Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership is a part-time program designed to offer K-12 educational administrators and leaders a unique, research-focused approach to advanced educational leadership studies. The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership combines authentic scholarly inquiry with exposure to site-based best practices. It requires commitment to the pursuit of four ambitious goals: in-depth inquiry and research on issues and topics related to educational administration and leadership, leadership for improvement in teaching and learning, equity and social justice for all students, and the development of schools as democratic communities. The Ed.D. is a non-licensure program.

Program Distinctions

• Graduates serve as leaders, administrators, and educators in a variety of educational settings.
• The UNC Greensboro School of Education was named one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.

The Student Experience

• The Ed.D. is a part-time, non-licensure program delivered through a convenient and effective blend of hybrid face-to-face courses at UNCG and online courses.
• The Ed.D.’s blended delivery model allows students to establish vital interpersonal connections, choose graduate courses that suit their interests, experience meaningful learning opportunities, and enjoy significant flexibility to complete their studies while also attending to their personal and professional obligations.
• Ed.D. students are admitted each summer in cohorts that complete 2 years of formal coursework followed by students working independently on their dissertations, a timeline that provides students the opportunity to complete the EdD program and earn their doctorate within 3-4 years.
• Students receive structured faculty support at each step of the dissertation process.

After Graduation

Careers include K-12 central office administration, school leadership, educational coaching and consulting, and professor.

Additional information

The UNC Greensboro School of Education’s and Graduate School’s formal admission requirements specify the following for doctoral programs:

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher in the Master’s degree.

The ELC department’s formal admission requirements and documents for admission to the Ed.D. program are the following:

• Master’s degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better
• 3 letters of recommendation from people who can speak to the applicant’s leadership potential and academic abilities
• Transcripts from all universities the applicant has attended
• A resumé that provides detailed information regarding the applicant’s previous professional and leadership experiences
• A personal statement of 1500-3000 words that addresses the applicant’s career goals and why they want to pursue a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership in UNCG’s ELC Department. In the statement, the applicant will address how their work and career goals relate to ELC’s Statement of Commitments.

Admissions decisions are based on an applicant’s full set of application materials. All evidence about a prospective student will be considered in making admissions decisions. Faculty members engage in a collaborative review of applicants.

The Ed.D. application deadline is March 15. The program starts Summer semester (mid-June).

To apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ link on this page. If you have questions about the program or applying, contact Dr. Kathy Hytten, ELC Ed.D. Graduate Program Director.