PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Educational Leadership EdD program is designed to prepare educators for leadership positions at all levels of educational administration from PK-12 to higher education. The program prepares students for positions in teaching and research. As a professional program, studies are flexible and diverse, allowing for individual needs to be met. While a thorough knowledge of the field of educational leadership is expected of all doctoral students, individuals will also gain expertise in at least one area of specialization. Specialization knowledge is obtained through course work, independent and directed studies, research, and field experiences.
The Higher Education track is appropriate for students who are committed to advancing their leadership capabilities in college and university settings. The Program of Study has been designed to broaden the administrative knowledge and skills of higher education professionals who bring to the program a prior discipline specialization. Students admitted to the program are typically employed in teaching, research and administrative positions in community colleges and universities or education related agencies.
The PK-12 Educational Leadership tracks are appropriate for students who are committed to advancing their leadership opportunities and capabilities in PK-12 educational settings. Doctoral programs are designed to broaden administrative knowledge and skills of practicing professionals in PK-12 settings. Though students who elect this option have often completed an initial program of study required for Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership certification (Previous Leadership Certification Track), it is possible to include the required prerequisite courses as a part of the overall doctoral program (Initial Leadership Certification Track). Students admitted to the program are typically employed in teaching and administrative positions in elementary and secondary schools or education-related agencies.
The EdD is suited for those interested in concentrating their doctoral study in either PK-12 administration or higher education and policy studies. Focus areas include: political and organizational theory, leadership, systems theory, planning and evaluation, school law and finance, decision making, communications, organizational planning, institutional climate and assessment, staff development, program analysis and evaluation, curriculum and instruction, and educational policy studies.
CURRICULUM
The Educational Leadership EdD requires a minimum of 63 credit hours beyond the master’s degree, including 15 credit hours of educational leadership or higher education core courses, 9 credit hours of research/methods, a minimum of 12 credit hours within an area of specialization, 6 credit hours of elective courses, and 21 credit hours of dissertation. Students must choose one of three tracks: Initial Leadership PK -12 Certification (students seeking initial PK-12 Florida Educational Leadership certification), Previous Leadership PK-12 Certification (students already holding PK-12 Florida Educational certification), and Higher Education (students preparing for careers in higher education).
| Total Credit Hours Required: |
| 63
Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree |
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline(s).
Effective Summer 2010, this program will consider applicants in Fall and Spring terms only and at the track level.
FINANCIALS
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see Student Finances, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see Fellowships, which includes descriptions of UCF fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.