Students in the WVSU Ed.D. in Leadership Studies program will critically engage with organizational scholarship and conduct field-based inquiries in collaboration with practitioners. This approach is designed to improve organizational practice and support meaningful change.

The WVSU Department of Leadership Studies is excited to offer the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership Studies program. This innovative and online program is aligned with WVSU’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values. Graduates of the program will contribute to societal needs of the state and nation through researching complex challenges in organizations. The program is designed for working adults and will continue WVSU’s long history of being student-centered. In keeping with the institution’s heritage as an HBCU, the Ed.D. program emphasizes fairness and socially responsible leadership with these concepts embedded in the content coursework. Cohorts of students will progress through the program in two years, culminating in an action-research based dissertation.

The program includes a minimum of sixteen 3-credit-hour courses consisting of content courses and research-focused courses. While the standard program is 48 credit hours, students may exceed this if additional time is needed to complete the research project and dissertation.

Fairness and socially responsible leadership are central to the program, with these themes embedded throughout the coursework. From the beginning, students focus on an organization of their choosing, identifying its needs and using that context to shape their action research project. The culminating experience is a dissertation supported by a chair and committee, with research development integrated throughout the program.

The next Ed.D. cohort starts in May 2026. Applications will be accepted starting October 1, 2025 and the application window will close on January 15, 2026. The Admissions committee will review all completed applications and invite selected applicants to participate in an interview. Admission offers will be extended to 15 prospective students. Enrollment begins in May 2026, and continuous enrollment is required as part of the cohort model.

To ensure a fair and timely review process, all application materials (with the exception of official transcripts) must be submitted together by the application deadline. Applications missing required components will not be considered.

The following materials are required for application to the Ed.D. program:

• APPLICATION FORM: Complete the Application for Admission.
• TRANSCRIPTS: Provide an official transcript from each college or university attended and degrees earned. Graduates of West Virginia State University must provide official WVSU transcripts. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the Ed.D. Program Director.
• MASTERS DEGREE:  An earned Master’s degree, with a GPA of 3.25 or above, is a prerequisite for admission to the program. 
• STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Include a 3-5 page reflection on your professional journey and professional development as it relates to your pursuit of the Ed.D. in Leadership Studies. Please include the following elements: Professional work history, personal qualities and life experiences, aspirations, honors and recognitions, and how the foundational tenets of the program, including fairness and socially responsible leadership, align with your own leadership philosophy and how they have informed your professional practice.
• RESUME/CURRICULUM VITAE:  Submit resume or vitae documenting successful professional and educational experiences, community service and professional development. You are to include contact information, at least three personal references, and a detailed work history.
• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Three letters of recommendation are required. At least two of the letters should come from professional references, such as supervisors, colleagues, or mentors. One letter may be from a personal reference.
• TEST SCORES:  If applicable, TOEFL scores will be submitted. 
• Interviews are planned during the admissions process.  A department member will contact you with interview parameters and possible dates and times.