We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is August 10, 2026.
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K-12 Educational Leadership Doctorate
Generous Scholarships Available
Fully Online Option
Full-Time or Part-Time Options
The Warner School's K-12 educational leadership program is where leaders learn to innovate and collaborate to better their careers, schools and districts, and the K-12 education field. You will become an innovative leader, committed and able to make a lasting impact and open pathways to opportunity for all.
Whether you want to pursue a leadership role in K-12 schools, prepare the next generation of school leaders, or contribute new knowledge about schools and educational leadership, Warner's flexible EdD in educational leadership will help you achieve your goals.
This program provides K-12 educators who already hold leadership certification, as well as others interested in developing the leadership skills required of today's educational leaders, with a research-based, doctoral-level credential to support success as an educational leader and advancement in their career.
Key Program Features
- Minimum Credits: 90 graduate credits, of which up to 36 can be transferred from previous graduate coursework; graduates of Warner's K-12 leadership certificate program can apply up to 9 additional credits retroactively.
- Online, in-person and hybrid options: Students benefit from program flexibility with fully online, in-person and hybrid formats.
- Timely Completion: The program can be completed in as few as three years of part-time study, beginning in the summer semester. Candidates who wish to complete their EdD at a slower pace can meet with their advisor to create a program of study that best meets their desired timeline.
- Flexible: The program can be completed on a part-time basis while holding a job, or full-time, starting in any semester.
- Develop Key Skills and Dispositions: Core coursework in leadership, educational policy, decision-making, program evaluation, and research methods will enable you to develop highly relevant skills for today’s leaders.
- Relevant to Your Job: You are encouraged to work on a problem of practice related to your work as the focus of your dissertation.
- Opportunities for Additional Specializations: You can add an Advanced Certificate in Program Evaluation, Online Teaching, Digitally-Rich Teaching in K-12 Schools, Urban Teaching & Leadership, or Teacher Leadership for only a few additional credits.
- Customizable: The program includes a mix of required and elective courses, enabling you to tailor the degree to your career interests and needs.
Prerequisites
- A master’s degree in education or a related field.
- SBL/SDL certification for those who hold or seek administrative positions in K-12 public schools and districts.
EdD in Educational Administration: K-12 Schools
Prepares and supports experienced educators and educational leaders to advance in their careers and/or assume positions in K-12 schools, districts, and education agencies. It can be completed on a part-time basis while maintaining full-time employment.
View coursework for the EdD in Educational Administration: K-12 Schools. You can complete this program in as few as three years by following the prescribed coursework sequence, or opt for a more flexible pace based on your schedule.
Additionally, our new fully online EdD option can be completed from a distance.
Customize Your Degree
Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.
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Ready to Apply?
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We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is August 10, 2026.
Career Opportunities
With valued skills in leadership, education policymaking, decision-making, and program evaluation, graduates of our EdD program in K-12 educational leadership are prepared to assume the highest-level leadership roles in K-12 districts and schools, as well as faculty positions in higher education institutions that prepare the next generation of educational leaders.
Program Director
Brian Brent
Earl B. Taylor Professor, Co-Chair Educational Leadership
Core Program Faculty
Andrea Cutt
Leadership & organizational dynamics; curriculum & instructional leadership
Karen DeAngelis
Decision-making; educational policy; quantitative research methods
Nahoko Kawakyu O'Connor
Program evaluation
Patrick McCue
Equitable grading and instructional practices
Manuel Rivera
School district leadership; politics of education; policy
Patricia Vaughan-Brogan
Leadership & special education; leadership & organizational dynamics
Take a Course Before You Apply
Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.
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Related Advanced Certificates
Minimum additional credits required.