Applications for both the traditional and executive doctoral programs in leadership studies are accepted on a rolling basis. The Doctoral Admission and Retention Committee reviews the credentials and qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The Doctoral Admission and Retention Committee will review the credentials of each candidate, focusing on the following criteria:

• Possess a master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Have a cumulative post-baccalaureate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must possess the ability to identify a longitudinal action research project within a business, community or service organization that will serve toward the student's mentorship and segue into the dissertation.
• International students must possess a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, TOEFL iBT score of 84, TOEFL PBT score of 563 or PTEA score of 59.

The admissions portfolio for each candidate consists of five items:

1. Two letters of reference (one academic and one professional, with examples of leadership competencies).
2. A two-to-three page personal statement describing past successful administrative experience and/or documented evidence of leadership activities, your career goals and reasons for undertaking a doctoral program of study. Some examples of leadership competencies include:
   • peer leadership roles/positions
   • leadership in writing curriculum
   • leadership in supervising instruction
   • specific administrative assignments/positions/committees/chair role
   • leadership in professional organizations
   • grant writing
   • program administration and/or administration of extracurricular programs
3. A complete resume/curriculum vitae which includes work experience, educational background, professional experience, professional activities, honors, professional publications or presentations and other relevant information relating to the applicant's leadership background.
4. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate study.
5. A sample of writing ability that’s approximately five pages long.

There are two components of the admissions interview:

1. A 30-minute online interview with the Leadership Studies doctoral program faculty.
2. A timed writing sample where applicants are given one hour to compose a response, in writing, to a brief, general prompt related to leadership.