EdD in Educational Leadership
Gain knowledge and skills in improving school systems with the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
Our performance-based program works in partnership with Georgia school districts to develop outstanding scholar-practitioners. Our degree prepares you to lead schools and school districts by focusing on every level, from talent management to organizational challenges.
Highlights
- 3 year Cohort Model with action research dissertation
- Designed for practicing school and district leaders
- Courses offered at Gwinnett campus in blended format
- Tier I or other leadership certification is required for program admission
- Advanced leadership residency (750 hrs.)
Curriculum
This degree combines classroom instruction with faculty-guided research into the concerns of schools and districts. As a doctoral student, you will have the opportunity to study topics such as:
- Education law and ethics
- School- and district-level leadership
- Managing and using data in the school improvement process
- Leading in a diverse society
- Analyzing relationships among school boards, superintendents, and school leaders
You will earn your doctorate by completing 55 hours of coursework and an action-research dissertation. The curriculum helps you to:
- Develop tools to diagnose problems
- Create solutions
- Evaluate the success of changes
- Analyze data within districts and systems
Along the way, our faculty bring their research interests into the classroom so you can benefit from their work. Our faculty are nationally recognized for their research, teaching, and practice in the areas of educational leadership, policy, and school law. Areas of focus include school and district leadership, education law and policy, and federal education policy.
Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal .
Documents
How to Apply
Part 1: Apply to the University of Georgia
The Graduate School handles admission for all graduate programs at the University of Georgia, including those in the College of Education. The Graduate School website contains important details about the application process, orientation, and many other useful links to guide you through the process of attending UGA at the graduate level.
Start A Graduate School Application
Part 2: Apply to the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership only admits students in the Fall.
While completing the application, be sure to attach the following documents:
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Unofficial transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
Deadline to Apply
- Fall deadline: May 15
Student Spotlights
Additional Resources
Please use our online form if you have any questions for the department. Please be as specific as possible so that we may quickly assist you.
The College’s programs are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in a range of areas and are passionate about helping students succeed both in their programs and professionally.
Most graduate students at UGA are not assigned to a faculty advisor until after admittance. A close working relationship with your advisor is paramount to progressing through your program of study.
Almost all in-state students begin their studies at UGA paying limited tuition or fees. Please note that these amounts are subject to change and are meant to give prospective students an idea of the costs associated with a degree at the University of Georgia College of Education.
Students may qualify for a variety of assistantships, scholarships, and other financial awards to help offset the cost of tuition, housing, and other expenses.
The doctoral program uses the cohort format, which helps create a sense of community among students.
As you take part in courses and research for your dissertation, you can build on your classroom studies as well as the insights of your classmates, who come from varied backgrounds and experiences.
See for yourself how much UGA College of Education has to offer! Schedule a tour of campus to learn more about the UGA student experience.