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Educational Leadership (Educational Administration), Ed.D.

Strong leaders, strong systems, strong students
  • 60

    Credit Hours

  • 10-15

    Students admitted to the specialization cohort each year

  • 100%

    Rate of employment in educational administration following graduation

program completion feature
program completion feature

Offers

Coursework and degree requirements that can be completed while working full-time

A focus on research-based practice and a cohort model

A deep dive into issues critical to school- and district-level leadership, and a dissertation involving original, independent research

At least one internship and other applied learning experience, as well as multiple certificate options that can be completed during the program

Full-time professors who are experienced educational administrators

“ I am interested in leadership work that amplifies culture change, equity and strong academics. My doctoral work gave me confidence and enabled me to deepen my praxis as an educational leader in order to do this work boldly. ”
Victoria Spagnoli ’14M, ’22 Ed.D.
Program Overview

A Specialized Program

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in educational leadership with a specialization in educational administration prepares graduates for a variety of leadership roles in the community, PreK-12 system, nonprofit or government. Program graduates typically continue to advance in their careers as directors, superintendents and other related executive level administrative roles.

A World of Possibilities

Our program focuses on the preparation of scholar-practitioners in the field of education administration. The program provides an in-depth study of the organization, administration, staffing, funding and leadership experience at public/private PreK-12 levels of education.

Features of the program include an intellectually challenging curriculum, award-winning faculty members and applied learning experiences, including a unique internship opportunity in London, England, to learn about executive leadership in the UK.

A Comprehensive Program of Study

The Ed.D. in educational leadership specialization in educational administration requires 60 credits of coursework and successful completion of the comprehensive examination and dissertation requirements.

The program of study includes leadership core courses, which provide a foundation in leadership and organizational theory and practice. Other courses in the leadership core help students develop skills and knowledge in research methodology.

Additionally, students complete concentration core courses, which prepare students for advanced study of and work in education administration. The curriculum is designed to connect theory and practice and help students become more effective scholar-practitioners and leaders in educational settings.

All students are required to complete an internship and take a corresponding internship course (3 credits). Students may participate in an international study abroad internship or may select from two other options that include a focus on: government institutions or educational organizations.

Seahawk Stories Video about the Ed.D. Program

Flexible Format

The program delivery format is hybrid, with a combination of synchronous face-to-face instruction and asynchronous online instruction. This typically means that students meet for synchronous face-to-face class sessions bi-weekly.

During asynchronous online weeks, students are responsible for completing readings, engaging in discussions with peers, and other activities related to course content. Consistent with our commitment to applied and experiential learning, program faculty strive for a high level of social presence during asynchronous online weeks.

The program also features a distance education option for students who reside outside of the Wilmington area. These students attend the synchronous face-to-face class sessions using Zoom, a platform that allows them to be part of the classroom experience virtually.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the educational leadership doctoral program will be able to:

  • Integrate social justice principles into practice
  • Engage in research, evaluation, and data-driven decision making to contribute to education practice, policy, and theory
  • Lead systemic organizational change to facilitate educational reform
  • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in order to be successful in rapidly changing, complex environments (e.g., technology, problem-solving)
  • Critically examine and imagine ways to change how our work as educational leaders is situated in economic, political and cultural systems
  • Develop a raised consciousness of global education policies and practices

Sample Courses

Specialization Core courses
EDL 624 Accountability
EDL 626 Executive Leadership
EDL 628 Developing Effective Communications and Collaborative Skills for Leaders
EDL 604 Politics, Policy, Governmental Regulation and Law
EDL 607 Generating, Managing and Aligning Resources
EDL 661 Education and Government Internship
See The Full Curriculum

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed as a group after the priority deadline & application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.
  • Applications received on or before the priority deadline will receive priority review. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed through the space available deadline if unfilled positions remain. 

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Varies by specialization

Specializations

  • Community College Leadership (Distance Education)
  • Leadership in Curriculum & Instruction (Main Campus or Distance Education)
  • Leadership in Educational Administration (Main Campus or Distance Education)
  • Leadership in Higher Education (Main Campus or Distance Education)

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Fall 2024: Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Administration, and Higher Education Specializations
    • Priority Consideration: January 15, 2024
    • Space Available Deadline: May 15, 2024
  • Fall 2024: Community College Leadership Specialization
    • Priority Consideration: January 14, 2024 Extended to June 1, 2024 
    • Space Available Deadline: May 15, 2024 Extended to June 15, 2024

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 written recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in a doctoral program. Recommendations from individuals who have supervised the applicant will be given greater weight. 

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
    Upload Supplemental Documents
  2. Master's Degree: A Master’s degree in school administration, supervision, curriculum, instruction, higher education, or related field from a regionally accredited university (official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate school are required).
  3. GPA Requirement: An overall graduate grade point average of at least 3.0 out of 4.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework.  
  4. Education Statement of Interest Essay: Upload your essay after submission.
  5. Current CV or Resume:  Upload your CV or resume after submission. 
  6. Leadership Experience: A minimum of three years of documented leadership experience.
  7. Prerequisite:  Completion (within the last five years) of a graduate-level introductory research class (such as EDL 523) or successful completion of a research competency module provided by the EL department. This must be completed prior to the first semester of study.  Contact the program coordinator with questions about this requirement. 
  8. Interviews:  Interviews with Watson College of Education faculty to be conducted in the spring for selected candidates.

Information for Prospective Students

Successful program applicants

  • have a master's degree in a teaching, administration, curriculum or related field
  • are able to demonstrate strong academic performance (3.0 GPA minimum) in undergraduate and graduate coursework
  • and have three or more years of leadership experience in education.

We also encourage applicants working in the nonprofit sector, policy organizations and in instructional positions related to curriculum and instruction.

You have the opportunity to define leadership and explain how your positions are reflective of that leadership experience.

Lastly, you are able to explain how a doctoral degree fits in your career trajectory and how the educational and professional experiences have prepared you for a rigorous academic program.

Explore more

Program Details

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