doctoral education programs oklahoma

Transforming Leaders and Shaping Education

Ou online doctor of education in education administration, get started, program overview.

This program equips graduates with advanced knowledge of educational leadership theories, emphasizing practical application in solving real-world challenges. It focuses on honing decision-making and problem-solving skills for complex educational settings, along with organizational management and leadership competencies, covering areas like human resources and financial management.

Online Master of Construction Business in Construction Management

Why earn your ed.d. degree online from ou.

Craft a personalized doctoral experience to align with your career goals, gain skills and expertise in either Higher Education Leadership or PK-12 Leadership.

Gain access to the esteemed Sooner Alumni Network, fostering unique networking opportunities and valuable career connections.

Study from anywhere with synchronous and asynchronous content, catering to working professionals seeking educational advancement while juggling work, family, and other commitments.

OU’s program, accredited by CAEP, stands as the state’s flagship, ensuring a superior quality doctoral degree.

Admissions Requirements

Submit undergraduate transcripts for your conferred bachelor’s and master’s degree.

In this 36-month program, students complete a Problem of Practice Dissertation through their coursework. Please propose a problem of practice that you are considering for your dissertation in the program (600-750 words). Include the following components in your statement:

• Background on the setting (e.g., school district, higher education institution, or non-profit organization)
• Description of the problem of the practice
• Importance of your problem of practice

It is understood that your dissertation topic/interests may change, so you are not locked into this proposal if you are accepted into the program.

Students should have earned a conferred master’s degree. No minimum years of experience is required.

Earn an online Ed.D. at the University of Oklahoma. Develop ethical leadership, cultural competence, and reflective practice. Our interdisciplinary faculty ensures practical skills aligned with current trends and employer needs for immediate career application.  

Program of Study - Educational Leadership Concentration Courses

Credits – 3

Prerequisite: graduate standing.

The course is intended to prepare educational leaders who value and are committed to educating all students to become successful adults. Included is a detailed analysis of the role of vision and visionary leadership in educational organizations. Both scholarly literature and best practices concerning visionary leadership in education underlay course activities and discussions.

Strategic planning enables a district or school to shape and guide its overall educational objectives. Through effective strategic planning an educational organization creates a framework for developing, adapting and aligning organizational vision, mission and goals to achieve and sustain its desired educational outcomes. A critical element of the planning process is financial planning, in which the organization’s goals are aligned with organizational resources. Course focuses on the leadership competencies necessary to formulate, execute and monitor the strategic planning for an educational organization based on research-based analytical techniques and models. Includes an examination for school district risk management.

Focuses on instructional leadership and its emphasis on competencies necessary for leadership and management of school districts. The class draws from research, public policy and educational practices related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, strategic planning, and professional growth plans. Will enable school district administrators to plan for the integration of technology in curriculum implementation, instructional strategies, and evaluation/assessment. (Sp)

The purpose of this course is to introduce beginning doctoral students to the concept and process of research. Included are issues related to the role of philosophical frameworks, theory, research conceptualization, scholarly writing, and rudimentary research methods.

Designed to provide advanced graduate students with research skills required of effective executive educational leaders. This course will provide students with the analytical tools necessary to become effective, critical consumers of educational research, and to enable potential educational leaders to oversee and supervise staff in the preparation, development, and dissemination of evaluative research.

Credits – 2-4

Prerequisite: master’s degree, 24 hours of education, permission of instructor. May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum credit twelve hours. Enrollment limited to students who hold the master’s degree.

Introduces graduate students to concepts, methods, and issues in qualitative research as it is used in educational settings. Draws attention to epistemological and ethical concerns in social science and to strategic and logistical issues in the conduct of field research. Both positivist and interpretive approaches to the use of qualitative methods will be explored. Concept and theory building, strategies and techniques, and discussions of different issues of reliability and validity in the use of qualitative data will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor.

Examines the field of intra/interpersonal relationships in the context of educational organizations and their constituent communities; topics include authenticity, organizational communication, leader behavior, group dynamics, and conflict management.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.

This course builds knowledge and competencies on theory based evaluation science through a review of evaluation approaches and theoretical paradigms, evaluation components, terms, and methods; and endemic issues and challenges in conducting evaluation in the social sciences.

Enables students to understand the legal complexities involved in identifying and providing educational services to students with special needs.

Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor

An introduction to analytical techniques applicable to the development of education policy. Includes consideration of decision theory and its application to policy making. Social, political, economic and multicultural factors in the organization and its environment will be explored as contexts within which educational policy is established.

Credits – 2-6

Prerequisite: written permission of the instructor.

May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. Variable as to title and subject profession. An advanced internship for post-master’s level students only. The object of the internship is to cultivate within the student a high degree of proficiency and professional independence. Field supervision is by a practitioner whose credentials are equal to those of the graduate faculty.

Prerequisites: graduate standing and EACS 6023, 6713, and 6970.

The course is intended to help provide advanced graduate students with necessary analytical skills to become effective consumers of research, and to produce an effective doctoral dissertation. The course focuses on skills related to formulation of research problems, developing research proposals, collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

Doctoral Credits – 2-6

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; majors only.

This seminar is designed for advanced PhD students/candidates and is a formal venue for developing a sample dissertation prospectus as a starting point to work from and further develop with the student’s dissertation chair and committee.

Credits – 2

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours.

This course is designed to support doctoral students post-prospectus defense, during data collection, analysis, and the writing of their dissertation. As such, the course is run as a seminar in which students develop and progress their individual research projects. Particular attention is spent on data analysis processes and how to move from analysis toward the written dissertation.

Credits – 2-16 hours

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor; may be repeated. Directed research culminating in the completion of the doctoral dissertation. (F, Sp, Su)

Program of Study - Higher Education Concentration Courses

Prerequisite: graduate standing. The course is intended to prepare educational leaders who value and are committed to educating all students to become successful adults. Included is a detailed analysis of the role of vision and visionary leadership in educational organizations. Both scholarly literature and best practices concerning visionary leadership in education underlay course activities and discussions.

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Strategic planning enables a district or school to shape and guide its overall educational objectives. Through effective strategic planning an educational organization creates a framework for developing, adapting and aligning organizational vision, mission and goals to achieve and sustain its desired educational outcomes. A critical element of the planning process is financial planning, in which the organization’s goals are aligned with organizational resources. Course focuses on the leadership competencies necessary to formulate, execute and monitor the strategic planning for an educational organization based on research-based analytical techniques and models. Includes an examination for school district risk management.

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Organization and administration of adult and higher education from legislative, legal, structural-functional, power, political, bureaucratic and social perspectives. Topics considered include: governance, central office organization, administrative position analysis, faculty organization, faculty participation in policy formation and decision making, academic freedom, goals analysis, budgetary policies and methods, and decision strategies.

Prerequisite: graduate standing. The purpose of this course is to introduce beginning doctoral students to the concept and process of research. Included are issues related to the role of philosophical frameworks, theory, research conceptualization, scholarly writing, and rudimentary research methods.

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Designed to provide advanced graduate students with research skills required of effective executive educational leaders. This course will provide students with the analytical tools necessary to become effective, critical consumers of educational research, and to enable potential educational leaders to oversee and supervise staff in the preparation, development, and dissemination of evaluative research.

Prerequisite: master’s degree, 24 hours of education, permission of instructor. May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum credit twelve hours. Enrollment limited to students who hold the master’s degree.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Designed to expose students to a variety of educational theories as well as how research uses and engages theory. In addition, a primary objective of this course is for students to understand prominent theories in educational research and how they may utilize theory to evaluate programs, design studies, and create learning environments that support students and educational institutions.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. This course builds knowledge and competencies on theory-based evaluation science through a review of evaluation approaches and theoretical paradigms, evaluation components, terms, and methods; and endemic issues and challenges in conducting evaluation in the social sciences.

Prerequisite: graduate standing, 5693. Designed to help enhance the competencies of school district administrators in the area of educational technology leadership. Focuses on technology leadership (at the central office level), rather than technology user skills. Intended for district level leaders (such as superintendents) who are not technology specialists (e.g., the course is not intended for district level technology directors or coordinators).

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Enables students to understand the legal complexities involved in identifying and providing educational services to students with special needs.

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Introduces graduate students to concepts, methods, and issues in qualitative research as it is used in educational settings. Draws attention to epistemological and ethical concerns in social science and to strategic and logistical issues in the conduct of field research. Both positivist and interpretive approaches to the use of qualitative methods will be explored. Concept and theory building, strategies and techniques, and discussions of different issues of reliability and validity in the use of qualitative data will be emphasized.

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Explores twentieth-century ideas and issues in adult and higher education. The majority of the literature and discussion concern the university.

Prerequisite: graduate standing. Explores the educational participation of diverse groups in higher education. The student will gain a further understanding of issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and physical disability and their influence on colleges and universities.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. This course is designed to support doctoral students post-prospectus defense, during data collection, analysis, and the writing of their dissertation. As such, the course is run as a seminar in which students develop and progress their individual research projects. Particular attention is spent on data analysis processes and how to move from analysis toward the written dissertation.

Prerequisites: graduate standing and EACS 6023 , 6713 , and 6970. The course is intended to help provide advanced graduate students with necessary analytical skills to become effective consumers of research, and to produce an effective doctoral dissertation. The course focuses on skills related to formulation of research problems, developing research proposals, collection, analysis and interpretation of data.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; majors only. This seminar is designed for advanced PhD students/candidates and is a formal venue for developing a sample dissertation prospectus as a starting point to work from and further develop with the student’s dissertation chair and committee.

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2024 best ed.d. & education doctoral degrees in oklahoma.

Are you in Oklahoma looking for a college or university where you can earn an Ed.D. or doctoral degree in education? Start your search for the best education doctorates available in Oklahoma.

The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide makes it easy to find information about schools offering education-related doctoral degrees. Get detailed information about colleges and universities with these programs, including the number of distance-offered degree completions and more. In the end, you'll have an understanding of which school may be right for you. Click here to learn more about the guide.

Oklahoma Education Doctoral Schools by the Numbers

Doctoral degree completions in education at institutions in Oklahoma have been growing over the past 5 years. In 2022, students completed 47 education-related doctoral degree programs that were offered by Oklahoma colleges and universities. That was an increase of 100% from completions reported in 2018.

Schools with Doctoral Completions in Ed.D. & Education

Est. total doctoral completions in 2022, est. doctoral completions (last 5 years), top education doctoral degree for working adults in oklahoma.

Franklin University's 100% online doctoral programs are a top-choice for ambitious adults driven to do more. The transfer-friendly programs feature a No-Fear Dissertation™, and can be completed in as few as three years. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin is nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440).

Dissertation

Doctoral completions for 2022, est. doctoral degree availability, private colleges & universities offering education doctoral degrees in oklahoma.

There are at least 3 private schools serving Oklahoma, where students completed 32 education doctorate programs. Browse through the listing below to learn more about these private colleges offering education doctoral programs in Oklahoma.

Avg. GR Tuition & Fees

School type.

Franklin University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit school that offers education doctoral degree programs in Oklahoma. Most students are adults and all education programs completed were offered online. In 2022, 4 education doctoral degrees were completed.

Doctoral Degree Completions for 2022

Est. online doctoral degree availability.

Oral Roberts University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit school that offers education doctoral degree programs in Oklahoma. Most students are of traditional age and no education programs completed were offered online. In 2022, 7 education doctoral degrees were completed.

Southern Nazarene University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit school that offers education doctoral degree programs in Oklahoma. Most students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no education programs completed were offered online. In 2022, 21 education doctoral degrees were completed.

Public Colleges & Universities Offering Education Doctoral Degrees in Oklahoma

There are 2 public colleges located in Oklahoma. About 40,641 students were enrolled in graduate programs, and about 19 education doctoral degrees were completed at public colleges in Oklahoma. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus is an institutionally accredited public school that offers education doctoral degree programs in Oklahoma. Most students are of traditional age and no education programs completed were offered online. In 2022, 16 education doctoral degrees were completed.

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus is an institutionally accredited public school that offers education doctoral degree programs in Oklahoma. Most students are of traditional age and no education programs completed were offered online. In 2022, 3 education doctoral degrees were completed.

Affordable Education Doctorate Programs in Oklahoma

Wondering what you can expect to pay for a doctorate degree in education in Oklahoma? According to graduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average tuition at Oklahoma nonprofit graduate schools offering Ed.D. or education-related programs is $19,220. The average tuition at similar for-profit schools in Oklahoma is N/A.

Nonprofit Doctoral School

For-profit doctoral school, accredited colleges offering education doctoral degrees in oklahoma.

Earning a college degree is an investment — and earning an Ed.D. or education doctorate from an institutionally accredited university is one of the best ways to ensure your education is of high quality. Institutionally accredited universities are held to rigorous standards by state and regional bodies and undergo regular reviews to verify that their processes and academic programs meet the proper standards.

Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs in Oklahoma is institutionally accredited? View a list of education doctorate programs at institutionally accredited colleges and universities in Oklahoma here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.

• Franklin University
• Southern Nazarene University
• Oral Roberts University

Find More Colleges Offering Doctoral Degrees in Oklahoma

Interested in another degree? Find other programs in Oklahoma by selecting a category below.

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EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Programs in Oklahoma

Public or private? OU or OSU? If you're searching for the best OK doctoral program in education, our guide is here to help. It contains a complete listing of Ed.D. programs in Oklahoma and resources on major areas of concern: Ed.D. funding, administrator certification, and PreK-20 employment prospects. Don't miss the ideas for leadership training in the career section!

Earning a Doctor of Education Degree in Oklahoma

Oklahoma doctoral programs in education fall into two broad categories: offerings from big public research players (i.e. OSU and OU) and Ed.D. programs from private universities with a Christian worldview (i.e. SNU and ORU). Most of these schools focus on traditional leadership specialties, but OSU has a couple of highly unusual offerings. You’ll find them in our school listings , alongside links to costs & curricula.

Keep in mind that these are primarily on-campus or blended doctorates—Oklahoma institutions have yet to jump with gusto on the distance learning bandwagon. If you like the look of one in particular, be sure to match it up against the links in our Ed.D. funding section. A few of these Ed.D. degrees will also be able to help you prepare for administrator certification at the district-level (i.e. superintendent).

Already planning for post-graduation? Have a quick look at our career section . We’ve highlighted relevant administrative job & salary data and identified useful resources for your job interview (e.g. PreK-20 financial reports). This area of the guide also contains an annotated list of educational leadership organizations and ideas for conferences & training programs . CCOSA is extremely active in the realm of professional development.

Doctoral Education Funding in Oklahoma

Internal scholarships, fellowships & awards.

For this section, we’ve highlighted institutional aid—doctoral awards and discounts that are offered by the university itself. The Office of Financial Aid and the Graduate School will have more information and advice on applying for federal financial aid and loans. You can also talk to your employer about the possibility of work reimbursement.

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

The College of Education, Health and Aviation (EHA) has info on applying for EHA Scholarships , but the list of awards in the OSU catalog isn’t big on specifics. The Graduate School has an extensive section on Financing Graduate School , with details on assistantships, graduate scholarships & fellowships, graduate college awards, and loans.

The Graduate School appears to have a fair amount of funding for current students. There’s a Doctoral Student Phoenix Award and a lovely Robberson Summer Dissertation Fellowship . However, OSU doesn’t specify whether Ed.D. students count as doctoral students. We recommend you ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for details.

Oral Roberts University

The College of Education (COE) has a list of Graduate School of Education Scholarships at the master’s and doctoral level. There are some excellent awards & fellowships in this list, along with details about ORU’s Military Discount.

Southern Nazarene University

SNU has a section on Financial Aid for Professional and Graduate School ; most of the info is on external aid. And Graduate Scholarships are often limited to master’s students.

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education (JRCOE) has a large section on COE Graduate Scholarships . This list includes a number of general graduate awards, but it’s best to ask the program coordinator if Executive Ed.D. students qualify for them.

We also want to recommend the JRCOE Money Guide , which provides info on graduate assistantships, fellowships, financial aid, loans, and much more. At OU, there are a number of travel & research grants available for academic conferences or conducting research.

Note: If a university name is missing from the list, we didn’t find specific examples of Ed.D. funding beyond private & federal loans and external aid.

School Administration Certification Requirements in Oklahoma

Administrator certification.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is responsible for issuing teacher certificates and administrator certifications.

• The OSDE’s page on Updates/Enhancements to Teacher Credential Areas has detailed info on the process, including instructions for educators who are seeking alternative administrator certification. We’ve also provided a brief rundown of requirements for principal & superintendent positions below.
• In addition, the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (OEQA) maintains a list of state-approved educator preparation programs for certification.

You don’t have to earn a doctorate to qualify for principal or superintendent certification, but there are some Oklahoma Ed.D. programs in our school listings that incorporate that preparation into the curriculum. For example, OU’s Executive Ed.D. and ORU’s Ed.D. in Public School Administration have been approved by the OSDE for district-level certification purposes.

To earn the Standard Administrator Certificate as a Principal, you must:

• Hold a standard master’s degree.
• Complete a state-approved building-level leadership skills program in education administration.
• Achieve a passing score on Principal Oklahoma Subject Area Tests (Common core and principal specialty area).
• Have two years of successful teaching experience in an Oklahoma public or private school accredited by the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

Superintendent

To earn the Standard Administrator Certificate as a Superintendent, you must:

• Hold Principal certification OR complete a state-approved building-level leadership skills program in education administration that includes a standard master’s degree.
• Complete a state-approved district-level leadership skills program in education administration OR have completed a state-approved master’s degree in education administration between 7/1/05 and 8/25/12.
• Achieve a passing score on the Superintendent Oklahoma Subject Area Test .
• Have two years of administrative experience in an Oklahoma public or private school accredited by the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

Educational Leadership Jobs in Oklahoma

Educational leadership career outlook.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps close watch on employment & salary data for elementary & secondary school education administrators and postsecondary education administrators in every state. Averages for four types of education administrators are listed in the BLS’s section on State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Oklahoma .

The BLS’s employment maps are particularly helpful if you want to see how Oklahoma is doing in relation to its neighbors. For example, the job market for K-12 administrators is low when compared to big states (e.g. Texas), but it’s not at the bottom of the barrel—it’s usually similar to Arkansas and Kansas.

• For more detailed K-12 data and statistical perspectives on districts, check out the OSDE’s Administrators section. This contains links to Oklahoma School Report Cards , NAEP results, and much more.
• The section on OSDE Public Records is also enlightening. It has a list of award-winning schools & districts, performance & finance reports, and an entire sub-section on Workforce data.

The job news is better for Oklahoma postsecondary education administrators . The state is frequently lurking in the BLS’s second employment bracket—on par with Missouri and beating out Arkansas and Kansas. Big research universities such as OU and OSU obviously employ more administrators than smaller schools, but be aware that Tulsa Community College is pretty sizeable, both in terms of enrollment and staff numbers.

Planning your next higher education move? The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (State Regents) and its section on Studies, Reports and Data is an excellent place to start your career research. It contains annual data reports on OK postsecondary institutions (e.g. enrollment, ten-year institutional profiles, fiscal reports, etc.) and 10,000-foot-view publications (e.g. Report of the Task Force on the Future of Higher Education).

Educational Leadership Salaries

Annual mean wages for Oklahoma K-12 administrators are less than stellar. The Sooner State is often one of the lowest paying states in the country for this job category.

You’ll discover public school salaries for Oklahoma superintendents and school administrators listed in OSDE Public Records , under Workforce. These can be quite detailed. For instance, the report on Oklahoma district superintendent salaries contains the person’s name, base salary, and fringe benefits.

It’s a similar tale for Oklahoma postsecondary education administrators —mean wages are usually in the lowest bracket, along with New Mexico. The one bright spot is in the middle of the state, with its cluster of well-paying higher education institutions (e.g. OSU-OKC, OU, UCO, etc.).

• The State Regents publishes annual Salaries in the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education in its section on Fiscal data.
• If you want to search for salaries by the person’s name, the Office of Management Enterprise Service (OMES) publishes quarterly State of Oklahoma Payroll data.
• Oklahoma Watch’s Data Center also lists Oklahoma University Salaries , but these are primarily limited to high-level administrators.

Educational Leadership Job Boards

Regular job sites (e.g. LinkedIn, Indeed, HigherEdJobs, SchoolSpring, etc.) will always contain postings for Oklahoma educational leaders. But you may wish to try a couple of local job boards as well.

• OSSBA conducts Superintendent Searches for Oklahoma superintendents and maintains a comprehensive Job Board with listings for Oklahoma educators and administrators (e.g. principals, business managers, directors, etc.).
• CCOSA lists Job Postings for school administrators, support staff, special education educators, and teachers.

Educational Leadership Organizations in Oklahoma

Educational leadership associations.

• Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA) : CCOSA is an umbrella organization for five professional associations in Oklahoma (see below). It promotes quality administrative leadership for Oklahoma schools through professional development, legislation, and member services. It’s a state affiliate of AASA.
• Oklahoma Association of School Business Officials (OKASBO) : OKASBO is a non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence and professionalism in all aspects of school business. It offers voluntary certification and it’s a state affiliate of ASBO International.
• Oklahoma Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (OASCD) : OASCD represents educational leaders who are committed to promoting excellence in student learning. It’s a state affiliate of ASCD.
• Oklahoma Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) : OASFAA serves the needs of Oklahoma student financial aid administrators and counselors in institutions of higher learning.
• Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) : OEA is the state’s largest teachers’ union. It has nearly 40,000 members and is a state affiliate of the NEA.
• Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) : OSSBA works to promote quality public education for the children of Oklahoma through training and information services to school board members. It often works closely with superintendents and CCOSA.

CCOSA Member Associations

• Oklahoma Association of Elementary School Principals (OAESP) : OAESP supports Oklahoma elementary and middle level principals with professional development, advocacy, and networking. Check out the OAESP Member Awards Program Grants . It’s a state affiliate of NAESP.
• Oklahoma Association of School Administrators (OASA) : OASA advocates for adequate funding for Oklahoma public schools, accountability measures, fair treatment of education employees, and seeks to reduce state intrusion in local board of education matters.
• Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals (OASSP) : OASSP is committed to the improvement of middle and high school education in Oklahoma and the support of Oklahoma secondary level principals. It’s a state affiliate of NASSP.
• Oklahoma Directors of Special Services (ODSS) : ODSS provides local special education directors with opportunities to collaborate, problem-solve, and participate in professional development.
• Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association (OMLEA) : OMLEA represents middle level administrators and educators in Oklahoma and works to improve the educational experiences of young adolescents by providing vision, knowledge, and resources to all who serve them.

Note: State and national educator organizations often have funds & scholarships available for continuing education (e.g. Ed.D.). Check the website and ask about opportunities.

Educational Leadership Events in Oklahoma

Educational leadership conferences.

• OAESP Mid-Winter Conference : This annual one-day conference in early February is aimed at building-level principals, assistant principals, leadership teams, and elementary education directors.
• OASA Legislative Conference : Join Oklahoma’s education leaders as they promote the CCOSA Legislative Agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Members of the Oklahoma Legislature participate in panel discussions covering education policy and funding. It’s a day-long event in January.
• OASCD Spring Conference : OASCD’s one-day conference focuses on areas surrounding curriculum development and educational leadership challenges.
• OASFAA Annual Conference : This three-day event for Oklahoma student financial aid administrators typically takes place in early April.
• OASSP & OMLEA Conference : This combined two-day event in February is split into two areas of interest: the first day focuses on secondary leadership and the second day focuses on middle school best practices.
• ODSS Best Practices Conference : This day-long October conference attracts Oklahoma special education administrators, related service providers, and teachers of children with disabilities.
• OKASBO Conferences : OKASBO hosts two major events for Oklahoma school business officials: a two-day Fall Conference in September and a two-day Spring Conference in April.
• OSSBA Education Leadership Conference : OSSBA’s large and popular conference takes place over four days in August. It includes pre-conference workshops, breakout sessions, networking events, and more.
• CCOSA Women in School Leadership Forum : CCOSA’s leadership conference for women educational leaders includes a number of guest presenters. It occurs over two days in March.
• CCOSA School Leadership Summer Conference : CCOSA’s annual two-day conference brings together public school administrators from each association under the CCOSA umbrella (OASA, OAESP, OASSP, OMLEA, and ODSS). It’s held in June.
• School Law for Administrators : This day-long educational event, held at various times in the year, focuses on superintendent issues and board agendas.

Educational Leadership Training

• Assistant Principal Seminar : Sponsored by OAESP, OMLEA, and OASSP, this one-day workshop is designed for Oklahoma assistant principals, deans, instructional coaches, administrative interns, or aspiring administrators. Each session is offered in December at an OKC or Tulsa location.
• CCOSA New Administrator Training : CCOSA’s programs for current Oklahoma administrators include McREL New Administrator Training and Tulsa Model New Administrator Training .
• CCOSA Education Leaders Webinars : Each month, award-winning administrators share best practices for instructional leadership, administrative management, leading change, and other education leadership takeaways during 30-minute sessions.
• CCOSA/OSSBA Emerging Leaders Academy : This year-long program is designed to help prepare a select group of Oklahoma education leaders for the superintendency. It’s open to practicing Oklahoma public school administrators with a valid superintendent certificate.
• CCOSA Finance Professional Development Programs : CCOSA organizes a range of programs centered on financial matters, including the Advanced School Finance Workshop and Financial Boot Camps .
• CCOSA New Principals Assistance Program : This mentoring program provides new principals with a “support group” in the early critical years of their careers.
• ODSS First-Year Directors Project : New first-year special education directors are eligible to participate in this free, year-long training program—a joint effort of ODSS/CCOSA and the OSDE’s Special Education Services section.
• OSSBA Webinars for Board Members and Administrators : OSSBA’s live lunchtime webinars offer school board members and administrators a convenient option for learning new information and receiving required training.

School Listings

4 Schools Found

College of Education, Health and Aviation

Stillwater, Oklahoma

EdD in Applied Educational Studies - Aviation and Space

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

EdD in School Administration

College of Education

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration

Doctor of education in higher education teaching.

Professional and Graduate Studies

Bethany, Oklahoma

Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership

University of oklahoma norman campus.

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Norman, Oklahoma

Executive Doctor of Education in Educational Administration Curriculum, and Supervision - Tulsa Campus

Doctorate in Education Degrees in Oklahoma

Education is a dynamic field that must now meet new challenges from a global economy and changes in the U.S. labor force. Leadership is a key to the future of education both domestically and in international settings. Earning your Ed.D. can help you prove your commitment to academic excellence, for yourself and the students you want to reach. EductionDegree.com can help you find accredited programs in your area. Whether you want online or campus learning, review our featured program listings to request information. We recommend contacting several schools to be sure you make the right decision.

Earning Your Ed.D. in Oklahoma

Several Oklahoma universities offer doctorate in education programs in specializations such as:

• Adult and Higher Education
• Counseling Psychology
• Educational Administration, Curriculum and Supervision (Ed.D. and Ph.D)
• Instructional Psychology and Technology
• P-12 Public School Leadership
• And many more!

Requirements vary from program to program, though most campus-based Ph.D. and Ed.D programs require 95 credit hours and a dissertation; credit hours gained in master’s programs and some post-master’s work can count toward the requirement. most campus-based programs, credit hours are divided into courses, research and fieldwork. Online programs may only require 54 credits hours and no fieldwork.

Outlook for Graduates in Oklahoma

The outlook for graduates with an Ed.D. in Oklahoma is good. According to the 2008 Oklahoma State of the Workforce report , the educational services industry is expected to produce 18,580 new jobs in Oklahoma by 2016, with a majority of those jobs at postsecondary and professional schools. On a position-specific level, the number of job openings for postsecondary teachers is expected to grow by almost 22 percent in the same time frame. As for compensation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the annual mean salary for postsecondary education administrators in Oklahoma in 2012 was $78,590.

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2024-2025 edition.

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Doctoral Degree Programs

• Agricultural Economics, PhD
• Agricultural Education, Communications, and Leadership, PhD
• Animal Science, PhD
• Applied Educational Studies: Aviation and Space Education, EdD
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, PhD
• Biomedical Sciences, PhD
• Biosystems Engineering, PhD
• Business Administration, DBA
• Business Administration: Accounting, PhD
• Business Administration: Entrepreneurship, PhD
• Business Administration: Executive Research, PhD
• Business Administration: Finance, PhD
• Business Administration: Hospitality and Tourism Management, PhD
• Business Administration: Management Science and Information Systems, PhD
• Business Administration: Management, PhD
• Business Administration: Marketing, PhD
• Chemical Engineering, PhD
• Chemistry, PhD
• Civil Engineering, PhD
• Community Health Sciences, PhD
• Comparative Biomedical Sciences, PhD
• Computer Science, PhD
• Counseling Psychology, PhD
• Crop Science, PhD
• Curriculum Studies: College Curriculum and Teaching, PhD
• Curriculum Studies: Curriculum and Leadership, PhD
• Curriculum Studies: International and Peace Curriculum, PhD
• Economics, PhD
• Education: Educational Administration, EdS
• Education: Language, Literacy and Culture, PhD
• Education: Learning, Design and Technology, PhD
• Education: Mathematics Education, PhD
• Education: School Psychology, EdS
• Education: Science Education, PhD
• Education: Social Foundations of Education, PhD
• Education: Special Education, PhD
• Education: Workforce and Adult Education, PhD
• Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: Educational Administration, PhD
• Educational Leadership and Policy Studies: Higher Education, PhD
• Educational Psychology: Educational Psychology, PhD
• Educational Psychology: Research, Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics, PhD
• Electrical Engineering, PhD
• English, PhD
• Entomology, PhD
• Environmental Science, PhD
• Fire and Emergency Management Administration, PhD
• Food Science, PhD
• Forensic Sciences, DFS
• Forensic Sciences, PhD
• Geography, PhD
• Geology, PhD
• Health and Human Performance, PhD
• Health Care Administration, DHCA
• Health, Leisure and Human Performance: Health and Human Performance, PhD
• Health, Leisure and Human Performance: Leisure Studies, PhD
• History, PhD
• Human Development and Family Science, PhD
• Human Sciences: Design and Merchandising, PhD
• Human Sciences: Human Development and Family Science, PhD
• Industrial Engineering and Management, PhD
• Integrative Biology, PhD
• Language, Literacy, and Culture Education, EdS
• Materials Science and Engineering, PhD
• Mathematics, PhD
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, PhD
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Unmanned Aerial Systems, PhD
• Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, PhD
• Natural Resource Ecology and Management, PhD
• Natural Resource Ecology and Management: Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology, PhD
• Natural Resource Ecology and Management: Forest Resources, PhD
• Natural Resource Ecology and Management: Rangeland Ecology and Management, PhD
• Natural Resource Ecology and Management: Wildlife Ecology and Management, PhD
• Nutritional Sciences, PhD
• Petroleum Engineering, PhD
• Photonics, PhD
• Physics, PhD
• Plant Biology, PhD
• Plant Pathology, PhD
• Psychology: Clinical, PhD
• Psychology: Experimental Psychology, PhD
• School Administration, EdD
• School Psychology, EdS
• School Psychology, PhD
• Sociology, PhD
• Soil Science, PhD
• Statistics, PhD

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Doctor of Forensic Sciences (DFS) - Online

Get a doctor of forensic sciences degree online through osu.

The Doctor of Forensic Sciences degree will provide applied graduate education and training at the doctoral-level in forensic sciences (60 credit hours). Given the current conditions within our society, the need for a professional, non-research oriented doctoral program for forensic sciences practitioners has never been greater. The professional doctoral degree is designed specifically for forensic science practitioners to improve their knowledgebase, tactics, techniques, and procedures. In the DFS, students may be eligible to bring in up to 30 credit hours of transfer credit based upon acceptable coursework completed at the Master of Science level and with approval by the program director and dean of the Graduate College.

Doctor of Forensic Sciences: 60 total credit hours

• Program Core: 15 hours
• Guided Electives: 45 hours
• TOTAL: 60 hours
• Completed online application for: Fall priority deadline - February 1st, Spring priority deadline - October 1st (applications received after the priority date are reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions granted if space is permitted)
• Completed Master’s degree official transcript, Completed bachelor’s degree official transcript
• 3.0 GPA or higher
• Three letters of recommendation preferably from professors and/or supervisors familiar with your academic ability, work ethic, and skills. (Applicants only need to provide their recommenders’ email addresses. Recommenders will then be emailed a link from which to upload their letter.)
• Statement of purpose describing your personal career goals and how the doctoral degree will support those goals, a brief description of experience or qualifications in support of the application and the specific track you want to pursue.
• Skills, equipment and access for online course participation includes the capacity for independent learning, proficiency in Windows, Internet, e-mail and basic applications; multimedia computer and high-speed Internet access are necessary.
• Applicants graduating from schools outside the U.S. are required to submit transcripts that have been evaluated to U.S. standards
• International applicants: coursework in the School of Forensic Sciences is online. That said, you will be able to remain in your home country.
• $50.00 application fee

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Forensic Sciences program will complete 60 credit hours during the course of their studies. Cost estimates below are calculated based on 2022-2023 rates. Additional cost details and OSU’s tuition and fee estimator are available on the Bursar website .

This is only an estimate of cost based on currently approved rates. Cost estimates do not include textbooks, exams, or course expenses, nor do they factor in individual transfer credits or scholarship information. Cost will vary if not enrolled in a fully online degree program.  Active-duty military and veterans may qualify for resident tuition rate.  Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time without prior notice.  Full disclaimer. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

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Biomedical Sciences

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College of Education and Human Sciences

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Graduate Degrees

Advance your career, take your education and career to the next level with a graduate degree from the college of education and human sciences..

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Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (Ed.D)

Become transformational and inspirational leaders in educational institutions, private companies, nonprofits, and more..

• PROGRAM OVERVIEW
• HOW IT WORKS
• COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
• START DATES
• TESTIMONIALS
• PROGRAM RESOURCES

Program Overview

Learn how you can be a leader in your organization with SNU’s EdD in Administration and Leadership. This doctoral program with an embedded dissertation challenges students to become qualified leaders who contribute to their fields of study and inspire meaningful change. From the first class, you will be paired with a dissertation chair who will serve as your mentor throughout the program, which most students complete in less than 32 months.

Courses are designed so you can study alongside other professionals as you attend classes online or Wednesday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. These classes are taught by experts in each subject ensuring the instruction you receive will help propel your career and understanding of each topic to the next level. Apply today to begin your journey toward a terminal degree.

How it Works

• The embedded dissertation allows you to perform research while completing coursework
• Classes take place online or one evening a week, allowing busy adults to earn a doctorate without sacrificing the things that matter most
• Focus on one course at a time before moving on to the next to ensure true mastery
• A dissertation chair is paired with you from the beginning of the program to ensure your success as a student and researcher
• Instructors with vast amounts of industry experience guide students through courses.
• Textbooks can be delivered directly to your door at the beginning of each class with a textbook subscription service.

Engage in meaningful coursework that will propel you toward the completion of your dissertation and graduation with your doctoral degree. Upon finishing this degree program, you will be prepared to affect meaningful change as a leader wherever you go.

Credit hours: 3 This course will focus on Biblical and worldview perspectives in the area of leading shareholders, citizens, and the workplace of the student and in companionship with the SNU mission.  The practices, standards, and styles of leadership will be introduced and examined with a variety of teaching methods and experiences. Understanding the critical intersection of leadership and servanthood will help frame each student’s philosophy as a visionary leader.

Credit hours: 3 Foundations of Research will introduce learners to the structure and format of a dissertation and will focus on the foundational components of a dissertation to include topic selection, problem statement, theory/theoretical framework, purpose statement, research questions/hypotheses, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and research design. Learners will also continue building a collection of research through critiquing, analyzing, and synthesizing peer-reviewed literature relevant to their research interest area. Learners will work collaboratively to create a dissertation problem statement that is well-supported and grounded in the existing literature.  

Credit hours: 3 In today’s highly competitive and dynamic organizational environment, it is essential for leaders of all disciplines to be able to effectively deal with the wide range of organizational challenges with which they are presented. The ability to respond to the need for change is one of the hallmarks of contemporary organizations and students will examine the full spectrum of organization development tools and methods that can be implemented to increase organizational effectiveness.This course examines the major components of organizational development including the history of organization development and education reform initiatives, theories and process models, organizational culture, action research, and leading change initiatives.

Credit hours: 3 The Literature Review course will develop strong research, critical thinking, and writing skills to better equip students in their completion of the literature review section of their dissertation. The course focuses on understanding the purpose of the literature review and the fundamental skills needed to complete it such as developing search strategies, synthesizing sources, and constructing paragraphs. Learners will be required to apply writing, research, and critical thinking skills in writing components of the literature review and will also have a working draft of the Literature Review of their dissertation when the course is complete.

Credit hours: 3 This course explores advanced research strategies and the development of designs and methods supporting research in leadership. Exposure to rich research traditions in the field of leadership and both knowledge and skills to begin doctoral research will be introduced. Students will achieve the skills necessary to search for, retrieve, and analyze information and data from a variety of sources. Students will also begin the development of the scholarly writing needed to successfully complete their dissertation research.

Credit hours: 3 This course will present the relationship of theory and implementation to leadership practices.  Based on research, students will develop vision and mission statements that relate to the structure and functions of organizations. Learners will complete a project developing mission and vision statements for an approved organization, including the collaboration of stakeholders and documentation and reflection of the process.

Credit hours: 3 This course explores and analyzes the traditions, philosophies, and techniques of qualitative research. Students will experience participant observation, interviewing, and document analysis.  Students will practice qualitative techniques and engage in initial data analysis related to their dissertation research.

Credit hours: 3 This course introduces students to quantitative methodology. Students will learn about descriptive and inferential statistics through exposure to parametric and non-parametric design models. Learners will obtain the skills to utilize their newly acquired methodology knowledge to critically analyze existing quantitative research.

Credit hours: 3 Concentrating on the understanding and development of one’s self and others, this course will build on the interpersonal and collaborative leadership skills previously accomplished by participants. It will facilitate the discovery of a diverse range of human practices as they relate to personal and organizational relationships in a variety of areas including constructing a team’s collective goals, creating role definitions within a team, managing conflict, team collaboration, and productive professional relationships. Learners will analyze these relationships through research and philosophical positions and will examine connections in historical and contemporary contexts. Students will be exposed to knowledge of empowering leaders to create productive and effective decision-making skills in the workforce.  

Credit hours: 3 This course will present the critical importance of strategic planning for the purpose of implementing the goals of the organization. Strategic planning models will be introduced and discussed. Practical skills will be presented for building short and long term strategies based on current theories in strategic planning as well as best practices in multiple environments. The students will develop skills and knowledge on how to prepare the workplace for phases of implementing strategies for effective and progressive change.  

Credit hours: 3 This course will develop an understanding of how to inspire, motivate, and rally around a shared and corporate vision.  Students will explore innovative strategies and the implementation of those concepts with other colleagues in the workplace.  An emphasis will be placed on creating purposeful goals for the organization and visionary sustainability.

Credit hours: 3 This course will develop an intercultural understanding for the effective leader, by examining the different cultural aspects and diverse influences on leadership and ethics.  This course will examine the interaction of internal/external diverse intersections of identities and cultures on the leader and explores the ways in which a leader’s identity and cultural experiences and values inform ethical decision-making and how different ethical and cultural systems address and define moral issues that arise in organizations.  Ethical issues and practices will be analyzed as they relate to the decisions and styles of the leader and the growth of a leader is becoming culturally responsive

Credit hours: 3 The focus of this course is multi-faceted. Learners will analyze, critique, discuss, and develop learner-centered, curriculum-based instruction that utilizes technology in authentic and meaningful ways for those in leadership roles. Students will complete in-depth investigations of specific learning tools and present their findings concerning the uses of the tool. Scholars will explore the latest research into how technology can most effectively facilitate their leadership.  Learners will also investigate technology-related issues such as integration models, safety and health, copyright, evaluation of web resources, assessment, and assistive technologies.

Credit hours: 3 This course will provide an analysis of State and Federal regulations, guidelines and court decisions related to education, business, and public service organizations.  Students will examine the impact of these processes and policies and project trends and applications for governance and policy-making based on theory and observation.

Credit hours: 3 More than ever in the past, the ability to lead effectively, respectfully, and sensitively across cultures has become crucial. This course offers its learners opportunities to examine global systems and traditions along with comparing and contrasting cross-cultural communications, famous international leaders’ models, and proven global leadership methods.  Additionally, the learners in this course will develop and assess innovative and effective leadership approaches that foster global awareness and education.

Credit hours: 12 Doctoral students will be enrolled in dissertation credits each term. These will be determined by program mapping courses starting with the first term of the program. The dissertation is embedded within each term. Students must maintain a minimum of 2 dissertation hours each term until their dissertation is successfully defended. The Dissertation Proposal Meeting will occur between Term One and Term Two. The result will be a program of study agreed upon by both the learner and the learner’s Dissertation Committee members.

Upcoming Start Dates

Meet our snu faculty.

[email protected]

Dr. Stephoni Case

Program director.

Dr. Stephoni Case has served as Director of the Master’s in Educational Leadership and the Director of the Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership at SNU since 2014 and 2018. Her commitment to building strong education leaders runs deep, and she has experienced growth and professional success with learners in the Master’s program. Dr. Case also led the way to launch the Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (DEAL) in the Spring of 2019. With the help of an incredible group of leaders in higher education, she welcomed more than 100 students into their doctoral journey in the program’s first year.

Outside of the classroom Dr. Case is an active member in the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and National Education Finance Association (NEFA). Her research agenda includes study of the intersections of religiosity and decision making, as well as culture and school finance.

Dr. Case brings a variety of experience to our students serving as:

- Assistant Professor in English at SNU from 1992 - 2009

- Program Director and Instructor for The Center for School Business Management at Oklahoma State University from 2010 - 2014

-  SNU Professor and Program Director for Master's in Educational Leadership (MAEL) (since 2014- to present)

- Program Director for Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (DEAL) (since 2018 -to present)

[email protected]

Dr. Gayle Kearns-Buie

Education and leadership .

Dr. Kearns-Buie was appointed to her latest position as Dissertation Director for Southern Nazarene University on September 1, 2019. Her educational journey began in 1973 as a Securities Officer for the Federal Reserve Bank and continued as a high school teacher for 12 years, a career and technology administrator for 6 years and as a higher education faculty and administrator for more than 30 years. The majority of Dr. Kearns higher education career was at the University of Central Oklahoma where she served as faculty, chairperson, Academic Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the Academy of Contemporary Music. Her last 5 years have afforded her the opportunity to work in the faith-based world as a Dean and Dissertation Director. 

The highlight of Dr. Kearns is working with students, especially doctoral candidates. The position as Dissertation with the new Doctorate in Education and Administration Leadership (DEAL) has been such a dream come true as she completes her journey in higher education. Every journey was amazing, but this is definitely the ultimate position in higher education.  

Kearns earned her Bachelor of Science in Business and Master of Science in Business from the University of Oklahoma. She earned her doctorate in Adult Education from Oklahoma State University. 

[email protected]

Dr. Shawn Pendley

Shawn Pendley graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 2015 with a PhD in the History of Education (Intellectual History). His previous professional experience includes academic manuscript editor, high school English teacher, summer college instructor for Upward Bound/TRIO at Oklahoma City Community College, and Assistant Professor of English Literature and Chair of Humanities and Sciences at Southwestern Christian University. He has served as the Academic Chair of the Oklahoma Educational Studies Association, Session Chair for the AERA 2017 Annual Meeting, and has served in a number of ways for the Society of Philosophers and Historians of Education (SOPHE). He was a major contributor to The Encyclopedia of the Social and Cultural Foundations of Education (2008) and edited Susan Laird’s seminal intellectual biography of Mary Wollstonecraft titled, Mary Wollstonecraft: Philosophical Mother of Coeducation (2008). He is currently a member of the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church. 

He designed the Organizational History and Development module and has taught several other courses here at SNU for the DEAL program. His passion is helping doctoral students conceptualize their research, and he views his work as a form of mentorship. The purpose of the DEAL program is to build a community of scholar-leaders, and communities are built up from personal relationships.

Dr. Pendley’s research interests include education in classical antiquity, first century epistolary pedagogy, supporting and retaining doctoral students, and late acquisition of critical reading and writing skills among adult learners.

[email protected]

Dr. Shawna Richardson

Education and leadership.

Shawna Richardson graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2014 with a doctorate degree in Education Administration. Following graduation, she assisted doctoral students in the development of their dissertations and dissertation proposals. She edited manuscripts for content, organization, APA style, and structure to ensure that each student was effectively prepared for their dissertation proposal hearing or dissertation defense. She taught courses at OSU as an adjunct professor in 2016 and then accepted a full-time position as a Visiting Assistant Professor from 2016-2017. She has taught masters and doctoral courses in education administration and research, served on dissertation committees, collaborated with colleagues on written manuscripts for education journals and presentations at national conferences, and most recently, contributed as a coauthor in the development of a dissertation proposal manual.

 In her role at Southern Nazarene University, she has the opportunity to work with the doctoral program to assist learners in the development and COMPLETION of their doctoral degrees!

Her research interests include teacher retention and attrition, school and organizational culture, and supporting and retaining doctoral students.

[email protected]

Dr. Kent Shellenberger

Kent Shellenberger, Ed.D, is a career educator with 45 years of professional experiences in common and higher education. He currently serves as an instructor in the traditional and graduate SNU programs. Dr. Shellenberger’s professional involvement includes:  active state involvement as the elected member of the American Association of School Administrators’ governing board and Oklahoma Federal Relations Representative; member of the State Superintendent Advisory Council; Legislative Liaison for United Suburban Schools Association; Cooperative Council of School Administrators (CCOSA) Innovative Leadership Academy and a governor appointed board member of the Oklahoma Educational Quality and Accountability Commission (OEQA) and the Specials Needs’ Task Force Legislative Committee.

Dr. Shellenberger’s dissertation was “PRINCIPALS’ AND TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF LEADER SUCCESSION IN SELECTED PUBLIC SCHOOLS.” He has been a presenter at the First Year Superintendent’s Academy and breakout facilitator of OSSBA/CCOSA annual convention. He also authored quarterly articles for Better Schools while president of CCOSA, OASA and Federal Relations Representative. Dr. Shellenberger was recognized as Oklahoma State Superintendent of the Year and is a member of the Oklahoma Educator’s Hall of Fame. 

• "With my busy schedule as a superintendent and rural location, the online format along with the dissertation advisor to guide me through the process will be a positive support system. I look forward to working with the faculty there to accomplish my personal and professional goals." Mike M Current DEAL Student
• "There is no better-organized program, no faculty more vested in student success, and no place where people support one another in a more Christ-like manner. SNU is the best choice!" Lisa P. Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership Graduate
• "I become better by learning and immersing myself with other learners, and that is what SNU does better than any other university is we learn from amazing professors and masters in their field, but we also have an amazing group of students in my cohort" Robbyn G. Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership Graduate

Admission Steps 

Enrolling at SNU is a simple process. With rolling start dates, there’s no need to wait months at a time to begin your educational journey. Once you have earned your master’s degree or 33 graduate hours in an equivalent program from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.25, take the following steps.

Step 1.  Ensure you meet program requirements as follows.

• Completion of a master’s degree or 33 graduate credit hours in an equivalent program from an accredited university.
• GPA of 3.25 from prior graduate coursework 
• For non-native English speakers, either an overall band score of 7.0 or higher on the IELTS or minimum sub-scores for each element of the TOEFL iBT are: Speaking: 22 Reading: 20 Listening: 15 Writing: 20

Step 2.  Completed  Graduate Application   

Step 3.  Send official transcripts from graduate degree conferred to SNU at  [email protected] or ATTN: PGS Admissions, Southern Nazarene University, 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008.

Step 4. Gather the following application materials,

•   I reserve the right to see my recommendation .
• I waive the right to see my recommendation .  
• GSEL Vision Statement
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• a single-authored writing sample from previous coursework
• a two page APA aligned paper on an academic topic

Step 5. Submit application materials by email to the SNU School of education by email ( [email protected] ) or mail ATTN: PGS Admissions, 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008.

Step 6. Upon request, you may need to interview the program director and two advisory council members who determine the applicant's purposeful intent and commitment.

Online classes are specially designed for professional & graduate studies. Phone: +1 (405) 491-6332 [email protected]

Bethany Campus

6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, Oklahoma 73008

Tulsa Campus

8210 E. Regal Ct. Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 Phone: +1 (918) 664-4100 [email protected]

Program Resources

The Ins and Outs of Earning your Doctoral Degree

Educational Leadership Career Planner

INFOGRAPHIC

Choose Your Path: Online vs On-Campus Education

How to Tell if a Doctorate Degree is Right for You

The Dissertation Process Explained in 6 Simple Steps

What You Need to Know: SNU’s Dissertation Process

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Application Requirements

• Meet the admission requirements for your specific program
• Apply for an Undergraduate or Graduate Program
• Submit transcripts
• Be admitted, get advised, and enroll

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AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND LEADERSHIP, PhD

Doctorate in agricultural education, communications and leadership.

The doctoral program in agricultural education, communications and leadership is designed to be tailored to the individual needs and goals of the student. There is a wide array of quality agriculture, education, administration, extension, occupational, and other course offerings from which to choose.

The program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours above the master's degree. Required coursework includes 15 hours of agricultural education and education courses, 15 hours of specialty-area courses, 15 hours of statistics and research courses, and 15 dissertation hours. A minimum of 30 semester hours must be taken in residence at Oklahoma State University. One year (two concurrent semesters) of the last two years must be spent in continuous residence at the institution.

An advisory committee should be established early in the program. The committee can assist in planning the program of study, conducting research, and meeting the requirements of the degree. The committee consists of four faculty members, including three members from the OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership graduate faculty and one other graduate faculty member, usually from the specialty area. One of the graduate faculty members from the department will serve as committee chair.

Research and Faculty

Faculty and staff in the department work closely with students inside and outside of the classroom to create a family atmosphere to help them feel this is a place they can call home. Academic advisors (like all advisors in the Ferguson College of Agriculture) are faculty members who advise, teach courses and are involved professionally in the area a student is studying. Faculty advisors assist in planning an individual program of study that considers a student's background, interests and future plans. The faculty and staff have an “open-door policy,” inviting students to stop by their offices if they need assistance with academic or personal challenges.

Meet our Departmental Faculty

Admission requirements for the agricultural education, communications and leadership doctor of philosophy program include:

• A master's degree in an appropriate field from an accredited university.
• An acceptable grade point average in undergraduate and graduate studies (an undergraduate GPA of 2.80 and a graduate GPA of 3.0 in 24 or more hours).
• An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (school code 6546; department code 3908).
• Three years of appropriate professional experience.
• Recommendations from two people knowledgeable of the applicant's professional qualifications. Recommendation letters cannot come from a current faculty member of the OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership.
• A curriculum vitae and statement of goals.

To apply for the agricultural education, communications and leadership Ph.D degree program submit an application for admission to the OSU Graduate College . Your application will be referred to the department by the Graduate College. After it is reviewed by the graduate faculty, you will receive notification of their decision from the Graduate College. Applications for admission are reviewed continuously.

Cost and Assistance

Many students help finance graduate education through part-time, paid employment as a graduate assistant. As a graduate assistant, you can expand and apply your knowledge and skills under the supervision of faculty or staff. After admission by the Graduate College, a student who is making satisfactory progress toward a graduate degree may be appointed to an assistantship. In addition to graduate teaching and research assistantships in the OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership , the program annually places students in assistantships with departments and units across campus.

Cost and Aid

Assistantships and Funding Opportunities

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Graduate Programs

Explore how we can help you reach your academic and career goals., architecture.

Do you want to build on your construction knowledge or master an environmentally friendly approach to design and construction? We have programs in construction business and sustainable architecture to prepare you to meet the growing demands of modern design and construction.

Master of Construction Business

This online program will prepare you to advance your career in the planning, design, and construction industry.  

M.S. Sustainable Architecture

The OU Online M.S. in Sustainable Architecture (MSSA) program emphasizes the new methods and analytical tools architects use to make better design decisions that meet the growing demand for modern expertise in design and construction.

Arts and Sciences

Are you interested in advocating for others, improving the lives of those in your community, or learning to apply data to impact crucial decisions? Whether it's social work, criminal justice, organizational leadership, or mental health counseling, OU Online has many arts and sciences programs that will prepare you for your next career stage.

Master of Human Relations: Diversity, Equity, and Strategic Impact

This Human Relations concentration will give you essential skills to promote structural change. This emphasis is aimed at professionals seeking the skills to advocate for others in social policy and programming.  

Master of Human Relations: Inclusive Leadership

In this Human Relations concentration, you will gain skills essential to leading teams in dynamic environments. This emphasis is aimed at professionals who want to learn how to lead while applying the principles of inclusion.  

Master of Social Work 60-Credit Hour Program

This accredited online program prepares you for an advanced integrative practitioner career, improving the lives of children, families, adults, and communities while promoting social, economic, and environmental justice.  

Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program

The online Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma is a highly desirable degree that prepares graduates for careers as Advanced Integrative Practitioners.  

M.S. in Criminal Justice

This online program will help you develop the critical skills necessary to work in today’s advanced criminal justice field.  

M.A. in Organizational Leadership

This online program increases your overall leadership ability. You will expand your self-awareness, learn how to improve the performance of individuals, teams, and organizations, and develop these vital leadership skills in others.  

M.A. in Museum Studies

This online program offers a comprehensive museum education with innovative ideas for museum operation. You can advance your career in the museum industry by learning and working at the same time.  

M.S. in Applied Statistics

This online program prepares you to take advantage of a fast-growing field where you can apply data to impact critical decisions and solutions in a data-driven economy.

Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling *

Developed by the Department of Human Relations, this 60-credit hour program canbe completed in as few as 30 months. 

*The summer and fall cohorts for this program are currently at capacity.   

Master of Library Information Studies

The ability to generate, access, and use information has become a critical factor in personal, social, and economic growth. The expanding global information society is encouraging the free flow of information, and the impact of rapidly changing information and communications technologies is reshaping our personal, educational, and social activities, organizational and political practices, and local, national, and international institutions.  

Master of Arts in Econometrics

Advance your career by learning to leverage emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to drive organizational success while gaining in-demand data analysis, coding, and leadership skills.

Atmospheric and Geographic

Geospatial technologies are a driving force for decision-making across the globe. Learn to leverage new technologies and deepen your understanding of the world in our geospatial technologies program.

M.S. in Geospatial Technologies

This program fosters the insights, technical skills, and advanced training necessary to become a leader in a variety of career fields, including agriculture, public zoning, ecology, and financial services.

Whether preparing for your CPA exam, looking to lead in the aerospace and defense field, or preparing for job advancement in the finance or supply chain management industries, our online business degrees offered through OU’s Price College of Business will prepare you for future success.

Master of Accountancy

The online Master of Accountancy prepares you for success on the CPA exam and beyond.  

Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense

The Executive MBA in Aerospace and Defense program is specifically designed to develop the managerial and leadership skills of the A&D workforce.  

Master of Business Administration *

Advance your career without interrupting it with the online MBA. This program will prepare you for leadership roles in this constantly evolving field.

*The fall cohort for this program is currently at capacity.    

M.S. in Business Analytics

This online program teaches the technical and analytical skills and business process knowledge needed to drive organizational improvements and change.  

Executive MBA in Energy

Students in the Executive MBA in Energy program have the opportunity to specialize in Hydrocarbons or Renewables. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in these vital and constantly evolving fields.   

M.S. in Finance

This online program will strengthen your skills in financial modeling, advanced corporate finance, corporate restructuring, venture capital and private equity, alternative investments, equity fund management, international finance, and risk management.  

M.S. in Supply Chain Management

The online master’s degree in Supply Chain Management will prepare you to advance in a rapidly growing field across multiple industries.   

Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Learn how to start and grow a business in this AACSB-accredited hybrid program, which combines an in-residence week of project-focused learning and networking with online content delivery.   

Earth and Energy

Offered through OU’s Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering, our online natural gas engineering and management program will help you develop the technical and business skills necessary to excel in this growing industry.

M.S. in Natural Gas Engineering & Management

This online program will help you develop the technical and business skills necessary to excel in a growing market.

Get the credentials to work in special education or join the next generation of school leaders with our online graduate degrees in special education and education administration curriculum and supervision.

Master of Education in Special Education

This program blends theory, research, and applied practice to enhance special education knowledge and skills.  

Master of Education in Education Administration Curriculum & Supervision

Aspiring education leaders will learn instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, strategic thinking, and organizational capacity needed to be effective leaders.  

Doctor of Education in Education Administration *

The online Doctor of Education in Education Administration prepares students for job advancement and leadership by cultivating a deeper understanding of challenges in today’s educational settings.

*The summer and fall cohorts for this program are currently at capacity. 

Engineering

From Data Science and Analytics to Sustainability, we offer several online engineering degrees led by world-class OU’s Gallogly College of Engineering faculty. Progress your career with one of these in-demand programs.

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Go beyond the theoretical with specialties in structural, geotechnical, and transportation engineering to make a lasting impact on your career.  

M.S. in Computer Science

This program will help generate and disseminate durable knowledge within and around the rapidly evolving discipline of computer science by focusing on theoretical and applied topics.  

Master of Environmental Science in Hydrology and Water Security

Take tracks in Water Management, Water Quality, and Water Quantity to learn the knowledge and expertise needed to lead innovations in emerging water-based industries.  

M.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering

Learn to improve systems productivity through optimization and integration to meet the needs of a complex, rapidly changing world.  

M.S. in Sustainability: Energy & Materials Management

Progress your career by developing solid capabilities in identifying and implementing engineering solutions to achieve sustainable practices for our society.  

M.S. in Data Science & Analytics

With the rise of Big Data, data scientists and analysts are needed more than ever. The University of Oklahoma Data Science and Analytics Institute's online Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics will help you become a data-driven leader and decision-maker in this growing career field. Our program will help you develop advanced skills in data visualization and mining.  

M.S. in Engineering Leadership and Management

Led by world-class OU faculty from the Gallogly College of Engineering, the program shapes the engineering leaders of tomorrow. You’ll learn to efficiently solve complex real-world problems using the core principles of engineering leadership and management. Empowered with essential tools and knowledge, you’ll drive impactful change in the engineering landscape and beyond.  

M.S. in Applied Computing

This fully online program provides hands-on training that teaches students in-demand technology and skills while preparing graduates to make an immediate impact in the field of applied computing.

Learn concepts to help you lead in arts and culture. Choose from degrees in Art and Technology or Arts Management.

M.A. in Art & Technology

The Art & Technology program bridges the world of art, design, and technology, positioning you to push the boundaries of digital creation in the 21 st  century.  

M.A. in Arts Management

The online Arts Management degree will prepare you for career advancement and leadership in arts and culture.

Health Sciences

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing career sectors. Gain a competitive edge with an online degree or certificate in Population Health, Nursing, Nursing Administration, or Nutrition.

Population Health Certificate in Public Health

The online Population Health Certificate in Public Health gives you a competitive edge in the workplace by equipping you with the skills to overcome today's public health challenges.

Master of Public Health in Community and Population Health

As the scope and severity of public health challenges continue to rise, there is a growing need for quality public health professionals. The Hudson College of Public Health now offers an online Community and Population Health MPH. Master the knowledge and skills others lack and gain a competitive edge in the growing public healthcare field.

International Studies

Deepen your understanding of global issues and enhance your ability to navigate a dynamic international environment with our online degree in Global Affairs.

M.A. in Global Affairs

The online Master of Arts in Global Affairs enables you to pursue studies focusing on the political, economic, and social interactions that impact global turbulence.

Do you want to create coordinated, proactive messaging for modern media channels or earn certification from industry leaders in digital marketing? Our online Strategic Communications and Digital Strategy program will get you there.

M.A. in Strategic Communication & Digital Strategy

This online program prepares you to create coordinated, proactive messaging campaigns for modern media channels.

Our online law degrees are designed for non-lawyers in various industries, including energy, healthcare, and international business. Learn to deal with contracts and negotiations in your industry.

MLS in Energy & Natural Resources Law

LLM in Energy & Natural Resources Law

These degrees are designed for those in the energy industry who negotiate oil and gas contracts, deal with mineral rights or real estate transactions, or work closely with energy attorneys.  

MLS in Healthcare Law

LLM in Healthcare Law

This program offers a strong foundation in healthcare law for those dealing with the complexities of regulatory, compliance, contractual, and legal issues.  

MLS in Indigenous Peoples Law

LLM in Indigenous Peoples Law

This degree offers a strong foundation in Native American Law for non-lawyers who deal with contracts & negotiations of Native American policy, regulation, or business practice.  

MLS in International Business Law

LLM in International Business Law

This program allows non-lawyers to learn about laws, regulations, and processes that impact global commerce. 

Why OU Online?

We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.

Our Online Programs

Every OU Online program is built on the foundation of world-class faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.

Our OU Family

When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.

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EXPLORE UT MARTIN

High quality programs enable you to meet lifelong educational and career goals.

Graduate programs.

• MA: Strategic Communication
• MBA: Agricultural Business
• MBA: General Business
• MBA: Human Resources
• MBA: Sport Business
• MM: Music Education
• MSANR: Agribusiness and Risk Management
• MSANR: Natural Resources Systems Management
• MSANR: System Science in Agriculture
• MSCJ: Criminal Justice
• MSCP: Sport Coaching and Performance
• MSED: Counseling: Clinical Mental Health
• MSED: Counseling: School
• MSED: Higher Education Leadership
• MSED: Instructional Leadership
• MSED: Teaching- Special Education
• MSED: Teaching-Initial Licensure Elementary
• MSED: Teaching-Initial Licensure Secondary
• MSED: Teaching: Curriculum & Instruction
• MSED: Teaching: Initial Licensure K-8 Spe Ed Interventionist
• MSED: Teaching: Interdisciplinary
• MSFCS: Dietetics
• MSFCS: General

Application Requirements and Deadlines

A completed application must be submitted for consideration of admittance.

• Spring 2024; due Dec 15, 2023
• Counseling; due Oct 8, 2023
• Maymester 2024; due April 16, 2024
• Summer 2024; due May 6, 2024
• Counseling; No Applications accepted
• Fall 2024; due July 23, 2024
• Counseling; due Feb 20, 2024
• Spring 2025; due Dec 13, 2024
• Counseling; due Oct 8, 2024
• Maymester 2025; due April 15, 2025
• Summer 2025; due May 5, 2025
• Fall 2025; due July 22, 2025
• Counseling; due Feb 20, 2025

Dissertation Guidelines

Please refer to our dissertation guidelines for assistance with thesis and dissertation preparation. 

Accreditation

The University of Tennessee at Martin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.  Questions about the accreditation of The University of Tennessee at Martin may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website ( www.sacscoc.org ). UT Martin also holds accreditation for graduate programs from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, and the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

UT Martin, in compliance with the Clery Act, publishes an Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics of certain crimes that are reported and that occurred on campus in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or an officially recognized student organization, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus for the three most recent calendar years. Also included are campus security policies that cover multiple crime and safety categories. You can  view the report online  or obtain a paper copy of the report by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 731-881-7777.

The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of sex in our education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University is required by Title IX not to discriminate in such a manner. The University has a Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking which may be accessed at  titleix.utk.edu . You may make a formal complaint by contacting the Title IX Coordinator at any time by using the contact information below.

Any inquiries about the application of Title IX or to make a report should be directed to the following:

Title IX Coordinator 1817 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, TN 37919 Telephone: 865-974-9600 Email:  [email protected]

Assistant Secretary in the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-1100 Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339 Email:  [email protected]