EdLF Doctoral Program Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Candidates

The Doctor of Education degree (EdD) in the Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations prepares mid-career leaders for advanced leadership positions in K–12 schools, higher education settings, and other teaching and learning environments. We are looking for candidates with at least three to five years of leadership experience.

Application

We accept applications for our program only on even-numbered years (e.g., 2020, 2022, etc.). The application deadline is March 1 of each of these years. As you plan your academic career and prepare your application, please contact 801-422-4291 with questions. Below are answers to some questions that are frequently asked

Do I have to take the GRE, and what is an acceptable score?

We do require the GRE test. A competitive score is above the 50th percentile in each of the three tested areas.

Do you accept any other graduate admissions tests?

Yes, we accept the LSAT with a score at or above the 60th percentile or the GMAT with a score at or above the 50th percentile.

What is the GPA requirement?

We require a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) during the last 60 hours of coursework.

Do I need an ecclesiastical endorsement?

Yes. Learn more here.

Do I have to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to attend?

No, but you do have to have an acceptable ecclesiastical endorsement (see previous question).

Do you require letters of recommendation?

Yes, we require three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from your current direct supervisor.

Do I need to have transcripts from all of the institutions I have attended?

Yes, you will need to send official transcripts from all of the institutions you have attended.

Are there any other application requirements?

You must provide a letter of intent providing a clear statement that describes how the EdD will facilitate advancement in your current career trajectory.

What type of leadership experience is required?

We are looking for educational leaders with at least three years of leadership experience. Most of our applicants from K–12 settings are principals, but there are a few assistant principals among them. Most of our applicants who are involved in higher education are department directors. We also have some Church Educational System principals and assistant principals in the program.

Is there is an application fee?

There is a $50 non-refundable application fee.

Do I have to fill out a paper application or is there an online version?

All applications are online through BYU's Grad Studies Office.

How many students are accepted into the program—and out of how many applicants?

We select approximately nine students for each cohort out of a pool of 40–50 applicants.

How soon can I find out if I am accepted?

Usually by the end of March.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Program

When can I expect to finish the program?

The program can be finished in three years; however, most of our candidates complete the program in four years.

What are the requirements of the dissertation?

We have moved to a hybrid dissertation model, which is a journal-ready article that adds a full literature review and methods section as appendices.

How many credit hours are required, and what is the general cost of the program?

The total number of credit hours required for the program is 52, which includes 40 coursework credits and 12 dissertation credits. A student is required to take a minimum of six credit hours a year. Tuition is BYU’s normal graduate tuition rate.

Financial Aid Opportunities

The EDLF department has very limited funding for its students, and our annual scholarship funding varies from year to year. Incoming students interested in financial aid should submit the EdD program Application for Financial Aid form as part of the initial application process for funding in the summer or fall of the current calendar year. This form can be found on the website or obtained from the department secretary in 306 MCKB. The EdD program committee will review applications and determine the scholarship funding. Students should be aware that receiving funding for one year does not guarantee funding for the next.

Coursework Delivery