Application Fee (Required)
$65 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
$80 for international students.
English Proficiency Test (Required)
This program uses the Graduate School's English Language Proficiency Score Requirements and Minimum Scores for Regular Admission.
Minimum Scores for Regular Admission
TOEFL iBT: 4.5 (no sub score less than 4) (or 79 for students who took the test prior to January 2026)
IELTS: 6.5 (no sub score less than 6)
Duolingo English Test: 120 (no sub score less than 110)
PTE: 59
More information is available at https://graduate.ua.edu/applicants/international-students/.
Letter of Recommendation (3 Required)
Three Reference Letters – The application must include three letters of professional and academic reference letters, including one from a current supervisor, as described in the Graduate School Application Process.
Resume (Required)
Statement of Purpose (Required)
A statement of purpose which addresses the following: (1) the student’s rationale for applying for the Ed.D.; (2) a statement regarding career/professional goals; and (3) a statement of how the student’s rationale and career goals are consistent with the purpose of the Ed.D. degree as articulated by the Department and Program.
Transcript (Required)
Please upload an unofficial transcript for any institution of higher education at which you have completed 15 or more credit hours. Official transcripts must be received prior to registering for classes. International applicants: please make sure that your transcript includes a grading scheme. All others: please include a grading scheme if your university does not use a letter-based (e.g. A, A-, B) grading scheme. The minimum GPA to be considered for regular admission is a 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Students who do not meet these requirements, but who excel in other areas, may be considered for Admission with Permission to Continue.
Writing Sample (Required)
An academic or professional writing sample written by the applicant within the last year that provides evidence of the student’s writing ability.
Additional Requirements (not listed) (Recommended)
1) A master’s degree, earned prior to initial enrollment, from an accredited institution.
2) It should be noted that for the Ed.D. degree, experience in teaching and/or leadership are key factors considered in the admission process.
3) Applicants must have taken a special education course with a grade of ‘B’ or better.
4) if applicants have not taken BER 540 Statistical Methods In Educ or an acceptable/pre- approved masters-level equivalent within the last four years with a grade of ‘B’ or better, then if accepted into the doctoral program, students must complete this course before beginning the 12 hour research requirement.