Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or its equivalent.
- See International Admissions for details regarding evaluation of international degrees for grade and degree equivalency.
- Successful completion of a graduate degree, typically defined by a 3.0 cumulative GPA, or better. However, applications are reviewed holistically as a determination of academic readiness.
- Prior successful completion of statistical analysis coursework preferred
- Regular access to an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies
- Computer with internet connection, including the hardware and software requirements described on the Technical Requirements page. Must also possess sufficient computer skills to navigate the internet as all classes are accessed 100% online.
What this program looks for in an applicant
Applicants with rich backgrounds and a variety of professional and academic experiences are ideal candidates for the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program. There is no one typical background, but rather the successful student is characterized by a lifelong curiosity, a natural perseverance, and an inclination to take on new challenges. The program is designed for mid-career professionals who are currently working in leadership positions or who have the capacity to initiate change within their organization. Successful alumni come from fields such as education, military, service agencies, health care and business organizations and more. The ability to learn and adapt to new tools and technology is an asset in this program. Students with the capacity to manage multiple competing priorities are most successful in our online learning environment.
Please note: If your goal is to become an Administrator in the State of Maine, and you currently have your master’s degree, the 30-credit CAGS in Advanced Educational Leadership is the program that would lead to Building Administrator 040 certification in the State of Maine. If you will be working outside of the State of Maine, UNE Online highly recommends that you research your specific state requirements for entry level into assistant principal or principal positions before entering this (or any) program.
Application Process
Step 1
Create an account for the Online Application Portal, start a new application and fill out all required fields.
Step 2
Upload all supporting documents:
- Professional Resume/CV: Must be current and include current professional roles and responsibilities
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Application Essay (maximum of 1500 words): Please describe your leadership experiences in your professional role. What challenges have you encountered and what lessons have you learned? With your experience as context, please describe why you value the study and practice of educational leadership. Please include any academic and professional experiences that support your candidacy to pursue this unique program of study. Finally and most critically, propose your initial thoughts on a topic of research for your doctoral study and the institutional context in which you might conduct your research.
- Your essay should follow APA format demonstrating strong academic writing including references to peer reviewed scholarly work.
Your essay will be evaluated on the following criteria:
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- Indications of leadership experience and potential
- Desire for professional improvement and growth
- Capacity to frame a compelling argument for study
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- Two completed Application Recommendation forms.
- These forms may be printed out and must first be completed by the applicant before giving it to the recommender to fill out.
- Once the recommender has completed the form, the recommender must send it directly to UNE by email or mail.
- If preferred, the applicant can reach out to an enrollment counselor to initiate an electronic version of this form to be completed by both parties online.
- Recommendation letters should attest to applicants’ academic ability or potential to succeed in graduate school. Please keep in mind that the admissions committee likes to see recommendation forms from references in a supervisor or leadership position. Letters from co-workers and friends will not be reviewed.
Step 3
- Request an official transcript reflecting conferral of master’s degree and any other post-master’s certificates or coursework.
- Official transcripts must be submitted to UNE directly from the institution. Please contact your college or university as soon as possible and request that they send an official transcript via mail to the address below or by certified electronic delivery. We will notify you as soon as we receive your official transcript.
- If your transcript is from an international institution, it will need to be translated and/or evaluated for U.S. grade and degree equivalency and sent to us directly from the evaluation company. Please contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
- If sent electronically, request that your transcript be sent to: education@une.edu
- If mailed, request that your transcript be addressed to:
- Please Note: Additional transcripts may be required or requested. You can always submit additional transcripts if you feel they would strengthen your application.
Step 4
Pay non-refundable $40 application fee.
Procedures and Policies
Upon acceptance, students may apply to transfer up to four 3-credit courses (maximum of twelve credits) into the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program.
UNE Online also offers students the opportunity to transfer up to four 3-credit courses from their previous post-master’s coursework (taken within the last five years) into the Ed.D. This includes our own Post-Master's Certificate (PMC) or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) programs.
Students who transfer four 3-credit courses into the program have the potential to graduate with their doctorate in just over two years.
Transfer courses must:
- Be classified as post-master's level.
- Be worth 3 credits.
- Have been taken within five years of application.
- Have been completed with a grade of "B" or better.
- Be equivalent to one of the required program courses or an elective course that meets the goals of the student’s education.
To request consideration for transfer credit, a student must provide an official transcript and a course syllabus for each course. Your enrollment counselor or student support specialist can assist you with this request. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies based on specific program details listed above. Requests for approval of transfer credit should be submitted to, and will be granted at the discretion of, the Program Director.
All application materials submitted to UNE are valid for 12 months from the date received by the University. To avoid needing to re-request transcripts and letters of recommendation, we recommend that you complete your application and enroll in a timely manner. In the event that you need to re-apply or re-activate your application, materials older than 12 months will need to be re-submitted without exception.
Students not seeking a degree may enroll in individual courses as a non-matriculated student, space permitting and upon approval by the program manager. Non-matriculated students must hold a bachelor’s degree and submit an official transcript reflecting conferral of the degree. Students may not move from non-matriculated to matriculated status within the same semester. Please contact an enrollment counselor to assist in this process.
More information explaining the admissions requirements for international students or applicants with international degrees can be found here on the International Admissions page. If you have specific questions, please contact an enrollment counselor for personal guidance through the application process.
Your Education Enrollment Counselors
Our enrollment counselors are here to help you understand the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) admission requirements and assist you throughout the entire application process.
If you have any questions about the coursework or the program requirements, please speak to one of our enrollment counselors at the email or phone number below.