DOCTOR OF EDUCATION in Educational Leadership
Developing Christian Education Servant Leaders with Global Vision
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE 2009 CHRISTIAN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND THE 2009 CHRISTIAN HIGHER ED LEADERSHIP COHORTS WHICH BEGIN IN JULY, 2009.
CRITERIA for ADMISSION
A graduate faculty admissions panel reviews applicants and recommends acceptance according to their satisfaction of the following criteria:
Master's degree is from an accredited institution (or an institution which meets the academic standards of CIU) and provides a relevant foundation for doctoral studies in educational leadership. (An education or education-related field is the strongly preferred, but not required, focus of the master's degree.)
Applicant's performance in graduate coursework indicates a strong ability to be successful in doctoral-level studies.
Applicant speaks and writes the English language effectively as evidenced in a writing sample that demonstrates abilities to do doctoral research and writing.
Applicant's Christian maturity is appropriate for leadership.
Administrative experience in education and other evidence indicate the doctoral degree will enable the applicant to enhance his/her leadership role and contribution to the cause of Christian school or Christian college education.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results (desired minimum of 500 on each subtest) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) score (desired minimum of 400) indicate applicant is capable of quality performance in graduate studies.
The applicant is likely, through CIU's doctoral program, to enhance personal calling and ministry, and to contribute to the quality of Christian school or Christian college education through leadership, research, presentation, and publication.
When the number of qualified applicants exceeds the cohort enrollment limit, the most qualified applicants will be considered for admission. The remaining qualified applicants will be deferred until the following year and given priority consideration for admission to the next cohort group. Applicants who are evaluated as "not qualified" will be so notified, and they will be withdrawn from consideration for admission.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
TO APPLY ONLINE: Go to the Admissions Website. Under "First-Time Applicants" click "Create Your Account." Submit the form, then return to the previous page. Click "Go to Seminary and Graduate School application menu." Click "Directions for Doctor of Education applicant." Application and reference forms are under "Us-Citizen" or "International" applications.
The application instructions are repeated below.
Application Form: Answer each question applicable to you. Include the names of your personal references and the evaluating professor.
Reference Forms: Three references are required: one each from your pastor, a general reference, and an employer or supervisor. Fill in the names and addresses on each form. To expedite the references, provide them with stamped, addressed envelopes in which to send the forms directly to the Seminary and Graduate School Admissions Office, Columbia International University.
Employer Support Form: Also enclosed in an "Employer Pledge of Support" form to be completed by a person at the highest authority level in the school where you are employed. If your school's highest governing body is a board, then the chairperson should complete the form.
Letter of Evaluation: Please request a letter from a graduate course professor evaluating your ability to do doctoral level work. This should be on stationery that bears the official letterhead of the school and mailed directly to the Seminary and Graduate School Admissions Office. If you are unsuccessful in contacting a professor, you may have an employer (past or present) complete this requirement.
Academic Transcripts: Request official transcripts from all college and/or universities you have attended to be sent directly to the Seminary and Graduate School Admissions Office.
Christian Experience Essay: Please submit a two-to-three page essay concerning the following:
A. Conversion: (1) your understanding of the plan of salvation as revealed in the Bible; (2) how you personally relate to this, with date and circumstances of conversion.
B. Spiritual Growth: (1) major experiences in your spiritual development since conversion; (2) present practice regarding Bible study, prayer, evangelism; (3) church-related or other Christian service in which you have been involved (please list).
C. Prior Teaching and Administrative Experience: including both ministry and professional opportunities.
D. Describe Your Personal and Job or Career Goals: your understanding of God's direction for your future, and how you believe the Ed.D. program will assist you in accomplishing these.
Admissions Test: You must take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (http://www.gre.org) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) (http://www.milleranalogies.com) and have your score report sent directly to the Seminary and Graduate School Admissions Office. Your score report should not be more than five (5) years old.
Academic Writing Sample: Please send a copy of either (1) a published article you authored, or (2) a research paper you wrote in a graduate class.
Interview: Once items 1-8 have been received in the Seminary and Graduate School Admissions Office, you will be scheduled for an interview with graduate school faculty. It is preferable that this interview be conducted in person, but telephone interviews may be substituted when necessary.
Medical Report: A medical report is required upon notification of acceptance. A form will be sent to you at that time. Please have it filled out in its entirety according to instructions and return it to CIU.
Entrance Postponement: An applicant who chooses to delay entrance will be required to complete the application process in its entirety minus the transcripts.
INTERNATIONALS
Academic transcripts must be validated through AACRAO or WES and need to be in English or have an English translation sent with them.
AACRAO Instructional Services
One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 520
Washington, DC 20036
www.aacrao.org/credential/individual.htm
WES, World Education Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station
New York, NY 10113-0745
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum score of 600 is required on the paper version of the test or a minimum score of 250 is required on the computer version of the test. The TOEFL should be available through the American Consular Office. CIU's TOEFL code is 5116. TOEFL is waived if you have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in which English was the medium of instruction.
Educational Background: Complete fully the form that is enclosed. Directions are on the back of the form.
Financial Certification of Funds: The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that international students prove their ability to finance their education while in the United States. Please complete the enclosed Financial Certification form in its entirety. You must include a statement from your bank that certifies the funds listed. Note that a deposit is required after you have been accepted (see financial certification information) and must be received before an I-20 will be issued. The I-20 form will enable you to obtain a visa. Please note: The school is not able to put prospective students in touch with potential supporters in the U.S.
Note: Evaluation of your application file and scheduling of your interview will take place after the following items have been received in the Seminary and Graduate School Admissions Office:____ $50 application fee
____ Application form
____ Letter of evaluation
____ Christian experience essay
____ Writing sample
____ Reference forms (3)
____ Academic transcripts
____ GRE or MAT score report
____ Employer support form
____ Signature page
Address all correspondence to:
Director of Admissions
CIU Graduate School
P.O. Box 3122
Columbia, SC 29230-3122
USA
Phone: 803-754-4100 or 800-777-2227
Email: yesciu@ciu.edu
Fax: 803-333-9397