Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program Website
The mission of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is to prepare leaders to be informed, proactive, and reflective change agents to improve public schools for the benefit of all students, particularly in southeastern North Carolina. The audience for the program includes (a) current B-12 public school leaders who plan to move into school district leadership roles; (b) current B-12 public school leaders, school- or district-level, who wish to improve their leadership practice through an education doctorate; and (c) leaders from related disciplines who plan to move into school or school district leadership roles. Our students include school district leaders, school administrators, teacher leaders, and leaders working for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
The primary goal of the program is to prepare effective leaders who are skilled managers, curricular experts, and research-based scholars. Each of these roles requires theoretical and practical knowledge, application of skills, and appropriate professional dispositions.
Program Overview
The Educational Leadership Doctoral Program is an Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) program designed for working professionals. The program includes two concentrations, Leadership in Educational Administration or Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction.
- Courses are taught in a hybrid format blending face-to-face instruction with online instruction, eliminating the need for students to come to campus for classes each week. Classes meet on Monday evenings.
- Courses are offered during three semesters; fall, spring, and summer.
- Sixty (60) credit hours of coursework and dissertation study are required for degree completion.
Students will consult with an advisor to develop a program of study. Please see the Program Course Requirements for more information about coursework. Please see Program Internships and the Doctoral Student Handbook for more information about the internship and dissertation components of the program.
Program Highlights
The Educational Leadership and Administration Doctoral Program is an innovative program featuring:
- A focus on research-based practice;
- Effective use of educational technology;
- A cohort model in the first year;
- Opportunities for internships in international education, school/government, and business;
- Coursework from the UNCW Cameron School of Business;
- An applied dissertation study; and
- Dedicated faculty with diverse backgrounds and expertise.
Program Admission
Applications for the each doctoral cohort are due April 1. The application process is fully online. To apply please go to the UNCW Graduate School website. Please review the Admission Requirements and consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website prior to applying to the program. Students are notified of acceptance by June 1 and begin classes in August (Fall semester).
Thank You!
Thank you for your interest in the Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Susan Catapano in the Department of Educational Leadership if you have questions about the program.