Ranked #16 in Education Administration by US News and World Report
The EdD in Urban Education Leadership is a nationally-recognized program designed to prepare and develop principals who are able to lead the improvement of teaching and learning in urban schools. The program faculty and staff are comprised of equity-minded educators committed to developing aspiring leaders who have the drive to disrupt inequities and advance learning opportunities within diverse student populations. The EdD program partners with The Center for Urban Education Leadership (CUEL) to conduct research, development, dissemination, policy advocacy to enhance the capacities of school leaders and improve the educational outcomes and life opportunities of PK-12 urban school students. Our program creates rigorous learning experiences that intensify leaders’ capacity as change agents who enlist the talents and energies of teachers, families, community members, and students to improve school culture, climate, and learning outcomes.
This an intensive, highly-selective cohort program combining coursework with supervised practicum experiences at the school level. It leads to the Illinois Principal Endorsement after successful completion of the first 18 months of coursework and residency, and to the Ed.D. degree upon three more years of successful leadership and study. We seek applicants who are preeminent teachers and leaders seeking to develop as equity-minded school principals. Applicants also include principals seeking to take their schools and their leadership skills to the next level. The EdD Urban Education Leadership Program looks for candidates with a strong understanding of effective instruction, the willingness to self-critique and improve through intensive coaching, a history of working effectively with adults, and a clear commitment to challenging inequity in schools.
Program Accolades
- Identified as a “model program” by the Illinois Board of Higher Education Commission on School Leader Preparation.
- Ranked #16 in Education Administration by US News and World Report.
- Awarded as Exemplary Educational Leadership Preparation Program by University Council for Education Administration.
- Awarded the Dr. Shirley S. Schwartz Urban Education Impact Award from the Council of Great City Schools, honoring an outstanding partnership between a university and an urban school district that has had a positive and significant impact on student learning.
- First higher education leadership preparation program in the US to receive Exemplary Affiliate Status (highest designation) by the George W. Bush Institute’s Alliance to Reform Education Leaders, which seeks to improve the way America’s principals are prepared and supported.
- With the Center for Urban Education Leadership, first higher education institution to receive Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching Spotlight Award for Continuous Improvement.
Degree Requirements Heading link
Degree Requirements Heading link
Summary: 88 credit hours to obtain the EdD or 112 hours to obtain the EdD with Superintendent Endorsement.
Faculty and Leadership Coaches Heading link
Frequently Asked Questions Heading link
What is the difference between the PhD in Urban Education and the EdD in Urban Education Leadership?
Typically, the PhD in Urban Education leads to positions such as research faculty at a university, administration at the university level, or research in a local/state agency or other policy organization. The EdD in Urban Education Leadership is focused on educational leadership practice and leads to positions in school/district level leadership in K to 12 schools.
What are the minimum qualifications for admission into the EdD program in Urban Education Leadership?
The minimum qualifications include an earned master’s degree, four years of teaching experience, a Professional Educator License, experience as a teacher-leader or school/district leader, and a demonstrated commitment to leading the improvement of high needs urban schools. The admissions process is highly selective.
How do I apply to the program?
Please visit our application process page.
How are students selected for the EdD program in Urban Education Leadership?
After you have submitted all required materials to the Graduate College, you may qualify for an interview with the program faculty. Doctoral candidates must hold a master’s degree, have demonstrated exceptional classroom instruction as well as leadership as teachers or administrators, have evidence of parent and community involvement and demonstrate clear commitment to transforming schools where the leadership need is most evident. Decisions for admission are made by the program faculty and are ultimately based on the content of the submitted documents and a successful interview. The admissions process is highly selective.
How long does it take to complete the EdD program in Urban Education Leadership and is a dissertation required?
On average, students complete EdD program requirements in four years.
Can I transfer in credit hours I have already earned elsewhere?
If the hours have not been applied toward another degree and the course content matches the curriculum in the EdD program, then most likely you will be able to transfer in some course credit. There is no guarantee that hours will automatically transfer. The final decision is made by the program faculty once you have been admitted to the program.
Do I have to leave my current position in order to be in the EdD program in Urban Education Leadership?
The EdD program requires that you are in a school-wide or system-level leadership position by the third semester of the program.
What days and times are courses typically offered for the EdD program in Urban Education Leadership?
In the first year, courses are typically offered in the evenings and Saturdays to minimize conflicts between coursework and practice. In the second and third years, other weeknights are used for courses. Students are encouraged to enroll in summer course work to ensure progress toward the degree. The course work is co-designed and co-taught by UIC academic faculty together with transformative principals and system level leaders who have themselves transformed urban schools.
Can I get an Illinois PreK-Age22 Principal Endorsement through the EdD program in Urban Education Leadership?
Principal Certificate. Students will earn an Illinois PreK-Age22 Principal Endorsement at the end of the first eighteen (18) months of the Ed.D. program after meeting program and state requirements.
Will the EdD program in Urban Education Leadership directly assist in job placement when I am finished?
The EdD program provides an abundance of networking opportunities and job application support but does not guarantee job placement after completion of degree. We seek to prepare candidates to be successful in a highly competitive job market.
Where are classes/courses held?
Most classes/courses in the EdD program are held on the east side of campus in ETMSW.
Is financial aid available for the EdD program?
In recent years, fellowships have been made available to a limited number of advanced students.