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Nurturing Leaders Through Innovation and Experience

Gain the expertise and connections to advance your career in educational leadership with our doctoral programs at the University of Kentucky.

Our programs offer:

  • A flexible schedule designed for working professionals with evening and Saturday classes.
  • A structured curriculum to complete coursework in 3 1⁄2 years.

  • A cohort-based model that facilitates rich discussion and collaborative learning.

  • An in-depth onboarding process providing mentorship and setting you up for success.
  • Exposure to diverse perspectives with a global student body.

We offer two options for educational leaders:

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education Sciences, Educational Leadership

  • Ideal for pursuing a career in academia and research
  • Develop expertise in theory, policy, and quantitive/qualitative research
  • A traditional dissertation format

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

  • Designed for leadership roles in educationally focused organizations
  • Build skills in using data to make educational policies and practices
  • Complete an applied mixed-methods action research dissertation focused on real-world problems

Both programs focus on the four Cs: Compliance, Clarification, Connection, and Culture. This approach fosters an inclusive and nurturing environment for students.

Contact us to learn more about how our doctoral programs can help you achieve your goals in educational leadership.

Meet Your Support Team

Dr. John Nash

John Nash

As the Director of Graduate Studies for EDL, Dr. Nash is your liaison to the Graduate School, the official home for all graduate degrees at UK.

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Melissa McCaughan

Melissa McCaughan

As our Students Affairs Officer, she is your go-to person for navigating the application process with ease and confidence.

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Dr. Beth Rous

Beth S. Rous

As the chair of the doctoral program, she is here to assist you with any program-related questions, ensuring a smooth academic journey.

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