Degree Info
3+ Years to Complete
Face-to-Face Classes with Online Coursework
Classes Held Saturdays and Sundays in Bismarck, ND
In-State Tuition Regardless of Residency
Questions?
We Can Help
Doctorate in Educational Leadership (PreK-12 or Higher Education Emphasis)
Doctoral Degree
New students may tentatively begin 2014
Career Information
The University of North Dakota's Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership (EDL) gives you a unique opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to function effectively as an educational leader.
The Educational Leadership Doctoral Program prepares you for prominent administrative or scholarly positions in:
- PreK-12 schools
- higher education
- other non-profit educational settings
PreK-12 School Emphasis
The PreK-12 School Emphasis prepares you for prominent school administration positions, including:
- elementary, middle, or secondary level principalships
- superintendencies
- curriculum directorships
- other school district central office administrators
Higher Education Emphasis
The Educational Leadership Doctoral Program with a Higher Education Emphasis prepares you for mid- and upper-level administrative positions in academic affairs, student affairs, and state or federal government education. Graduates work in a variety of settings, including:
- doctoral universities
- master’s colleges and universities
- baccalaureate colleges
- community colleges
- special focus institutions
- tribal colleges
- educational policy and research consortia
- state and federal government entities
The Higher Education Emphasis provides you with the tools you need to excel in the areas of:
- undergraduate and graduate program administration
- student support services
- college leadership and planning
EdD or PhD Options
Upon completion of the Doctor of Education (EdD) degree, you generally will have completed the requirements for an administrative credential, including those required for the position of school superintendent in North Dakota. The EdD degree focuses on the practitioner.
If you choose to pursue the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, you will be prepared for research and leadership positions in schools, government agencies, or other educational policy organizations.
During your initial coursework, your faculty advisor will help you to decide if the EdD or PhD is right for you.
Job Prospects
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of education administrators is projected to grow, as education and training take on greater importance in everyone’s lives. Currently, there is a shortage of qualified administrators, especially in rural areas of the United States.
Job opportunities for many of these positions should be excellent due to:
- a large proportion of education administrators are expected to retire over the next 10 years.
- growth in enrollments of school-age children and postsecondary education.
- the increasing amount of administrative responsibilities placed on individual schools, particularly related to monitoring student achievement as well as school improvement and accountability.
For specific information on the nature of the work, job outlook, and earnings, view the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics for Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals or for Postsecondary Education Administrators.