To apply to our Educational Leadership program, complete the graduate application. After applications are received, applicants are vetted as they move through the following steps:

Submit all official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Submit 3 letters of recommendation
Complete and submit a Statement of Purpose
Submit a résumé
Participate in a faculty interview

You can upload supporting documents through your admissions portal once you submit your application. GRE scores are not required.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees for the 2026-27 year are $4,200 per six-credit course.

Dissertation Advisement Fee: Candidates are registered and assessed fees for EDUC9011 for each semester ($1,400), including summer, until successful dissertation defense, at which time the next semester’s registration and charges will be removed.

Financial Assistance

Visit our Graduate Financial Aid page to learn about the financial aid process, tuition and fees, loan options and how to connect with your personal Financial Planner.

Graduate financial aid

What is the deadline for application submission?

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year. We recommend submitting applications by July 15. Our Ed.D. program starts each fall term annually.

Do I have to submit GRE scores as part of the application process?

No, we do not require GRE scores for admission.

Do I need a master’s degree to apply to the program?

Yes, a master’s degree in an appropriate field from an accredited institution is required.

What is the per credit course cost of the program?

See the “Tuition” section for more information.

Does the program offer any financial assistance for tuition?

As an Ed.D. student, upon completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA), you may qualify for the Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan of up to $20,500 annually. You can also apply for the Federal Graduate PLUS loan (credit-qualified) for up to the cost of the program in addition to what you may qualify for in the Unsubsidized Loan.

JWU Alumni are eligible to receive a 25% tuition discount through the Wildcat Alumni Scholarship.

Grants may be available for first-year doctoral students. For more information on how best to finance your education, contact a JWU financial planner.

Can I transfer credits in?

JWU’s Ed.D. program does not accept transfer credits.

Is this program accredited?

JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

What is the course schedule?

Classes meet 8 times a semester on a weekend schedule (Friday evenings online and Saturday on campus) with some asynchronous work in between sessions.

Open Classroom Sessions

Interested in visiting us for an Open Classroom Event? Our Open Classroom sessions are held each semester. Contact Graduate Admissions Counselor India Hudspeth at india.hudspeth@jwu.edu or 401-598-4615 to schedule your upcoming visit.