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College of Education
Educational Leadership

The primary mission of the Department of Educational Leadership is the development of individuals for leadership roles at all levels of education and related business/industry enterprises. Its scope includes PK-12 Education Leadership , Higher Education Leadership , and Workforce Education and Development . Our Department offers several programs, many of which involve theoretical constructs and practitioner training for those interested in careers as public or private educational leaders, policy analysis, and teachers in business and industry occupations that require educational and leadership skills or degrees focusing on educational research.

PK-12 Education Leadership

Ed.D. in PK-12 Leadership (LEAD Doc)

The PK-12 program provides the theoretical framework and practical training needed for those interested in careers as public or private school administrators or in other fields calling for educational leadership. The program's professional training stresses strategic planning, collaborative problem solving, interpersonal and intergroup relations, and effective communication. A unique feature of this program permits students to establish residency during two consecutive summers and makes extensive use of internship and practicum experiences. It is flexibly structured, thus allowing the candidate to combine work on the degree with performance on the job, eliminating the need for extensive leaves of absence from work. The program consists of a minimum of 60 credit hours of study beyond the master's degree, including the completion of a dissertation, which represents a minimum of 12 of those credits. One class is selected every two years, matriculating in odd-numbered years.

Admission Requirements:

  • A master's degree in educational leadership or approved equivalent
  • Official copies of all college transcripts
  • Three letters of reference
  • Satisfactory composite scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • Professional resume or vita
  • Verification of two years teaching experience, or equivalent
  • Successful oral interview with program faculty members
  • Application deadline is March 15 (The deadline will soon be change to March 1st of odd year. Please call the department at 702-895-3491 for the accurate deadline information).

Curriculum:

Course work in the LEAD Doc program will cover topics in the following general areas:

  • Historical Foundations & Future Trends in Education Leadership
  • Organization Development & Organizational Behavior
  • Paradigms of Leadership
  • Facilitating Change
  • School Improvement Process
  • Leading for Social Justice
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Program Evaluation

Students will also plan with their advisor for elective courses to complement their studies.

Electives (12 credits)

Program Coordinator: Patti L. Chance
e-mail address: patti.chance@unlv.edu