University of Central Florida

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 to Ed.D. programs in Educational Leadership typically hold a master's degree in education or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, relevant professional experience in education (often 3+ years), and evidence of leadership potential.

About This Program

UCF's College of Community Innovation & Education (CCIE) offers two Ed.D. programs. Ed.D. in Educational Leadership has Higher Education (63 credits, dissertation) and Executive (54 credits, PK-12, Dissertation in Practice/field project) tracks. Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction allows 12-credit specialization selection (Instructional Design, Educational Psychology, TESOL, Reading Education, etc.) with Laboratory of Practice and Dissertation in Practice. Holmes Scholar program provides support for underrepresented doctoral students.

Career Outcomes

UCF graduates lead K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and educational organizations as administrators, curriculum specialists, and leaders.

• 1. School Superintendent
• 2. District Administrator
• 3. Higher Education Dean
• 4. Educational Policy Director

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement effective educational policies to improve institutional outcomes.
• Lead curriculum development and instructional improvement initiatives.
• Analyze organizational dynamics and foster equitable school cultures.
• Conduct applied research to inform leadership decision-making.

Curriculum Highlights

Educational Leadership: Core Leadership, Research, School Finance, Law, Organization Theory; Curriculum & Instruction: Specialization Courses (12 credits), Laboratory of Practice (3 credits), Dissertation in Practice (3 credits)

Top Employers

Common employers include public school districts, state departments of education, universities, and educational consulting firms.

Admissions

Applicants to Ed.D. programs in Educational Leadership typically hold a master's degree in education or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, relevant professional experience in education (often 3+ years), and evidence 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: Optional or Not Required
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)