UC Berkeley

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants typically hold a master's degree in education or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, relevant professional experience in education (such as teaching or administration), and a strong record of leadership potential.

About This Program

UC Berkeley's highly competitive LEAD (Leaders for Equity and Democracy) doctorate admits only 10-12 students every other year. Cohort-based, hybrid format allows full-time employment while studying. Founded in 1889, Berkeley School of Education has seasoned, diverse faculty and strong research interests in technology-education intersection. Students complete 3 core courses per semester in Year 1, research seminars, LEAD field visits, and dissertation explicitly designed for journal submission.

Career Outcomes

Berkeley graduates pursue superintendent positions, C-level non-profit roles, policy positions, global education ventures, and district leadership.

• 1. School Principal
• 2. District Superintendent
• 3. Educational Policy Director
• 4. University Administrator

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement equitable educational policies
• Lead organizational change in schools and districts
• Analyze data to inform instructional leadership decisions
• Conduct applied research on educational challenges

Curriculum Highlights

Year 1: Core Leadership Courses (9 credits), Research Methods; Year 2: Research Seminars, Equity Leadership, Field Experiences; Year 3: Dissertation, LEAD Field Visits, Leadership Application

Top Employers

Common employers include public school districts, state education departments, universities, and nonprofit educational organizations.

Admissions

Applicants typically hold a master's degree in education or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, relevant professional experience in education (such as teaching or administration), and a strong record of leadership potential.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Master's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)