The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Innovation prepares scholar
practitioners as change agents, to lead the transformation of complex systems and
organizations through scholarly inquiry and the resolution of problems of practice
and policy in educational settings.
The Doctor of Education degree is designed for students who plan careers as school
or district-level leaders. This degree emphasizes the application of educational research
related to problems of practice in the field of educational leadership.
Graduates of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Innovation:
- Are scholarly practitioners committed to the improvement of learning organizations
at the local, regional, state, national, and international level, resulting in sustained
educational achievement for all learners.
- Engage in scholarly inquiry in their educational settings to solve complex problems
of practice and policy through innovation.
- Work within and across communities to build strategic partnerships at the local, regional,
state, national, and international levels.
- Empower communities and stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration.
Contact Information
For more information about the Educational Leadership Doctoral program, contact Dr. Robert Voelkel.
Application Deadline
Domestic and International students: January 7 for a program start in the Fall semester
of the same calendar year.
GRE Requirement
The GRE is NOT required.
TOEFL Requirement
International applicants whose native language is not English must have a score of
at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
GPA Requirement
Graduate Applicants are evaluated holistically, based on specific departmental and
program requirements. In the past, successful candidates usually had a 3.50 GPA in
master’s-level studies for admission to the doctoral program. However, the program
will still review applications with GPAs lower than 3.5.
Experience
Evidence of
- at least two years of successful teaching experience in either a public or private
school
- principal certification
For step-by-step instructions on the application process, please visit the Graduate
Admissions website. This will include details on how to submit materials including
transcripts, letters of recommendation and other items. Start your application here.
Supplemental Documents
Applicants must also submit an application portfolio directly to the Educational Leadership
program office including the following:
Personal Statement
A three-page double-spaced personal statement describing the applicant’s (a) two
most important professional achievements, (b) future career goals related to educational
leadership and administration, (c) a problem of practice the applicant would like
to investigate during their time in the program, and (d) how completing the degree
in educational leadership will relate with those goals.
Problem-Solving Scenario
A three-page double-spaced response to a problem-solving scenario, where the applicant
will develop a leadership plan of action and explain both the rationale and the expected
result(s). Please request the scenario from the program administrator via email (Stanley.Sam@unt.edu) or phone call (940-565-2175).
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation from three people who can provide evidence of the applicant’s
reading, writing and critical thinking skills. One of the letters should be from a
college or university professor familiar with the individual’s academic strengths,
and one letter should be from a supervisor or mentor familiar with the individual’s
professional work.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae demonstrating prior educational and professional experience.
Evidence of Teaching and Administration
Documentation of at least two years of teaching experience in either a public or private
school. Documentation of principal certification.
Interview
After your application is received, the Admissions Committee will be in touch to schedule
a short interview. Committee members will have questions for applicants. Applicants
are encouraged to ask the committee questions, as well.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships in this program are competitive. For information on how to
apply for one, please contact the department.