-approved English language proficiency test is required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who have not graduated from an institution at which English is the language of instruction as specified in Section Five, Admission Policies, “English Language Proficiency Policy .”
- A minimum of three years of verified full time teaching experience in grades Prekindergarten-12. If teaching experience is from another state, applicant must submit formal verification that the school was a state-approved school
- Verification of state approved Structured English Immersion (SEI) training†
- Photocopy of valid Identity Verified Print (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (plastic) issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
- Interview with Program Admissions Committee and recommendation for admittance
- A Writing Sample submitted with the program application
All applications for admission must be submitted to the Admissions Department. An admissions representative is available to help interested applicants complete the following required documentation:
- Application for Admission Form
- Current résumé
- Three letters of recommendation (two from a source familiar with the student’s academic abilities and one from a current school or district administrator)
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended
Note
† Students who have not successfully completed the Structured English Immersion certification prior to enrolling in the EdD in Initial Educational Administration degree program will need to meet this requirement in order to complete the program.
Graduation Requirements
Arizona Principal Certification Requirements
Graduation from the EdD in Initial Educational Administration degree program does not guarantee certification. To qualify for certification, the following conditions must be met:
- Successful completion of all program requirements, including the Administrative Practicum and Dispositional Assessment
- Verification of Arizona approved Structured English Immersion (SEI) training†
- Passage of United States Constitution and Arizona state constitution examinations
- Passage of the Principal portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA)
† Students who have not successfully completed the Structured English Immersion certification prior to enrolling in the EdD in Initial Educational Administration degree program will need to meet this requirement in order to complete the program.
Program Requirements
The EdD in Initial Educational Administration degree program requires the satisfactory completion of 60 credit hours distributed as follows: Core Course requirements, 21 credit hours; Academic Writing and Research requirements, 18 credit hours; Elective requirements, 6 credit hours; Practicum requirements, 3 credit hours; Dissertation requirements, 12 credit hours.
