Graduate Catalog 2024-2025
School Improvement, Ed.D.
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Program Overview
The online Ed.D. program in School Improvement offers a unique opportunity for educators looking for an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based doctoral program that prepares graduates to become the next generation of change agents. Our mission is to develop educational professionals who initiate systemic and sustainable improvement in schools. Graduates will strategically and collaboratively plan, design, implement, and document the impact of educational improvements that promote and increase the academic achievement and social development of all students. It is the goal of our program and its faculty that our graduates:
- Develop a strong knowledge base on theories and practices in PK - 12 educational leadership, instruction, and applied research.
- Effectively engage and influence stakeholders with a common purpose towards PK - 12 school improvement.
- Conduct research that can be applied to initiate and sustain PK - 12 school improvement.
- Lead evidence-based research efforts to promote and increase equitable student learning and development for all students.
Application Process
Admission to the Doctor of Education in School Improvement Program is highly competitive. Each spring and summer, all timely and complete applications meeting the minimum recommended requirements are thoroughly reviewed by several faculty members. All applicants, including previous UWG students, must complete all steps of the application process as outlined below. Only completed applications received by the deadline will be considered.
Complete the online application for graduate admissions. If you are pursuing the 60 credit hour program, you must identify your Area of Concentration on the application. The online application requires a $40.00 non-refundable application fee.
All applicants must have earned a Master’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
A cumulative minimum graduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for all graduate coursework.
Vitae: A vitae listing education and employment history, experience with school improvement, and awards and recognitions. The C.V. should demonstrate progressive K-12 leadership experience, and include contact information for 3 references. Current and complete contact information, including an active email address, should be provided.
Official Transcripts: Request official transcripts from degree-granting institutions for undergraduate and graduate work. Place the transcripts in this packet in their original, sealed envelopes (it cannot be treated as official if it has been opened). Or the university may send e-scripts to graduate@westga.edu.
Essay: Complete a 750-1,000 word essay that uses scholarly literature (e.g., research articles) to connect your experience with school improvement and your professional goals with the body of research related to the topic. Explain how research has informed your professional practice and what outcomes you believe are possible when implementing effective school improvement practices. Please write your essay in APA, 7th edition format, including citations and a reference list.
Writing Sample: Submit previously written work (5-10 pages in length) that you feel demonstrates your writing abilities. Written work can include papers from graduate degree work or work reports.
International applicants must follow procedures and timelines of the UWG International Student Admissions and Programs Office (ISAP).
Finalists may be selected for a telephone or virtual interview.
Transfer of Credits
In the 60 credit-hour program, the core 48 credit-hours must be taken at UWG as per the student’s program of study. A maximum of 15 semester hours of graduate credit for area of concentration courses may be transferred from another accredited institution or applied from previous coursework at the University of West Georgia, subject to the following conditions:
- work must have been completed within seven years of the date of admission to the Ed.D. degree program;
- work must have been applicable toward a graduate degree at the institution where the credit was earned;
- the coursework must be approved by the Ed.D. Director.
- courses must have been taken post Master’s degree; (normally 7000 level courses or above)
- the courses must meet the thematic requirements for the AoC; and
- a grade of B or higher must have been earned in the coursework.
AoC (Area of Concentration) - required in 60 credit hour program
The Area of Concentration (or AoC) in the School Improvement program provides a specialized, thematic concentration to the student’s studies. Made up of 15 credit hours of electives and the student’s dissertation, the AoC comprises a student’s focus within the program. Specific AoC’s are developed in conjunction with various departments within the College of Education at the University of West Georgia. Currently, the available AoC’s include:
- English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Elementary Education
- Educational Leadership
- Instructional Technology
- K-12 Online Learning
- Media Specialist
- Reading
- School Counseling
- Special Education (General Curriculum)
For Georgia Students only
The Doctor of Education in School Improvement Degree is approved by the Georgia PSC for a certificate upgrade for students who enter the program with Georgia certification in Educational Leadership, English to Speakers of Other Languages, Elementary Education, Instructional Technology, K-12 Online Learning, Media Specialist, Reading, School Counseling, and/or Special Education General Curriculum.
The following conditions/restrictions apply:
- The student must enter the program with the qualifying certification area already on their Georgia certificate as a clear renewable field,
- The student must select the applicable, qualifying certification area as their minimum 15-hour Area of Concentration. In order to receive a certification upgrade as a part of the Ed.D. in School Improvement, the hours must be taken at UWG as a part of this degree program,
- Educational Leadership students must meet the specific position requirements, and
- The program does not lead to initial certification.
It is the responsibility of the applicant/student to check the upgrade possibilities at the GAPSC Certificate Upgrade Advisor.
General Academic Standards
Graduate students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher to remain in Good Academic Standing. Students must be in Good Academic Standing to be eligible to graduate and admission to candidacy. Student’s must also maintain good standing on major program assessments, or will face intervention and consequences.
A student will be dismissed from the program if he or she earns two C’s, one F or two U’s in dissertation hours, or a combination of a C in coursework and a U in dissertation hours.
Academic Standing
In addition to the University of West Georgia academic requirements, the Doctor of School Improvement Program uses a student review process to monitor student progress within the Ed.D. program.
Each student is reviewed regularly regarding the following:
- Academic progress and standards,
- Ethical, legal, and professional standards and performance in the program, and
- Progress on major program assessments.
Students not performing at the required level, not making significant progress toward completion of the dissertation, or judged to be in noncompliance with the ethical, legal, and professional standards of the program will be notified, and may face action which includes but is not limited to completing a Student Development Plan, placement on academic or other probation, or dismissal from the program.
Program of Study for Students Without an Ed.S. Degree
Core Content School Improvement (18 hours):
Elective (Select any one) (3 hours):
Doctoral Seminar (3 hours):
Area of Concentration (AoC) (15 hours)
Total Program: 60 hours
Program Notes:
1. Courses in the (AoC) Area of Concentration (15 hours) may be taken at designated times during the plan of studies.
2. Up to 12 credit hours of post-Masters’ coursework may be transferred in for doctoral credit in the Area of Concentration and hours may be taken after admission to candidacy and with the approval of the advisor.
3. Additional program policies are outlined on the School Improvement Doctoral Program website.
Program of Study for Students With an Ed.S. Degree
Core Content School Improvement (15 hours)
School Improvement Capstone Experience (9 hours)
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