University of Illinois Chicago

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: Requires a master's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, at least five years of full-time professional experience in PreK-16 education or related fields, and demonstrated leadership potential. Current full-time employment and strong analytical/writing skills are typically expected.

About This Program

UIC's flagship Ed.D. in Urban Education Leadership is highly selective and designed for aspiring and current school principals. Intensive, cohort-based combining coursework with supervised practicum. After 1.5 years, students are eligible for Illinois Principal Endorsement. After 2.5-3 years and capstone, earn doctorate recognized as Exemplary Educational Leadership Preparation Program by UCEA. 1 in 9 CPS principals trained at UIC. Can add Illinois Superintendent Endorsement with additional courses.

Career Outcomes

UIC graduates lead Chicago Public Schools and urban school districts as principals and superintendents with focus on equity and social justice.

• 1. Urban School Superintendent
• 2. District-Level Administrator
• 3. Education Policy Analyst
• 4. Equity and Inclusion Director

What You'll Learn

• Lead urban schools with a focus on equity and cultural competence.
• Analyze and influence education policy in diverse urban contexts.
• Implement organizational change and team-building in educational settings.
• Conduct action research to address problems of practice in urban education.

Curriculum Highlights

Year 1-1.5: Core Leadership, Practicum Experiences, Principal Endorsement Coursework; Year 2-3: Research, Capstone, Electives, Superintendent Endorsement (optional)

Top Employers

Top employers include urban public school districts, city education departments, nonprofit education reform organizations, and state education agencies.

Admissions

Requires a master's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, at least five years of full-time professional experience in PreK-16 education or related fields, and demonstrated leadership potential. Current full-time employment and strong analytical/writing skills are typically expected.

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+)