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Programs

DEL Program approval pending ADHE and HLC final approval

Admissions

The inaugural cohort of doctoral candidates will begin in the summer of 2026*. The program is intended to be an accessible, affordable educational experience for our students.
*Approval is pending from our respective accreditation bodies.

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Program Focus

Would you like to meet with a core DEL faculty member to learn more about the program?

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for the Doctor of Executive Leadership Program

The DEL is designed for professionals, practitioners, and administrators and is not an entry-level doctoral program. Students seeking admission to the DEL program will be expected to demonstrate the following characteristics.

  • Earned Master’s Degree: Applicants must have an earned master’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or an international university (with an evaluation from an agency on the NACES website).
  • Minimum GPA: A minimum overall graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Students seeking admission to the DEL program will be required to submit the following materials. 

  • Online Application: Complete the official online application.
  • Official Transcripts: Submit an official transcript from every college or university previously attended.
  • Current Resume or CV: Provide a current resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Letter of Recommendation: Submit one letter of recommendation.
  • Professional Statement: A professional statement outlining goals for seeking and obtaining the DEL degree and how it may be applied to the applicant’s professional pathway. 

International Applicants: If applicable, applicants must meet the requirements for graduate student international admissions, which include completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if the applicant’s first language is not English.