The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Graduate College Division of Research, Graduate Studies & New Program Development
Educational Leadership (EdD)
Educational Leadership (EdD)
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership program is UTRGV's commitment to provide educational leaders with the knowledge and skills to make educational institutions better places for children, youth, and adults of all ages. The program leads to a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership emphasizing preparation for careers in a variety of educational settings: K-12, community college, or university. The program is uniquely oriented toward the application of theory and knowledge derived from researching practical problems. Special focus is placed on preparing educational leaders for the Rio Grande Valley.
The educational objectives of the program are:
- To prepare professional individuals capable of achieving the highest levels of educational competence in daily practice.
- To prepare outstanding academic and administrative leaders for educational agencies at the campus, district, higher education institution, county, regional, state and national levels, with emphasis on leadership skills required to educate minorities, particularly Hispanics.
- To provide deeper understanding of the legal, financial and operational demands on the professional educator, as well as adequate historical and contemporary contexts that influence their role.
- To provide an understanding of the theories and research methodologies that illuminate the significant role of the professional education practitioner.
- To provide professional educators with problem solving and applied research skills.
- To offer access to a doctoral-level program in educational leadership to all Rio Grande Valley citizens who have the qualifications and motivation to pursue it.
- To assist in the formation of professionals who will serve in administrative and policy positions in order to enhance the educational and economic opportunities of persons who need the most development of their human potential.
- To provide uniquely qualified leadership, teaching and research skills required to meet the special needs of the culturally diverse student population in this area.
Click here for Application Letter/Packet
This program is part of the Carnegie Project on Education Doctorate.
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply. There is no application fee.
Step #2: Request your official transcripts to be sent electronically to gradapps@utrgv.edu or mailed to:
Review and submit all Program Requirements:
- Earned master's degree from an accredited institution in a field related to Education with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Submission of personal statement, maximum of 5 pages double- spaced, including the following headings: Purpose of Pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership; Description of Professional Goals; and Commitment and Dedication.
- Submission of 3 letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources.
- Submission of resume showing professional presentations, publications, grants, recognitions (e.g., honors and awards for leadership, teaching, academics), 5 years full-time leadership, supervisory experiences or classroom experience(college/university level, school/district, business, military, regional, state-level, international, other) leadership activity in community organizations, professional associations, or community service.
- Submission of writing sample following the guideline provided by the program.
- Participation of finalists in the Program’s Assessment Center, a daylong session to evaluate the applicant’s verbal, written, and analytical skills.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years. For additional information, visit the Additional Documents for Domestic Applicants who Attend Foreign Universities section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on Internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. For additional information, visit the English Proficiency Exam section of our website.
- Certified English translation of educational records.
- Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year of study. For additional information, visit the Financial Documentation section of our website.
- Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid passport. For additional information, visit the Immigration Documents section of our website.
UPDATE ON INTERNATIONAL ADMISSIONS FROM U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT:
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SEVP regulations prohibit the issuance of a Form I-20 based on conditional admission, effective July 13, 2016. University officials can only issue a Form I-20 when students have met all standards for admission for the program of study listed on the Form I-20. These standards for admission include any English proficiency requirements.
Program Coordinator: Dr. Marie Simonsson
Phone: (956) 665-7388
Office: Edinburg Campus, EEDUC 1.602
E-mail: marie.simonsson@utrgv.edu
| Fall | Spring | Summer I | Summer II | |
| Application Deadline: | February 1st | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Residency | Per 3-Credit Hour Course | Semester (9-Credit Hours) | Total Estimated Cost |
| Texas Resident | $1,481.39 | $3,894.17 | $34,071.97 |
| Non-Resident/International | $2,708.39 | $7,575.17 | $62,292.97 |
*We estimate that tuition and fees will closely approximate the rates shown above; however, rates are subject to change. Please note that the rates above are estimated for on-campus students and those enrolled in 16-week online programs. The rate is different for Accelerated Online Programs (AOP). Visit the tuition and fees page for detailed information.
Click here to view the program's course requirements from the current catalog.
