Ph.D. in Educational Leadership (Higher Education track)

The Admissions Committee will begin reviewing applications after the final application deadline. In-person writing samples will be scheduled approximately two weeks after each of the application deadlines.

Get the application.

• Final application deadline – April 1, 2012
  
• Classes begin Fall 2012

General Information

1. The Ph.D. in Educational Leadership offers two tracks: the P-12 School Leadership Track (candidates must hold current "L" certification) and the Higher Education Leadership Track.
2. The program will be offered in Atlanta and Macon.
3. A minimum of three complete years, or nine semesters, including summers, will be required to complete the program.
4. Classes will be in the evenings over 16-week semesters (two 8-week sessions). A university based internship experience is required.
5. Students will take 2-3 courses each semester and three courses in the summer.
6. For additional information, download the Higher Education Fact Sheet.

Admission Requirements for Higher Education Leadership Track

All persons must complete the formal written application for admission to graduate studies. General qualifications for admission are a bachelor's and master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Teaching or leadership experience in higher education is required. Not all qualified applicants will be accepted. Individuals applying for the Ph.D. program must provide the following:

1. A completed Ph.D. in Educational Leadership application form. Get the application.
2. For the Higher Education Leadership Track: Appropriate teaching or leadership experience in higher education is preferred.
   
3. A copy of recent GRE scores. The target score is 1100 for Verbal and Quantitative sections and 4.0 for the writing section. GRE scores are not the sole criteria; applicants with scores lower than the target may apply and will need to provide stronger evidence of the ability to complete doctoral courses and independent research in other areas.
4. A current vita or resume.
5. Two official copies of transcripts of all academic work; candidate should have a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5.
6. A $35 non-refundable admissions processing fee with the check made payable to Mercer University.
7. Three professional letters of recommendation; one of these letters should be from the candidate's current supervisor.
   
8. A signed and dated narrative of career and academic goals to be mailed in with the application.
9. A signed and dated writing sample to be completed in person. The in-person writing samples will be scheduled approximately two (2) weeks after each application deadline.

Submit all items in one packet and mail to:
The Educational Leadership Ph.D. Admissions Committee
Mercer University
3001 Mercer University Drive, AACC Bldg, Ste. 335
Atlanta, GA 30341-4155

Interview

Interviews will be scheduled with those applicants who demonstrate appropriate writing proficiency (as determined by the admissions committee).

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the program start? Cohorts begin the fall of each year.

When is the application deadline? The application deadline is April 1, 2012..

Where will the program be offered? The Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership will typically be offered at both the Atlanta and Macon campuses.

Who may apply? Anyone with experience in higher education who holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree may apply:

• Applicants should have an interest in higher education leadership and have teaching or leadership experience in higher education.
  
• Candidates should submit a current curriculum vita.
• Candidates must submit current GRE scores. The target score is 1100 for Verbal and Quantitative sections and 4.0 for the writing section. GRE scores are not the sole criteria; applicants with scores lower than the target may apply and will need to provide stronger evidence of the ability to complete doctoral courses and independent research in other areas.

Can I receive certification with Higher Education Leadership preparation? No. There is no certification implied or intended by this program. Leadership certification applies only to candidates who hold certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

What are some examples of jobs performed by persons who hold a degree in Higher Education Leadership? People with Ph.D. degrees in Higher Education Leadership hold a variety of jobs in higher education institutions and agencies. These jobs may include presidents, deans, provosts, and other types of leadership positions in areas such as student services, financial aid, housing, and admissions.

How long will it take? The program will take a minimum of three complete years, or nine semesters, including summers.

How much does it cost? Educational Leadership Ph.D. students current tuition is $1,860 per course. Students will take 2-3 courses each semester and three courses in the summer.

Can I keep my job and do this program? Yes, the fall and spring semesters run for 16 weeks, followed by an 8-week summer semester. Most classes are 8 weeks long, and are scheduled such that students take 2-3 courses per semester. Classes are offered during the evenings, Monday-Thursday. There is also a required internship experience.

Is there financial aid available for this program? Generally, loans are available for graduate programs. To receive financial aid, students must be fully admitted to the program. Students who are provisionally admitted will not be eligible for aid. Questions regarding specific financial aid questions should be directed to financial aid counselors at the following locations:

• Atlanta: 678-547-6400
• Macon: 478-301-2670

How do I get an application packet on the program?

Get the application. Or call the Admissions Office at (678) 547-6080 or (678) 547-6422 or the main office number at (678) 547-6417.

Where can I find additional information? For additional information, download the Higher Education Fact Sheet.