UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€98k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 3 yearsProgram Duration
- Equity-Centered LeadershipFocus Area
- Applied ResearchMethodology
- Institutional ChangeOutcome
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, known as UC LEAD, is designed to prepare leaders to enhance curriculum, instruction, policy, and organizational systems within educational settings. The program emphasizes rigorous inquiry and strategic leadership to foster equity and drive improvement. Graduates will be equipped to lead complex educational systems with strategic clarity, design and evaluate research-informed improvement initiatives, and apply advanced inquiry methods to address persistent challenges. The program aims to translate evidence into sustainable institutional change, preparing leaders to make a significant impact in their fields.
Careers
Graduates of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program are prepared to assume prominent roles in various sectors of education. The program focuses on developing advanced leadership skills and research capabilities to drive positive change.
- Educational Leaders
- Curriculum Specialists
- Policy Analysts
- School Administrators
- District Superintendents
- Higher Education Administrators
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Ed.D. program?
- For non-California residents, the supplemental tuition is $12,245 per year. The total estimated cost of attendance for non-California residents, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and other costs, is approximately $114,095 (on campus) or $114,587 (off campus) for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- How long does the Doctor of Education program take to complete?
- The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in 3 years.
- What are the general entry requirements for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program?
- A Master's degree or its equivalent is generally required for admission. Specific requirements are detailed on the program's admissions page, and prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions.
- What supporting documents are needed to apply?
- Applicants must provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Other specified materials may also be required.
- When is the application deadline for the Ed.D. program?
- Specific deadlines are listed on the program's admissions page. Information sessions in April/May 2026 suggest application deadlines may be prior to Fall 2026 entry.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Educational Leaders, Curriculum Specialists, Policy Analysts, School Administrators, District Superintendents, and Higher Education Administrators.
Entry requirements
Graduate DegreeA Master's degree or equivalent is generally required.
Specific admission requirements are detailed on the program's admissions page. Prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions.
Fees
Tuition (international)Non-California Resident Supplemental Tuition: $12,245 per year. Total estimated cost of attendance for non-California residents (including tuition, fees, living expenses, books, personal expenses, and transportation) is approximately $114,095 (on campus) or $114,587 (off campus) for the 2026-2027 academic year. Note that tuition and fees remain the same regardless of instructional delivery method (on-campus or remote).
Tuition (home)California Resident Tuition and Fees: Approximately $63,501 per year. Total estimated cost of attendance for California residents (including tuition, fees, living expenses, books, personal expenses, and transportation) is approximately $101,850 (on campus) or $102,342 (off campus) for the 2026-2027 academic year. Note that tuition and fees remain the same regardless of instructional delivery method (on-campus or remote).
LivingEstimated living expenses (food & housing for students without dependents) are $31,056 per year. For students with dependents, this is $31,548 per year.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. The figures provided are for the 2026-2027 academic year and represent proposed or currently approved amounts. The total cost of attendance includes direct and indirect costs. The UC San Diego Mandatory Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) fee is $6,600 and may be waived if equivalent private insurance is held.
How to apply
1. Review Admissions RequirementsVisit the program's dedicated admissions page to understand the specific academic and application requirements for the Ed.D. program.
2. Attend an Information SessionParticipate in upcoming online information sessions to learn more about the program and ask questions. Dates are available on the program website.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the graduate application through the UC San Diego graduate admissions portal by the specified deadline for the desired intake.
4. Provide Supporting DocumentsUpload all required documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and any other specified materials.
5. Await DecisionThe admissions committee will review applications, and applicants will be notified of the decision.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Ed.D. program?
+
For non-California residents, the supplemental tuition is $12,245 per year. The total estimated cost of attendance for non-California residents, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and other costs, is approximately $114,095 (on campus) or $114,587 (off campus) for the 2026-2027 academic year.
How long does the Doctor of Education program take to complete?
+
The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in 3 years.
What are the general entry requirements for the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program?
+
A Master's degree or its equivalent is generally required for admission. Specific requirements are detailed on the program's admissions page, and prospective students are encouraged to attend information sessions.
What supporting documents are needed to apply?
+
Applicants must provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Other specified materials may also be required.
When is the application deadline for the Ed.D. program?
+
Specific deadlines are listed on the program's admissions page. Information sessions in April/May 2026 suggest application deadlines may be prior to Fall 2026 entry.
What are the career prospects after completing the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Educational Leaders, Curriculum Specialists, Policy Analysts, School Administrators, District Superintendents, and Higher Education Administrators.