Doctorate in Professional Leadership

Dissertation is embedded in the coursework. For example, PLP 820, Current Issues in Leadership, taken early in the program, leads to the choice of a dissertation topic and the writing of Chapter One–Identification of the Problem. Subsequent courses lead to Chapter Two, the Literature Review; Chapter Three, Methodology; Chapter Four, Analysis of Findings; Chapter Five, Summary and Recommendations. The final semester Capstone Course provides an opportunity to review, edit, and defend the completed dissertation.

Upcoming Cohort: Fall 2024 Cohort (Now accepting applications) Completed applications will be considered until the cohort fills. The EdD has rolling admissions. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early.

For consideration of admission, the applicant must submit the following:

1. Complete the Doctorate in Professional Leadership Application Form, including the $40 application fee.
2. Official degree-granting undergraduate transcript and graduate transcripts from all colleges attended.
3. Two professional letters of recommendation. Download the recommendation form here.
4. Submit a professional resume/CV.
5. *A personal statement.

* Your personal statement should be approximately one page (250 – 300 words). Describe either an experience that prompted you to seek entrance into the degree program to which you are applying OR your reasons for wanting to enter the degree program. In keeping with the Honor Tradition at Converse, your essay must be entirely your own work and must indicate by proper documentation any ideas or words that come from another source. Organize your essay clearly, proofread and spell-check your essay carefully. Your essay should include your personal reflection on the value of a degree in your field and more specifically, the Doctorate in Professional Leadership program at Converse.

See our graduate tuition and fees here.*

*Tuition and fees subject to change

Converse seeks to make education possible for graduate students through federal and state loan programs and assistantships. Learn more about financial aid.

Can I maintain my job while in the program?
Yes. The program is designed for working professionals who work full-time jobs while completing the doctoral degree.

Can I start the program in Spring?
No. We only accept students for the Fall semester at this time. We follow a cohort model, which means that students will enter in the Fall and take each class with their cohort.

When are classes held?
During Fall and Spring terms, students have one in-person class per week that meets from 5:30 pm – 8 pm in Spartanburg or in Greenville. Students will also have one or two online classes. Summer sessions will have a variety of online and in person courses. Dates and times are published in advance.

Do you offer a fully online EdD program?
Yes. Converse’s asynchronous/synchronous online option allows you to do most of your coursework on your own time. One virtual class is held once or twice a month, at a designated time, allowing students and instructors to interact.

Can I take courses at both Spartanburg and Greenville campuses?
Students are required to select their preferred campus in the application process, and admitted students will complete their first courses within their specified, preferred cohort in Spartanburg or Greenville. Later in the program, students may eventually take classes at both locations depending on their research topics.

Do I need a master’s degree to enroll in the EdD program?
Yes, applicants must have an advanced degree from an accredited institution. We accept students who earned master’s degrees from a variety of fields.

Do I need to take the GRE?
No. We do not require standardized test scores such as the GRE or Miller Analogy Test for admission to our doctorate program.

Is the Converse University EdD program solely for educators?
No. The Converse Doctorate in Professional Leadership program is a terminal degree for professionals across disciplines. It focuses on the application of leadership in a variety of contexts and is appropriate for individuals in a broad range of professional roles. Our students have come from careers in K-12 education, higher education, nonprofits, business, real estate, architecture and construction, religion, healthcare administration, the arts, and more.

Is an interview required for admission?
Some applicants are invited to interview for the EdD program so Converse can learn more about the student and the student’s goals to determine if the applicant is motivated and a good fit for the doctoral program. The interview format is typically an informal chat with faculty where applicants have the opportunity to express their interest in the program and ask questions.

Do you offer assistantships?
Graduate assistantships at Converse generally require work on campus during the work day. Since most EdD students have full time employment, these assistantships do not work for most EdD students.

Can I transfer graduate courses from other universities into the program?
Yes. Converse has a well-defined and accreditor-approved transfer policy. Transfer courses must be approved by the Department Chair between acceptance and starting the program. Please contact us at graduate@smxjjl.com if you plan to transfer courses. We will arrange an interview process with faculty.

How many students are accepted each year?
Each cohort averages about 15 students per campus. We maintain small cohort numbers to ensure that each student receives the best instruction possible.

Can I enroll in the program part-time?
No, students need the support and interaction with their cohort.

What’s the difference between PhD and EdD?
Both a PhD and an EdD are considered terminal degrees and require the rigors of doctoral-level study.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an academic’s doctoral degree primarily focused on theoretical research. It is designed for students typically seeking careers in academia. PhD programs are generally three to four years of doctorate coursework plus three to four separate years of dissertation writing. Often, PhD candidates are considered “all but dissertation” (ABD) until they complete and defend their doctoral thesis. Typically, PhD candidates are expected to navigate their writing stage with little help from faculty and advisors, lending to a good number of ABD candidates never completing their PhD.

A Doctor of Education (EdD) is a practitioner’s doctoral degree focused on both research and application of research. It is designed as an enhancement degree for students preparing for advancement opportunities in leadership roles across a variety of fields. Within three years, Converse students learn leadership theory while completing a traditional five-chapter dissertation to apply research data and insights to their careers. Faculty advisors and a dissertation committee help guide Converse EdD candidates through the process of completing and defending a doctoral dissertation specifically built to fit the educational goals and needs of our students.