The Doctor of Education (EdD) in educational policy and leadership studies is designed for educators who seek a terminal doctoral degree to practice upper-level leadership in pre-kindergarten through higher education (PK–20) settings. Based on the scholar-practitioner model, the EdD differs from the PhD in that it allows for a more practical-based approach to use and perform applied research in educational settings grounded in problem-based learning pedagogy. Students elect to join their cohort class either on campus in Iowa City or though a hybrid program. The EdD employs a blended learning delivery of online, in-person, condensed, and weekend courses.

The EdD is a non-deposit degree program. Students will complete a capstone project based on a problem of practice in their own work setting. The capstone proposal course serves as the equivalent of the comprehensive exam, and a final capstone project is required for graduation as a dissertation equivalent. 

Learning Outcomes

EdD graduates will be able to:

• apply the knowledge, skills, and inquiry strategies to solve significant problems related to educational policies and practices;
• evaluate and use data to make judgments to improve practice and policy;
• understand and apply evidence of effective organizational and systemic change for equity, inclusion, and justice;
• frame situations from multiple perspectives;
• identify and meet contemporary challenges facing schools and higher education;
• embrace differences of persons and perspectives;
• develop a critical and professional perspective that is ethical and promotes change for equity and inclusion;
• link theory with systematic inquiry and assessment to improve educational policy and practice; and
• execute a scholarly project that addresses real and complex problems in practice.

The Doctor of Education program in educational policy and leadership studies with a higher education subprogram requires 75 s.h. of graduate credit. This can include up to 36 s.h. of transfer credit from a previous master's degree with advisor approval, which requires 39 s.h. to be completed at the University of Iowa under the auspices of the Graduate College after program admission. For students who have previously earned an EdS degree, the registration requirement is 27 s.h. (transfer credit limit is 48 s.h.). University of Iowa doctoral students must earn a UI cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 to be eligible for degree conferral.

The EdD in educational policy and leadership studies with a higher education subprogram requires the following work.

Core Courses

Applied Research

Higher Education Coursework

Students complete coursework in higher education as follows.

Electives

In consultation with their advisor, students complete the remaining semester hours in elective coursework.

Admission

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. They must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions; a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.00 in higher education, student affairs, student development, K–12 leadership, or another related field; and have at least three years of full-time experience in education.

Required application materials include transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, a résumé or curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation from an administrator and a faculty member, and a statement of purpose. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores are not required for admission.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official test scores to verify English proficiency. Applicants can verify English proficiency by submitting official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For specific score requirements, see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.

The Doctor of Education program in educational policy and leadership studies with a PK–12 administration subprogram requires 75 s.h. of graduate credit. This can include up to 36 s.h. of transfer credit from a previous master's degree with advisor approval, which requires 39 s.h. to be completed at the University of Iowa under the auspices of the Graduate College after program admission. For students who have previously earned an EdS degree, the registration requirement is 27 s.h. (transfer credit limit is 48 s.h.). For students who have a current endorsement (State of Iowa endorsement 171), the registration requirement is 33 s.h. (transfer credit limit is 42 s.h.). University of Iowa doctoral students must earn a UI cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 to be eligible for degree conferral.

The EdD in educational policy and leadership studies with a PK–12 administration subprogram requires the following work.

Core Courses

Applied Research

PK–12 Administration Coursework

Students complete coursework in PK–12 administration as follows.

To obtain superintendent endorsement, all requirements for the endorsement must be met including an additional 12 s.h. in PK–12 administration.

Electives

In consultation with their advisor, students complete the remaining semester hours in elective coursework.

Admission

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. They must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions; a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.00 in higher education, student affairs, student development, K–12 leadership, or another related field; and have at least three years of full-time experience in education.

Required application materials include transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, a résumé or curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation from an administrator and a faculty member, and a statement of purpose. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test are not required for admission.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official test scores to verify English proficiency. Applicants can verify English proficiency by submitting official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For specific score requirements, see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.

The EdD prepares students for careers in PK–12 and higher education administrative leadership in educational institutions and related organizations.

Sample Plans of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, EdD

• Higher Education Subprogram
• PK-12 Administration Subprogram

Higher Education Subprogram

a

Students who enter with fewer than 36 s.h. of graduate transfer credits need to work directly with their faculty advisor to select appropriate graduate level coursework to complete the degree requirements. Students must have a related master's degree to be admitted to the program and are expected to have been practicing in education for a minimum of three years.

b

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

c

Higher Education subprogram coursework must include EPLS:5252, EPLS:6216, EPLS:6218, EPLS:6225, and EPLS:6336.

d

Typically offered every summer; may be completed either prior to the first fall semester in the program or after the first year.

e

Students must have successfully completed all other core/applied research coursework (except for EPLS:7485) and at least 80% of the subprogram coursework, and be concurrently enrolled in any outstanding subprogram courses, in order to take EPLS:7483.

f

Student must successfully complete EPLS:7483, including passing a committee proposal defense meeting, before enrolling in EPLS:7485.

PK-12 Administration Subprogram

a

Students who enter with fewer than 36 s.h. of graduate transfer credits need to work directly with their faculty advisor to select appropriate graduate level coursework to complete the degree requirements. Students must have a related master's degree to be admitted to the program and are expected to have been practicing in education for a minimum of three years.

b

To obtain superintendent endorsement, all requirements for the endorsement must be met including an additional 12 s.h. in PK-12 Administration.

c

Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.

d

PK-12 Administration subprogram coursework must include EPLS:6265, EPLS:6270, EPLS:6329, and at least 8 s.h. of superintendent endorsement or elective coursework.

e

Typically offered every summer; may be completed either prior to the first fall semester in the program or after the first year.

f

Students must have successfully completed all other core/applied research coursework (except for EPLS:7485) and at least 80% of the subprogram coursework, and be concurrently enrolled in any outstanding subprogram courses, in order to take EPLS:7483.

g

Student must successfully complete EPLS:7483, including passing a committee proposal defense meeting, before enrolling in EPLS:7485.