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Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education Program is for Educators in Every Sector

The Doctor of Education (EdD) degree prepares individuals for positions in administration, policy development, college or university teaching, and research. The degree includes broad topics covering curriculum, assessment and accountability, professional development, research driven decision making and policy analysis through offerings in face-to-face and online course for readiness to complete a dissertation.

Individuals with academic preparation from diverse disciplines, many with a master's degree outside the field of education, are offered the opportunity to develop skills and experience to lead and implement change through contextualized learning and research excellence. Experienced faculty guide students, preparing them to contribute a wealth of new knowledge and influence developments within their organizations and communities.

Why choose Doctor of Education at FSC?

Research-Focused

The curriculum provides students the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage in and contribute to academic conversations through research.

Involved Faculty

Composed of professors and scholars whose research and practical experience delve straight into today’s most complex and important issues in education.

Diverse Students

With a variety of graduate degrees from social sciences, natural sciences, business, fine arts, humanities, and education, students entering the program may focus their research on adult learners, higher education, and nonprofit organizations.

Cohort Model

Students build strong collaborative relationships through their coursework by taking courses with students in their cohort.

Campus Community

Doctoral students are part of the larger Florida Southern campus community and have full access to the Roux Library, Nina B. Hollis Wellness Center, athletic events, and fine arts performances. Additionally, students engage in research marathon events that support doctoral studies through focused engagement with librarians, faculty, staff, and students across cohorts.

Nationally Ranked

The Doctor of Education program is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

Meet Our Mocs

Dr. Dionna Doss

Troy Hersberger

Dr. Sara Kane

Monique Mavour

Dr. Christopher Rudolph

Dr. Amber Wakeman

The Passion to Get Ahead

Dr. Howard Hepburn '20, Instructional Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County, explains why Florida Southern was the right school for him to advance his passion for education and professional goals.

Melanie Fowler, Ed.D.

Featured Doctor of Education Faculty

Melanie Fowler

I believe that the deepest learning occurs through experience and reflection. Thus, I incorporate engaging activities and group discussions in my courses. I encourage my students to customize their learning experience by integrating their personal interests with the education-related themes that pique their curiosity. I strive to give students the tools they need to meet or exceed their goals so that they can make a positive impact on our community.

Doctor of Education Program Details

Admission Requirements

  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as verified by an official transcript from the conferring institution
  • An earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as verified by an official transcript from the conferring institution
  • Earned grade point average of 3.0 in accredited master’s degree program*
  • Applicants to Florida Southern College's Doctor of Education program are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application materials. In no more than 500 words, students should address the following in their personal statement:
    1. How will the pursuit of a doctoral degree help you in achieving your personal and professional goals?
    2. Why are you pursuing a doctoral degree at Florida Southern College?
    3. Describe any related research experience, professional presentations, or major projects you have completed
  • Recommendation Form or Letter of Reference
  • Current Résumé
  • Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores taken within last five years**
  • Personal Interview

* If you do not have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from your graduate degree, please submit official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score.

** If you have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from your graduate degree, then you meet the requirements for a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) exemption.

Additional International Requirements

  • Official Translated Transcripts With Course By Course Evaluation**
  • Bank Letter Verifying Funds of Sponsor***
  • Sponsor's Guarantee Form
  • Valid Passport
  • Official TOEFL/IELTS Score****

** SpanTran (discount available), Academic Evaluation Services, Inc., Josef Silny, or World Education Services or another similar approved transcript evaluation agency.

*** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

**** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement.

Related Materials

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Frequently Asked Questions

Upcoming Events

Online

Adult & Grad Admissions

Education Virtual Information Session

Oct 14 6:00 PM

Florida Southern College's School of Education offers an online webinar series designed for prospective students exploring adult undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs. These webinars feature comprehensive insights into our education programs, including direct engagement with program directors, allowing prospective students to connect directly with faculty members.

Location: Online

Online

Adult & Grad Admissions

Education Virtual Information Session

Nov 9 5:00 PM

Florida Southern College's School of Education offers an online webinar series designed for prospective students exploring adult undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs. These webinars feature comprehensive insights into our education programs, including direct engagement with program directors, allowing prospective students to connect directly with faculty members.

Location: Online

Online

Adult & Grad Admissions

Education Virtual Information Session

Dec 10 6:00 PM

Florida Southern College's School of Education offers an online webinar series designed for prospective students exploring adult undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs. These webinars feature comprehensive insights into our education programs, including direct engagement with program directors, allowing prospective students to connect directly with faculty members.

Location: Online

Doctor of Education Program Contact

Kimmy Diallo Kimmy Diallo

Admission Counselor and Advisor

 863.680.4914

text message 863.250.4194

Lori Rakes Lori Rakes, Ph.D.

Dean of Education

Nina B. Hollis Endowed Chair of Education

Associate Professor of Education

Carol J. Barnett / Curry Education Office - 113

 863.680.4172

Steve Petrie Steve Petrie

Program Coordinator, EDU Doctoral Programs

 863.680.6459