Skip to main content
Three school administrators in discussion on campus.

K-12 Educational Leadership Doctorate

Doctorate (EdD)

Fully online option
We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 1, 2025.

Full and Partial Assistantships

Fully Online Option

Full-Time or Part-Time Options

Program Overview

Whether you want to pursue a leadership role in K-12 schools, prepare the next generation of school leaders, or contribute new knowledge about schools and educational leadership, Warner’s flexible EdD in educational leadership will help you achieve your goals.   

This program provides K-12 school educators who already hold leadership certification, as well as others interested in developing the leadership skills required of today’s educational leaders, with a research-based, doctoral-level credential to support success as an educational leader and advancement in their career.

Key Program Features

  • Minimum Credits: 90 graduate credits, of which up to 36 can be transferred from previous graduate coursework; graduates of Warner's K-12 leadership certificate program can apply up to 9 additional credits retroactively.
  • Online, in-person and hybrid options: Students benefit from program flexibility with fully online, in-person and hybrid formats.
  • Timely Completion: The program can be completed in as few as three years of part-time study, beginning in the summer semester. Candidates who wish to complete their EdD at a slower pace can meet with their advisor to create a program of study that best meets their desired timeline.
  • Flexible: The program can be completed on a part-time basis while holding a job, or full-time, starting in any semester. 
  • Develop Key Skills and Dispositions: Core coursework in leadership, educational policy, decision-making, program evaluation, and research methods will enable you to develop highly relevant skills for today’s leaders. 
  • Relevant to Your Job:  You are encouraged to work on a problem of practice related to your work as the focus of your dissertation.
  • Opportunities for Additional Specializations: You can add an Advanced Certificate in Program Evaluation, Online Teaching, Digitally-Rich Teaching in K-12 Schools, Urban Teaching & Leadership, or Teacher Leadership for only a few additional credits.
  • Customizable: Includes a mix of required content-based and research methods courses as well as electives to enable you to tailor the degree to your career interests and needs.

Prerequisites

  • A 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.
  • Prior experience as an educational leader is highly desirable, though not required.

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Warner SBL/SDL certification holders, as well as individuals who earn their SBL/SDL at SUNY Oswego and SUNY Brockport, are eligible for a 35% scholarship. Others may apply for additional scholarships. 

Questions?

EdD in Educational Administration: K-12 Schools

Prepares and supports experienced educators and educational leaders to advance in their careers and/or assume select positions in K-12 schools, districts, and education agencies. It can be completed on a part-time basis while maintaining full-time employment. 

View coursework for the EdD in Educational Administration: K-12 Schools. You can complete this program in as few as three years by following the prescribed coursework sequence, or opt for a more flexible pace based on your schedule.

Additionally, our new fully online EdD option can be completed from a distance.

What'S the difference between an EdD & PhD?

Check out these seven important tips to help you choose the right doctoral program.

Customize Your Degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 1, 2025.

Program Diretor

Brian Brent

Earl B. Taylor Professor, Co-Chair Educational Leadership

Core Program Faculty

Andrea Cutt
Leadership & organizational dynamics; curriculum & instructional leadership

Karen DeAngelis
Decision-making; educational policy; quantitative research methods

Nahoko Kawakyu O'Connor
Program evaluation

Patrick McCue
Equitable grading and instructional practices

Manuel Rivera
School district leadership; politics of education; policy

Patricia Vaughan-Brogan
Leadership & special education; leadership & organizational dynamics

Contact Admissions

Request Information

Receive a $70 application fee waiver when you complete the form below.

Loading...

Take a Course Before You Apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

Related Certificates and Degrees

Start Your Application