Graduate Programs


Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Both the Doctor of Education Degrees (Ed.D) Educational Leadership (EL) and Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) at Gardner-Webb University are 63-semester –hour programs. Schools and organizations are dynamic institutions whose practice is shaped by powerful and influential interests. As a result, the economic, political, social, and technological environments of organizations deal with constant change. Both degrees programs are designed to equip candidates with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and beliefs that will enable them to function effectively in Curriculum roles for our C&I candidates and leadership roles for EL candidates in a fluctuating environment. The purpose of both the Educational Leadership and the C&I degrees are to develop curriculum and education leaders through courses, research, seminars, and internships in an environment based in Christian principles and values.  The Doctorate of Education programs have active cohorts at Boiling Springs, Charlotte and Winston-Salm and will continue to recruit these locations as demand merits.

Programs of Study

Educational leadership- The Educational Leadership Degree program is designed for potential and practicing educational leaders who wish to develop and refine their leadership skills.

Curriculum and Instruction- The C&I program is designed for potential and practicing curriculum facilitators who wish to develop and refine their curriculum skills in complex organizations.

Admission Prerequisites

Applicants must hold an entry-level license in school administration, possess a master's degree, and have a minimum of three years successful administrative/teaching experience.

Admission Requirements

  1. Complete the paper application, including a copy of your current school administrator's license. To request an application, please submit an information request.
  2. Attach a $40.00 non-refundable application fee, either check or money order - no cash.
  3. Have five (5) people who know your work as an educator or graduate student and your potential fill out the recommendation form, put it in a sealed envelope, and sign across the seal. (Be sure you have filled out the top part of the reference form first.) You must collect and send these five unopened envelopes with your application.
  4. Arrange to have an official transcript of all master's level work sent to you in an envelope sealed by the registrar. Include the sealed envelope(s) with your application.
  5. Write a personal essay explaining your purpose in wanting to earn a doctoral degree in educational leadership.
  6. Arrange to take the Graduate Record Exam (General Test) and have those scores sent to the Graduate School Office from the testing agency.

Please enclose items 1-5 above in a large envelope and mail to the following address:


Graduate Admissions
PO Box 7256
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC 28017


When your application folder is complete, it will be sent to the School of Education for admission consideration. Applicants with the highest profile ranking will be invited to participate in interviews with the Ed.D. Admissions Committee.