Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in Educational Leadership is designed to offer K-12 educational administrators and other K-12 educational leaders a unique and research-based approach. 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.

Program Distinctions

• Graduates may serve as assistant superintendents and superintendents in the state of North Carolina.
• The UNC Greensboro School of Education was named one of the 2022 “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.

The Student Experience

In the UNC Greensboro ELC Ed.D. program, students experience rigorous academic work combined with significant practitioner insight. We offer a blended combination of online offerings and face-to-face sessions that will allow you to establish vital interpersonal connections, choose graduate courses that suit your interests, experience meaningful learning opportunities, and enjoy significant flexibility to complete your studies while also attending to your personal and professional obligations.

After Graduation

Careers include K-12 and 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 the Ed.D. program:

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

Admissions decisions are based on an applicant’s full set of application materials. All evidence about a prospective student, including the criteria listed above, work experience, letters of reference and recommendations, and the individual’s personal statement will be considered in making admissions decisions. In certain cases, applicants may be granted provisional admission, with a stipulation that they will be granted full admission upon successfully completing a specified number of coursework credits in the program. Faculty members engage in a collaborative, rigorous review of applicants.

The department’s formal admission requirements for doctoral studies are the following:

• Three 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 that addresses your career goals and responds to one or more of the prompts below. Your response should be 3-5 pages (double space) in length:
  • Why do you wish to pursue studies toward the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership in UNC Greensboro’s ELC department?
  • What does it mean to have a culture of social justice? How can/should schools bring this about?

Our deadline to be considered for summer admission is March 15.