K-12 Educational Leadership: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Program Description

The School of Education's Hybrid Ed.D. with emphasis in K-12 Leadership prepares educational leaders for advanced administrative practice at the school or district level. Our curriculum combines both online and traditional coursework and is rooted in robust research on effective leadership practice. Ed.D. candidates receive advanced skill development in applied leadership and applied research. The three-year, 57-credit cohort program requires six problem-based weekend seminars each semester to prepare candidates for change leadership. All learning in the program uses practice-based application of state-of-the-art research on school transformation. The program requires an applied dissertation-in-practice in which candidates will engage in planning, implementing, assessing and revising a three-year organizational improvement project. Candidates must receive permission from the appropriate officials to engage in the intensive project.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet these requirements:

Hold a completed master's or specialist degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
Hold current state school administrative license
Hold current employment as a school or district level administrator
Minimum three years full-time experience working as a licensed administrator
Minimum of a 3.5 GPA on all previous graduate work
Exhibit proficient writing skills on a formal writing assessment
Evidence of effective leadership potential
Three letters of references, one must be from a direct supervisor
Successful interview

The Ed.D. in Education with Emphasis in K-12 Leadership has a First Round Admission Deadline of May 1 and a final Deadline of August 1 (no guarantee of openings in this cycle).

Career Opportunities

The Hybrid Ed.D. Program with emphasis in K-12 Leadership is designed to prepare advanced professional practitioners. Individuals who desire additional career opportunities in policy or higher education should consider the Ph.D. with emphasis in K-12 Leadership program. Graduates of the program should plan to lead schools or districts.

Online/Regional Campus Options

The program is provided on the Oxford Campus with seminar sessions located throughout the region in locations determined by cohort enrollment. Seven of the courses, including the research courses will be taught on-line. The remaining courses will be taught in half semester, 3 seminar blocks.