UIUC

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 must hold a master's degree in education or a related field, demonstrate professional experience in K-12 administration or teaching, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores are often optional, with emphasis on leadership potential and a problem-of-practice statement.

About This Program

UIUC's College of Education has scores of Ed.D. programs across diverse specializations. Use the program finder to explore options. Conventional offerings include Hybrid Ed.D. in Educational Administration & Leadership with optional principal or superintendent endorsements. Specialization options include diversity & equity approaches to P-16 learning. 2024 data: 80+ tenure-track faculty, 31% from underrepresented backgrounds, $62M in grants, 1,300+ grad students, 36,000+ alumni.

Career Outcomes

UIUC graduates lead in K-12 schools, higher education, educational non-profits, and policy organizations with diverse specializations.

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

What You'll Learn

• Analyze and influence education policy to promote equity and reform.
• Lead organizational change using systems thinking and leadership theory.
• Conduct applied research to address real-world problems of practice.
• Develop strategies for instructional improvement and student success.

Curriculum Highlights

Varies by specialization: Core Leadership, Research, Diversity & Equity, Educational Administration; some on-campus Ed.D. in Higher Education allows customizable curriculum with few required courses

Top Employers

Common employers include public school districts, state departments of education, nonprofit education organizations, and higher education institutions.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a master's degree in education or a related field, demonstrate professional experience in K-12 administration or teaching, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores are often optional, with emphasis on leadership potential and a problem-of-practice statement.

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: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)