The School of Leadership, Research, and Psychology within the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities at Delta State offers a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Professional Studies. The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Professional Studies program offers a terminal degree designed to prepare teachers, school administrators, and higher education faculty and staff to assume leadership roles in their respective fields and settings. Students grow in their knowledge of research and in ways of identifying and addressing relevant improvement opportunities for schools and colleges.
Delta State has a legacy of providing expert instruction and training. Doctoral courses are taught by practitioners who are recognized as expert teachers, administrators, and leaders. The Professional Studies doctorate degree online affords the flexibility to advance your career without interrupting your current work duties. With 3 educational tracks to choose from, we have options that can be tailored to meet any needs. We can help you reach your professional goals and positively impact your K-12 or higher education setting. 100% of applicable graduate credit hours are accepted for track requirements.
100%
Online
No
GRE Requirement
AAAA
Educator’s Licensure Pathway
Why Get an Online Professional Studies
Doctorate Degree at DSU?
You will be engaged in a supportive and vibrant online learning community where cohorts form lifelong bonds. The Professional Studies doctorate program is organized to support the development of the research study throughout the coursework. Thus, by the end of coursework, students will have a draft of the first three chapters of their dissertation. A supportive dissertation committee will guide the timely completion of the dissertation.
Delta State uniquely incentivizes professional certification efforts aligned with employment needs. We offer 15 credit hours for NCEE Certification in Educational Leadership and 9 credit hours for MCCLA certification in higher education, ensuring a timely and cost-effective educational experience.
- Fully-online program
- Applications accepted year round
- Student advisement available online
- Complete at your own pace
- Synchronous and Asynchronous class meetings
- 1/2 tuition remission for MS community college employees
Tracks in Professional Studies
Curriculum & Instruction
The Curriculum & Instruction track prepares K-12 educators to guide and monitor school-wide and district-level teaching and learning activities that will result in positive K-12 student outcomes. Course content will engage you in curriculum development and monitoring, formative and summative assessments, data analysis, and data-informed decision making in the school setting. By the end of the program, you will be well versed in all aspects of curriculum development, effective instructional pedagogy, and data literacy.
Completing the Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction program is a perfect pathway to this track.
Educational Leadership
The Educational Leadership track prepares K-12 educators to assume roles as instructional leaders and administrators in K-12 schools and district offices. Practical administrative experiences will engage you in real-word school settings where you will develop a student-centered leadership style that facilitates student achievement. This program will engage you with various elements of leadership and will facilitate your ability to translate leadership theories into effective school leadership practices.
Completing the Educational Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision is a perfect pathway to this track.
Higher Education
The Higher Education track prepares higher education faculty and staff to excel in their roles as instructors, supervisors, and administrators in 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. Learning experiences integrate the academic elements of post-secondary settings as well as administrative and supportive staff elements of the post-secondary setting. By the end of this program, you will have developed the skills to lead, research, and evaluate all components of the higher education setting.
Completing the Educational Specialist in Higher Education is a perfect pathway to this track.
What Can I Do With a Doctorate Degree
in Professional Studies?
An Ed.D. degree in Professional Studies from Delta State University elevates your CV to allow you to seek the highest levels of leadership and responsibility in education. Graduates of our doctoral program are recognized for their knowledge and expertise in the field and will be qualified to assume any of the following roles:
- Curriculum coordinator
- Principal
- Assistant principal
- Superintendent
- Higher Education Faculty
- Higher Education Supervisor
- Higher Education Administrator
”When I made the decision to enroll in a doctoral program, I researched several universities. After speaking with the advisor of the program at DSU, I knew this is where I wanted to be. The professors were very supportive and responsive. They build professional relationships with students and make the course content relevant to our careers. Thank you Delta State University for an amazing educational experience!
Dr. Robin Acord, Class of 2018Director, Mississippi Teacher Residency program
Graduate Funding Opportunities
Graduate students at Delta State University have a number of funding opportunities available to them, including Graduate Assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and loans. In addition, we also offer an affordable tuition rate with no additional fees for out-of-state students. We work closely with students to identify and apply for federal and state financial aid programs, as well as student loans and state scholarships. We are committed to providing our students with all of the tools necessary to succeed in the education field, including access to affordable education and financial support.
Program Goals
The goal of the Doctor of Education in Professional Studies program is to prepare teachers and leaders with the tools necessary to improve the teaching, learning, and leadership capacity within K-12 schools and district-level offices, community colleges, and 4-year colleges and universities.
Admission Requirements
- Official Graduate transcripts demonstrating a Master’s or an Educational Specialist degree from an accredited college/university with at least an earned GPA of 3.25.
- Minimum of two years of experience in teaching or an equivalent area.
- Doctoral Portfolio consisting of a Resume/Vita and evidence of leadership potential.
- Writing Sample.
Admissions Deadlines:
| Admission Semester | Deadline to Apply | Date of Admission Notification |
| Spring | Nov 1 | Nov 21 |
| Summer | April 1 | April 21 |
| Fall | June 15 | July 15 |
Curriculum
The following outlines the course requirements to complete the Professional Studies doctoral program through either track.
Note: All Doctoral Core courses must be taken at Delta State University.
Note: Prerequisite courses: EPY 601 and ELR 605 (or equivalent)
Educational Leadership Track
| Requirements | Credits | |
| Approved Educational Leadership coursework from M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees and electives. | 63 | |
| Doctoral Core | 27 | |
| Dissertation | 12 | |
| TOTAL | 102 | |
Higher Education Track
| Requirements | Credits | |
| Master’s Degree | 30 | |
| Approved Electives in Curriculum or Leadership | 9 | |
| Approved Cognate Area | 18 | |
| Higher Education Core | 6 | |
| Doctoral Core | 27 | |
| Dissertation | 12 | |
| TOTAL | 102 | |
Curriculum and Instruction Track
| Requirements | Credits | |
| Major Emphasis: CEL 610: Effective Instruction in the Elementary School, CEL 611: Classroom Management, CEL 618: Curriculum Theory Development and Revision in Elementary Education, CEL 705: Practicum in Early Childhood Education (K-3), CEL 706: Practicum in Upper Elementary/Middle School (4-8), CEL 810: Innovations in Elementary Schools, CEL 811: Instructional Strategies in Elementary Education, CEL 812: Leadership Roles in K-12 Education, CRD 624: Literacy Instruction in the Elementary School (Elementary Education concentration only) |
33 | |
| Approved Major Field and Related Courses | 30 | |
| Doctoral Core | 27 | |
| Dissertation | 12 | |
| TOTAL | 102 | |
Licensure
This program prepares students to apply for applicable licensure and/or certification examinations in the state of Mississippi. In order to comply with regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Education regarding professional licensure, Delta State University is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Mississippi: Professional Licensure Disclosure page.
Degree Requirements
- Fulfill the general requirements for a graduate degree at Delta State University;
- A minimum of 30 approved credit hours at the 700- Ed Specialist level;
- A minimum GPA of 3.25 on all coursework taken is a requirement for completion of the doctoral program;
- Earn credit for a minimum of 102 semester hours of graduate work beyond the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 12 ELR 890 Dissertation hours;
- Pass a comprehensive examination in Professional Studies while taking ELR 888 during the last semester of coursework and before enrolling in ELR 890 dissertation hours.
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Graduate Academic Catalog.
Degree Requirements
Tuition at Delta State University covers the cost of classes.
Online courses are assessed a $5.00 per credit hour distance learning course fee.
Review the graduate academic catalog for other course related fees.
Professional Studies Resources
Current Students
Stay connected with important dates, explore academic and professional opportunities, and engage with program resources.
Program Contact
Dr. David Herndon
Doctoral Program Coordinator
P: (662) 846-4370
E: dherndon@deltastate.edu
Dr. Corlis Snow
Chair of the School of Leadership, Research, and Psychology
P: (205) 655-4878
E: csnow@deltastate.edu
