At a Glance
Program Credit Hours
60 credits
Course Length
7 weeks per course
Average Course Completion Time
40 months (for coursework)
Program Format
Online plus summer residencies
Cost per credit hour
$595
Total Cost*
$33,915
* Total Cost (cost per credit hour x total credit hours) is provided to aid in program comparison only. All stated financial information is subject to change. Total Cost does not include book and material costs.
An online doctoral program for the impactful educator
You got into education to make a difference, and that’s been driving you ever since. You worked hard to earn your Master’s, but now you’re looking to make an even bigger impact on a wider scale. With our online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), you can position yourself to become the innovative game-changer you’ve always strived to be. You'll even get to customize your degree with a concentration in Curriculum and Assessment or The Exceptional Learner.
For a working adult like you, finding the time in your schedule to earn another degree can be a challenge. With this 100% online program, we’re giving you the flexibility to earn your doctorate on your own time. Combine this with a practical approach to coursework, and you’ll be ready to change even more lives on your journey through education.
Choose your concentration
Curriculum and Assessment
Why Curriculum and Assessment instead of Curriculum and Instruction
While there are many education doctoral programs available in curriculum and instruction, there are very few in the nation that concentrate on assessment as a main theme. A program that emphasizes assessment will make you better equipped to use quantitative and qualitative outcomes to improve strategies and programs. Assessment training is desperately needed in today’s outcomes-based climate, and it’s a highly in-demand skill.
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Exceptional Learner
This concentration provides a focus on culturally responsive teaching practices and the nature and needs of diverse learners – those with special needs, disabilities, or the gifted and talented. You will be equipped with expertise from top quality education professionals and a Christian ethic of care to lead or develop programs that support this special student population.
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Online Program Start Dates
Monday, August 30, 2021
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Questions?
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Those who might be interested
- Charter School Faculty and Staff
- College/Tech School Faculty and Staff
- Government Services Leaders
- K-12 Educators
- Nonprofit/ministry leaders
Ed.D. Dissertation Process
You’ll begin the dissertation research process within your first year. During research courses and residencies, our faculty works alongside you to establish milestones and will guide you to progress through the development, research, and defense of your dissertation.
Summer Residencies
While almost all courses are offered fully online, you’re required to be on campus for a one-week summer residency course for three summers. Each one-week residency will include classes and other curriculum activities focused around developing your dissertation.
I'm grateful for the hard work everyone did to make the residency a success. I walked away encouraged, overflowing with ideas, and with a feeling of comradery. It is worth the effort to bring people all together!
—Amy Flagler – current Ed.D student
Southern Wesleyan University offers the environment and flexibility I have been seeking in a Doctor of Education program. I have found a place that has impacted my intellectual, professional and spiritual growth.
— Shawntay White, current online Ed.D. student
The Ed.D. program has been an incredible opportunity for me! The professors are helpful and knowledgeable and always available to answer questions that may arise. This is a program that I would highly recommend to anyone considering more educational opportunities.
— Rachel Gregory, current online Ed.D. student
MAT Test FAQ’s
In response to COVID-19, the School of Education will waive the Miller Analogy Test for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. This change affects almost all applicants, both on-campus and online, whose scores have not been received as of March 15, 2020. A score on a nationally standardized graduate admissions test, the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), is required for admission to the Ed.D. program. Test scores must be no more than five years old. The requirements are a minimum MAT score of 350. An equivalent Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score will be accepted. More info about the MAT here.
Why am I taking a standardized graduate admissions test?
The test is designed to reflect candidates’ analytical thinking and provides a consistent admission requirement by which to assess applicants.
Who needs to take this exam?
Each applicant needs to take the MAT or GRE regardless of experience or education.
When do I take this exam?
SWU must receive your score before you can be considered for admission. We recommend completing the test at least 3 weeks prior to the admission deadline in order to ensure a timely receipt of your scores. Testing centers offer a variety of dates to take the exam. Please check with your local testing center to find a date that is convenient for you.
What do I need to score to be considered for admission?
SWU requires a minimum score of 350 and cannot be more than 5 years old.
Why does the score have to be less than 5 years old?
SWU wants to ensure that the score is an accurate representation of the student. Pearson Assessments also only keeps MAT scores on file for five years from the testing date.
What is the GRE equivalent that will be accepted for consideration?
How should I prepare for the exam?
The MAT website provides a study guide as well as practice tests that should help prepare you for the test.
What is the cost of the MAT?
The cost of the MAT differs depending on the test location, generally ranging from $75-$100.
How do I register for the MAT?
How long is the MAT?
The MAT consists of 120 partial analogies and allows 60 minutes for completion.
Where can I take the MAT?
How do I send my scores to SWU?
If you have not taken the test yet, you can choose for your scores to be sent to SWU at the time of testing. If you have already taken your test, you can order an official MAT transcript to be sent to SWU. You can send the transcript to the following address:
Southern Wesleyan University
Online Admissions
PO Box 1020
Central, SC 29630
