Doctor of Education in
Educational Leadership
Become an Educational Leader
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program prepares scholar-practitioners for leadership roles across a range of educational levels and contexts. Most graduates of this program have served as school and district leaders, higher education faculty, and policy directors. The program is designed to help you build strong relationships with others who have similar career goals. Building an extensive professional network across Arkansas and the region provides you with professional connections that last far beyond graduation.
The program is online with weekly synchronous course meetings. It also requires three intensive weekend seminars on campus.
Application Deadline
- February 1 for cohorts starting in the summer of the same year
100%
Online
On-campus weekend seminar, once
per semester, required
42
Credit Hours
3 YRS
Estimated Time
to Complete
No GRE
Program Ranked "Among Best to Advance Careers"
The Princeton Review named the educational leadership doctoral program among the best online Doctor of Education programs in the country, citing its flexibility, affordability and access to innovative technology that educators look for to advance their careers.
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 advancing the student's research on their problem of practice. Seminars connect theory with practice and include 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 and expose students to individualized and collaborative learning experiences. Students will work through a series of structured exercises to develop and present their dissertation research for peer and faculty critique in preparation for 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
All candidates seeking admission to the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Leadership are required to complete the following:
- Complete the Graduate School and Educational Leadership applications
- A master’s degree
- A current resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation (one of which should be from a current or former supervisor)
- A prompted writing sample
- Finalists are selected for an interview with the Educational Leadership faculty
| Tuition / credit hour | $459.68 |
| Fee / credit hour | |
|---|---|
| Library | $4.98 |
| Network & Data Systems | $16 |
| Off-campus | $30 |
| Online Facilities | $2 |
Tuition and fees per credit hour reflect fall 2025 rates for students studying completely online. Students in online programs who take an on-campus course will pay on-campus fees, mandatory and college fees, for only the on-campus course.
- Degree Requirements
- Arkansas Teacher Opportunity Program
- Scholarship Opportunities
- College of Education and Health Professions
Webinar Replay
In this recorded webinar, you will hear Dr. Christy Smith from the College of Education Health Professions talk about the degree programs in educational leadership.
I wanted access to a Tier 1 research institution with high quality professors who are published in the field. I wanted to have good ratios and relationships with my cohort and faculty members. In every metric, the University of Arkansas was by far the best program, like, it’s not even close. Their Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program is the cream of the crop, the very best program in the world."
John EmettSaratoga Springs, UT
Something that I absolutely love about online at Arkansas is that I have a connection to my professors. If I need one of them in any situation, I can reach out to them and know that they know who I am....It’s something that I immensely value in an online program."
Kirstyn SalehiJonesboro, AR
I’ve met some incredible professionals in education from other states that would not have been possible without this program."
Kelley SellsCopan, OK
Job Market Outlook
The Pathways career data reflect career information associated with degree programs, and that data may include some jobs that require additional credentials and experience BEYOND the academic degree, including but not limited to professional licensure and certification, additional coursework, and specific training. See " About this data" to learn more about Pathways.
