Ph.D. in Educational Leadership

For admission into the program, an applicant must hold a master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field; those applicants seeking professional certification as Principal or Superintendent in conjunction with the degree must meet eligibility requirements in the state of Texas, and may be required to take additional coursework in order to meet both programmatic and State of Texas certification requirements.

Each applicant must present:

• Official transcript(s) exhibiting a strong academic record (e-transcripts may be sent to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu)
• Current resume reflecting all professional experience
• Copy of valid educator certificate and official service record
• Applicants seeking certification as a superintendent must hold the principal certificate or a valid waiver of the certificate from T.E.A. at time of application
• Applicants to the PhD program who are seeking certification as a principal must meet T.E.A. requirements for admission to a principal preparation program, and must already hold a master's degree in educational leadership or a related field; these applicants may also be required to complete 6-9 hours of coursework in addition to the PhD to meet certification requirements.
• Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which are from persons known in a professional or supervisory relationship
• Personal Statement - In 500-750 words, explain why you wish to seek the doctorate and/or superintendent certificate. Explain how you see the degree and/or certification as fitting with personal and professional goals, and what you view as your strengths and challenges as you embark on this new journey
• Essay - In a democratic society, what role and in what ways does ethics shape teaching and learning in K-12 educational space? (500-750 words)
• Professional/graduate writing sample (10-20 pages) that demonstrates academic writing skills appropriate for success in a graduate program. This may be a sample created for the application, but it my also be an edited paper from the applicant's prior coursework, or a solo- or co-authored publication. (If co-authored, please include a statement clarifying the applicant's role and contributions to the paper)
• Live (virtual or in person) or video interview (if requested by program, or if applicant is also applying for principal or superintendent certification)
• Online Criminal Background Check required for PK-12 emphasis applicants

As of March 15, 2017, the Texas Education Agency Board requires the implementation of an Accountability System for Educator Preparation Programs (ASEP) technology fee, as required by 19 TAC 229.9(7). This fee is required for each candidate seeking certification; the candidate must pay a one-time admission fee of $35. The fee will appear on your TCU student account.

Program requirements can be found in the TCU Graduate Catalog.

• Official transcript(s) exhibiting a strong academic record (e-transcripts may be sent to tcugradstudies@tcu.edu)
• Current resume reflecting all professional and relevant, research experience
• Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which are from persons known in a professional or supervisory relationship
• Personal Statement - In 500-750 words, explain why you wish to seek the doctorate focused on higher education. Explain how you see the degree fitting with personal and professional goals, and what you view as your strengths and challenges as you embark on this new journey. Finally, share your emerging research interests and how they align with the program.
• Ethics Statement - TCU aims to education ethical and responsible citizens in a global society. What is the role of higher education leaders and researchers in promoting social responsibility? How have you responded to pressing societal and educational issues in your personal practice or scholarly interests?

• August 1 - Application open
• January 2 - Applications due