Graduate Degree Programs

The Master Degree

William Woods University confers the following Master degrees: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business
Administration (MBA), the Master of Education (MED) in Athletic Administration, Elementary or
Secondary Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Equestrian Education, and Teaching and
Technology, the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA). The MA, MBA, MED, and MHA degrees are
designed for students who have successfully completed an academic program at the baccalaureate level
and who desire to continue study at a higher level. The degree generally requires a higher level of
responsibility and independence from the student. This is reflected in course projects, research in the
field, working with teams, individual projects, and the successful completion of capstone presentations
and field experience. The degree requires a high level of understanding of the theoretical foundations of
the discipline, a specificity of focus on a specific area of knowledge, as well as the ability to apply theory
to practice. The degree also demands a high level of critical thinking and evaluation skills. Degree
programs can be completed in 2 years if students remain continuously enrolled at full- time status.


The Education Specialist Degree

William Woods University offers the Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.). The Ed.S. is a master plus thirtyhour program that builds upon the skills developed in the MED degree. The degree is designed for advanced leadership training for those who desire to become leaders for change in the classroom or in
the administration of a school district. In general, this degree has all of the expectations of the Master
Degree with more emphasis on critical problem solving in a K-12 setting. In addition, the degree requires
a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical issues facing K-12 education. This program meets state
and national standards. Degree programs can be completed in 2 years if students remain continuously
enrolled at full- time status.



The Doctorate of Educational Leadership Degree
At William Woods University, the degree Doctor of Educational Leadership is awarded to students who
have successfully completed all requirements for the degree. In general, the doctorate level of study
requires the student to research the latest theories in educational leadership, determine how those
theories apply to current leadership issues, and contribute to the field of educational leadership. The
doctorate requires independent motivation, the ability to evaluate the literature related to the area of
research, and the completion of a dissertation that is successfully defended before a committee of
graduate faculty. Degree programs can be completed in 2.5 years if students remain continuously
enrolled at full- time status. Students must complete and defend their dissertation within 5 years after
passing the Comprehensive Exam.