Educational Leadership (EdD)
The Department of Organization and School Leadership is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) since 2019. CPED is an ongoing effort to rethink and redesign the professional doctorate in education to better serve those who aspire to practice educational leadership.
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.
Visit the Graduate College for more information.
Accolades
The Department of Organization and School Leadership is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) since 2019.
The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) is the knowledge forum on the EdD with a membership of over 100 colleges and schools of education, which have committed resources to work together to undertake a critical examination of the doctorate in education (EdD) through dialog, experimentation, critical feedback and evaluation.
The Mission of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) is to strengthen, improve, support and promote the CPED framework through continued collaboration and investigation.
The Vision of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) is to inspire all schools of education to apply the CPED framework to the preparation of educational leaders to become well - equipped scholarly practitioners who provide stewardship of the profession and meet the educational challenges of the 21st century.
The CPED Framework © supports the creation of a quality, rigorous professional practice doctorate in education while honoring the local context of each school or college of education. With each part building on the last, EdD programs can reimagine how they prepare students to excel as leaders in the field of education.
The CPED Framework© consists of three components—a new definition of the EdD, a set of guiding principles for program development and a set of design-concepts that serve as program building blocks.Read more about the CPED Framework©.
Admission Requirements
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:
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the doctoral program in educational leadership, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Master’s degree in Education or related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three professional letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
- Personal statement maximum of five pages double spaced, including the following headings: Purpose for Pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership; Description of Professional Goals; and Commitment and Dedication
- Resume showing professional presentations, publications, grants, recognitions, (e.g., honors and awards for leadership, teaching, academics), five 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
- Writing sample following the guideline provided by the program
- Participation of finalists in the program’s Assessment Center, a day-long session to evaluate the applicant’s verbal, written, and analytical skills
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign universities:- For additional information, visit the Additional Documents for Domestic Applicants who Attend Foreign Universities section of our website.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- For additional information, visit the International Admission page of our website.
Application Deadlines & Program Contact
Visit the Graduate College Campus-Based/Online Application Deadlines to view a list of application deadlines and program contacts.
Program Contact
Marie Simonsson, Ed.D.
(956) 665-7388
marie.simonsson@utrgv.edu
EEDUC 1.602
Course Requirements
Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Higher Education Administration (Ed.D.)
Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Needs-Based (Ed.D.)
Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Special Education (Ed.D.)
Career Outlook
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Job Opportunities
Graduate Testimonials
Dr. Griselda C. Castilla
Associate Vice President for Strategic
“The Ed.D. program provides students the opportunity to learn from practitioners in the K-16 educational system. The program is affordable, and the evening classes did not take time away from my full-time employment. One of the best experiences was the collegiality and camaraderie I witnessed and developed with the faculty and my colleagues in the program. A sense of belonging and helping each other was profound from the moment I began the program, and this was not just amongst the cohort I started the program with, but this was the case with all students I interacted with. It is a life experience that will allow you to reach your fullest potential, both personally and career-wise. ”
Dr. Liz Silva
Part-Time Lecturer, UTRGV
“Participating and completing the Educational Leadership Doctoral program was a rewarding experience and facilitated my professional and personal growth. The faculty have become lifelong mentors and provided us with inspiration and encouragement. I urge all professionals seeking a terminal degree to consider this program. ”