Become an Educational Leader

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership provides professional preparation for students pursuing careers as principals, other building-level administrators and supervisors in public and private schools; superintendents and other central office personnel; federal and state governmental agency officials; and other educational leadership related professionals. The program requires three intensive weekend seminars on campus.

Campus Experience Weekend Seminar

Once a semester the online cohort will meet face to face for a meaningful U of A campus experience. Each intensive weekend cohort seminar will be focused on a theme that connects theory with practice and includes mini-lectures by scholars and practitioners in the field, facilitated discussion groups, and lively debate of critical issues facing school leaders. The intent of the cohort weekend is to build relationships, introduce students to leaders in the field and expose them to interactive, hands-on learning experiences that lend themselves more easily to the face-to-face environment. During the final cohort weekend of Year 3, students will work through a series of structured exercises to present their dissertation research for peer and faculty critique in preparation for final revisions and submission.

Network Across the State

The Educational Leadership program at the U of A is more than just a collection of courses. The program is:

• An extensive network of K-16 partners throughout the state
• A distinguished list of alumni in key leadership positions throughout the country
• A faculty committed to providing a highly rigorous and relevant classroom experience
• Researchers that bridge theory and practice to respond to the needs of policymakers and practitioners in the field
• Students who are passionate about transforming schools and improving the lives of children

Admission Requirements

• A master’s degree and either a specialist degree or evidence of meeting the requirements for district level licensure
• Admission to the U of A Graduate School
• Completed admission form for the Educational Leadership Program
• A resume, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample
• Finalists will interview with the Educational Leadership faculty admissions committee

Scholarship / Grant

• Arkansas Teacher Opportunity Program
• Scholarships