Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply?
The annual deadline for applications for the education doctoral program is Feb. 28. However, applications are reviewed as they are received. Only completed applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed and considered during the admission period. Prospective students who submit incomplete applications will be contacted by the EdD Office Manager. Completed applications submitted after the deadline may be deferred and reviewed for conditional admissions.
New doctoral students begin the initial doctoral courses in the summer semester. Some students, after being accepted into the program, begin taking their area of emphasis electives in the fall or spring prior to their initial residency.
Program costs?
Learn about the WSU tuition and fees for graduate students.
How do I start the application process?
All prospective students are to contact the Graduate School and complete an online application for admission to graduate studies.
Once admitted to Graduate Studies, students can start sending their application materials to the educationdoctorate@winona.edu.
For a checklist of application materials please refer to Doctor of Education Admissions Checklist (PDF).
What if I do not complete/submit my application by the deadline?
Students may seek Graduate Special Students (Non-Degree Seeking) status:
- A student who has completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university and who wishes to enroll in graduate courses but does not intend to pursue a graduate degree at Winona State, may register as a graduate special student. Prospective graduate special students must complete a Graduate Special application form to be admitted to the university. Admission as a graduate special student does not constitute admission to a graduate degree program.
- A graduate special student who later wishes to enter a graduate degree program at Winona State must meet all requirements for admission to graduate study and complete an Application for Admission to Graduate Study and an application for the particular program in which they wish to major. A maximum of 12 semester graduate credits earned as a graduate special student may be accepted into a degree program upon recommendation of the major department.
- It should be noted that all EDUO courses need departmental permission to enroll.
May I apply if I do not have a degree in Education or a related field?
Yes, however, education leveling courses may be necessary for remediation. Consultation with the doctoral faculty for enrollment into education leveling courses is encouraged prior to applying for admission. Leveling courses may be completed as a master's or Graduate Special student prior to being admitted into the doctoral program.
What are leveling courses?
Education Leveling courses are courses that applicants without the appropriate background or with insufficient background in the education discipline are asked to take. The courses help prospective students acquire the necessary background knowledge to succeed in the doctoral program.
Are transfer students eligible to apply?
Yes, transfer students are welcome to apply to the doctoral program. Each application will be evaluated on an individual basis for coursework equivalents that may be applied to the education doctorate. However, coursework more than seven years old is generally too old to be considered toward the degree program. A customized plan of study is developed for each transfer student.
Are the doctoral classes included in the graduate catalog?
Do I have to take the GRE?
The GRE is not required for this program.
What information should be included in the Applicant’s Professional Statement?
The Applicant’s Professional Statement (Writing Sample): Applicants are required to submit a professional statement which addresses the components listed below. Each applicant statement is limited to three (3) double-spaced pages using 12 pt. font.
- Description of how attaining the education doctorate assists the applicant in achieving professional goals and career aspirations.
- Identification of a current problem of practice in education that the applicant is interested in exploring.
- Summary of the importance of this problem within the context of your professional practice and in the research literature.
- Description of how the problem of practice aligns with your chosen area of specialization.
- Summary of your research experience, professional presentations, and publications.
Who should I ask for scholarly recommendations?
It is best to get recommendations from academic professionals who are familiar with you as a scholar, graduate student, or educational practitioner. Recommendations should be able to comment on your academic preparation and the dispositions needed to successfully complete a doctoral degree in education. Letters should be able to speak to your research and accomplishments as an educational practitioner. Professionals with an advanced degree and affiliated with higher education or academia (such as a university, community college, school or a research laboratory) are typically the best sources for these scholarly recommendations. Letters from supervisors are also encouraged that speak to your professional contributions in the educational community.
Is there a specific form or format for letters of recommendation?
Yes, letters of recommendation should be typed, on institutional letterhead and signed. The name of the person being recommended, and the recommender should be clearly identifiable in the letter. Contact information for the recommender should be included in the letter or on the letterhead.
How long does it take to get a EdD?
The EdD is designed as an applied, accelerated program. Time to degree is approximately two years. Time to degree completion may vary among doctoral students primarily due to individual situations and academic persistence. However, all students are expected to advance through the program in a timely fashion.
Time Limitation (Graduate School)
All degree requirements including credits to be earned, transfer credits, final examinations, thesis, required research papers, and all other program requirements must be completed within the seven (7) years prior to the awarding of the degree.
Contact Us
Steven Baule, Ed.D., Ph.D. | Assistant Professor
Helble Hall 301 | 507.285.7481 | steven.baule@winona.edu
Karen McCormick | Office Manager
Helble Hall 215 | 507.457.5535 | kmccormick@winona.edu
Education Doctorate Program Email | educationdoctorate@winona.edu