UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
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Language
PhD
Level
The PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership (EAL) is offered by the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership within the College of Education. This program prepares students for leadership roles in educational settings, focusing on policy, organization, and the challenges of leading educational institutions. It offers a rigorous academic experience designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in educational leadership. The program is delivered on-campus and requires a minimum of 64 credit hours.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes department-required courses, specialized tracks, electives, research methodology, qualifying exams, and thesis work. Students can choose between the Superintendency Endorsement Option or the Educational Administration with No Licensure Option. A typical plan of study involves core courses, advanced research, and thesis research.
- Year 1
- Proseminar in EPOLEPOL 500
- Methods of Educational InquiryEPOL 550
- Subsequent Years
- Educational Politics and PoliciesEPOL 530
- Diversity, Leadership & PolicyEPOL 531
- Leading Improvement and InnovationEPOL 541
- Organizational Theory for Educational LeadersEPOL 544
- Law and School District LeaderEPOL 546
- District Change for Equity and Social JusticeEPOL 547
- Human Resource Management at the School District LevelEPOL 548
- School District Financial ManagementEPOL 549
- Program EvaluationERAM 556
- Thesis SeminarEPOL 591
- Thesis ResearchEPOL 599
Careers
Graduates of the PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership program are prepared for a variety of leadership positions in educational institutions and related organizations.
- Superintendent
- Principal
- Educational Policy Analyst
- University Administrator
- Researcher
- Program Director
Frequently asked questions
- What are the minimum academic qualifications required for the PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership program?
- A master's degree or its equivalent is typically required for admission to the PhD program. You will also need to submit official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.
- How long does the PhD program typically take to complete?
- The program requires a minimum of 64 credit hours and is delivered on-campus. A typical plan of study involves coursework, research, and thesis work over several years.
- What are the estimated tuition and living costs for international students?
- Tuition and fees vary by program and are subject to change. International candidates must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover studies and living expenses to be eligible for a visa. Please refer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Cost website for the most current rates and estimated living costs.
- What career paths can graduates pursue with a PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership positions such as Superintendent, Principal, Educational Policy Analyst, University Administrator, Researcher, and Program Director in educational institutions and related organizations.
- How do I apply for the PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership program?
- You need to complete the online application for graduate admissions, submit official transcripts, required test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and demonstrate financial support. Review the program's 'How to Apply' page for detailed instructions.
Entry requirements
Graduate DegreeA master's degree or equivalent is typically required for admission to the PhD program.
International applicants must demonstrate financial support for their studies to obtain a U.S. visa. The Graduate College requires funding documents for application processing. Applicants should not plan to rely on employment for themselves or their spouse for financial support.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fees vary by program and are subject to change. Please refer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Cost website for the most current rates.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fees vary by program and are subject to change. Please refer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Cost website for the most current rates.
LivingEstimated living costs are available on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Cost website.
All admitted international candidates must be prepared to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover their studies and living expenses to be eligible for a visa.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the specific academic and application requirements for the PhD in EAL. Visit the program's 'How to Apply' page and review the 'Deadlines & Instructions' for details.
2. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit an online application for graduate admissions through the University of Illinois Graduate College portal. You will need to create an account to begin.
3. Submit TranscriptsProvide official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. Specific instructions for submission will be provided during the application process.
4. Provide Test ScoresSubmit required standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, although not explicitly mentioned, it's common for PhD programs; check program specifics) and English proficiency test scores if applicable.
5. Submit Letters of RecommendationArrange for letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your academic and professional capabilities. Typically, 3 letters are required.
6. Write a Statement of PurposePrepare a statement of purpose outlining your academic and research interests, relevant experience, and career goals, and how they align with the EAL PhD program.
7. Demonstrate Financial SupportInternational applicants must provide documentation verifying their ability to self-fund their education and living expenses throughout their program of study. This is a requirement for visa processing.
8. Pay Application FeeSubmit the required application fee.
9. Await Admission DecisionApplications are reviewed by the department and the Graduate College. Decisions are typically communicated after the application deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum academic qualifications required for the PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership program?
+
A master's degree or its equivalent is typically required for admission to the PhD program. You will also need to submit official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions.
How long does the PhD program typically take to complete?
+
The program requires a minimum of 64 credit hours and is delivered on-campus. A typical plan of study involves coursework, research, and thesis work over several years.
What are the estimated tuition and living costs for international students?
+
Tuition and fees vary by program and are subject to change. International candidates must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover studies and living expenses to be eligible for a visa. Please refer to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Cost website for the most current rates and estimated living costs.
What career paths can graduates pursue with a PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership positions such as Superintendent, Principal, Educational Policy Analyst, University Administrator, Researcher, and Program Director in educational institutions and related organizations.
How do I apply for the PhD in Educational Administration and Leadership program?
+
You need to complete the online application for graduate admissions, submit official transcripts, required test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and demonstrate financial support. Review the program's 'How to Apply' page for detailed instructions.