Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (PhD)

Program Website 
Academic Plan Code(s): ELODPHD

Program Information

Admission Requirements

The following must be completed before your application will be considered:

1. Graduate Application (even if currently enrolled in a University of Louisville program). All other application materials, except GRE Scores and online recommendation letters, should be sent to the address at the bottom of this page.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae. It is expected that applicants have prior academic and professional experience in their field of interest. The PhD program is intended for experienced professionals, holding relevant academic degrees and who are qualified to undertake advanced study at the doctoral level. It is important that the academic and professional experience of applicants match the educational focus of the program curriculum and the educational and professional orientation of the program faculty.
3. Recommendations. Using the Graduate School online application, enter email addresses of three individuals familiar with your background to provide a letter of evaluation in addition to the Recommendation form. It is recommended that at least one of the individuals be a former faculty member who is able to speak to your academic background.
4. Graduate Record Examination test scores (Verbal & Quantitative). Please have official scores sent to UofL from Education Testing Services (UofL code is 1838). If you are a former University of Louisville student, and believe your scores are on file, please note this in the comment section of your Graduate Application. If applying for an assistantship, scholarship, or fellowship, scores must be no more than five years old.
5. All applicants for whom English is a second language must also submit official TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test. English proficiency can also be met by submitting official IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam or official Duolingo overall score of 105.
6. Official Transcripts. Send official transcripts for all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework to the address indicated below. Do not provide University of Louisville transcripts and transcripts previously submitted to the College of Education and Human Development.
7. Applicants who have completed a degree outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Evaluation Service or Education Credentials Evaluators. The agency will do an evaluation according to U.S. guidelines and mail an official copy of the evaluation to UofL. In some cases the applicant may only have one official copy of the transcript. In that situation, WES or ECE will mail the official transcript back to the student after the evaluation has been completed. If you have a master's degree from the U.S., this requirement is waived.
8. Grade Point Average: It is expected that applicants would have GPAs of at least 3.5 for prior undergraduate and graduate degrees.
9. Formal Statement of Goals. Prepare a formal statement that describes 1) your detailed rationale for pursuing a doctoral degree and 2) your research interest(s). State which track of the PhD program for which you are applying. Discuss your interest in a doctoral study, indicating how your personal and professional goals, professional experiences, and commitment to education, learning, and research are congruent with a doctoral program in educational leadership and organization development. More specifically, relate your goals to a particular specialization(s). Include a clear statement about your research interest(s) and goals, and how this doctoral program will help you achieve those goals.
   
   Admissions Committee members will expect a statement of at least 1,500 words. Please keep in mind that the statement of goals also serves as a sample of your writing ability and the committee will review it in this light.

Send ALL admission materials to:

University of Louisville
Graduate School, Admissions
Houchens Bldg., Room 105
Louisville, KY 40292

The Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to the evaluation of applications, and while GRE scores are one part of the application package, they do not determine admission (i.e., very high scores do not guarantee admission, and low scores do not preclude admission).  The holistic approach takes into account all aspects of a candidate's application, as faculty try to determine if the candidate is prepared for the program, and if the candidate is likely to successfully complete the program.

Program Requirements

Master’s degree prerequisite + 60 credit hours minimum

The Student and Committee must develop courses, programs and experiences that clearly identify and address the specific themes of Leadership, Scholarship, Social Justice and Equity. These areas of emphasis must have descriptive competencies that the student should attain and the Committee can assess.

Coursework Requirements

¹

 33 credit hours minimum, selected with Program Committee Approval

²

 15 credit hours minimum, selected with Program Committee Approval

³

 Master's degree comprises elective component of program.