The Ed.D. is composed of the degree requirements (39 hours) for the Union Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree plus a Research-Dissertation Component (21 hours). Students desiring the Doctor of Education degree must meet the Ed.D. as well as the Ed.S. admission requirements. A maximum of 9 hours of graduate credit may be applied to the degree in transfer. Pre-requisite courses for admission include human growth and development, educational measurement and classroom technology.

The two areas of emphasis for the degree include Administration and Supervision, a licensure course of study for P-12 school leaders, and Curriculum and Supervision. With the A&S emphasis, earning a Tennessee principal or supervisors license is possible while working on the degree. It is designed to meet NCATE, ISLLC and State of Tennessee licensure standards in school leadership.