EdD K-12 Educational Leadership at University of Rochester

Programme overview

A doctoral credential for K-12 educators and others building leadership skills, offered fully online, in person or hybrid, full-time or part-time.

Faculty: Warner School of Education and Human Development | Department: Educational Leadership | Duration: 90 credits (up to 36 transferable; up to 9 more retroactively for Warner K-12 leadership certificate graduates); as few as three years part-time starting in summer | Intake: Start in any semester; priority application deadline November 1, 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Rochester, NY, United States

What you will study

Core coursework in leadership, educational policy, decision-making, program evaluation and research methods plus electives; dissertation based on a problem of practice. Advanced certificates (Program Evaluation, Online Teaching, Digitally-Rich Teaching in K-12 Schools, Urban Teaching & Leadership, Teacher Leadership) can be added for a few credits.

Career pathways

Highest-level leadership roles in K-12 districts and schools and faculty positions in higher education institutions that train future educational leaders.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme requirement: 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. Warner School graduate applications (doctoral): three recommendation letters (at least one preferably from a former professor); 2-4 page statement of purpose; resume or CV; writing sample of at least five pages; transcripts from all post-secondary institutions; GRE not required for many programmes (doctoral applicants seeking certain university-wide scholarships are encouraged to submit); TOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants with a non-U.S. Priority deadline November 1, 2026; start any semester.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Start in any semester; priority application deadline November 1, 2026

Duration: 90 credits (up to 36 transferable; up to 9 more retroactively for Warner K-12 leadership certificate

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