Ed.D. in Educational Administration: PK-12 Emphasis
Program Overview
The program is designed for practicing and prospective individuals interested in expanding leadership roles at elementary, middle and secondary schools, as well as in central office administration.
Curriculum
Curriculum focuses on current and future educational challenges to enhance the knowledge and skills of educational leaders. Emphases include strategic planning, collaborative problem solving, interpersonal and inter-group functioning, research and technological proficiencies, and effective communication.
Visit the Academic Catalog for full program details, including course listings.
Program Structure
Format
Blended class (evening, reduced seat-time in-person), online asynchronous, and virtual
Typical program length
Three to four years (42 credit hours)
Typical course load
Two courses per semester, including online summer courses
Application Details
Application procedure
1) Complete the online application.
2) Submit the following materials with your online application:
- CV or resume, including:
- Personal Information (address, phone, email)
- Employment history and educational background
- Relevant research experiences and volunteer work
- Presentations, publications, honors or awards
- Membership/leadership in professional organizations
- Three letters of recommendation from people who know you professionally or in academic settings (they cannot be friends or relatives). Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations alumni of the master’s and Educational Specialist in PK-12 Education Administration degree programs are not required to submit new letters.
- Evaluators should address your suitability for doctoral level studies, interpersonal skills and other information relating to your professional or academic performance.
- Letters of recommendation should be on official letterhead.
- Autobiographical statement — a two-to-three-page statement outlining your professional goals and interests, including your research knowledge and experiences, and how the doctorate degree may result in achieving your goals.
- Academic writing sample reflecting a high proficiency in academic writing. The sample may be a previous course paper, a chapter from a thesis, published article, etc.
Application deadlines
- Apply by April 1st for priority consideration for a Summer 2026 program start.
- Approximately 10-20 students are accepted each program cycle.
- The application fee is waived for UMKC alumni.
Information Sessions
The School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences invites you to learn more about our doctoral programs in educational leadership at one of our upcoming informational sessions!
What Our Students Are Saying
The coursework impeccably cultivated my abilities in collaborative problem-solving, strategic planning, and intergroup dynamics, equipping me to deftly address complex challenges within the realm of HR.
Dr. Raquel D. Coy
Executive Director of Human Resources, North Kansas City School District
I greatly enjoyed the Ed.D. Program and completed my dissertation within three years. It was a great experience that taught me how to be a research practitioner and a thought partner to others in my cohort. Skills and competencies were transferable to my role as a school leader.
Dr. Angela Wright
Director of Diploma+ College and Career Programs, Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
No more than one month after my degree was conferred, I was offered my first leadership position in my school district. The program’s focus on access and inclusion was invaluable to me as I competed with other applicants who earned degrees from institutions with larger cohorts of suburban students, which even further set me apart.
Dr. Andy Schuerman
Coordinator of Educational Programs, Park Hill School District Academic Services
Still Have Questions?
Consult the Academic Catalog for a detailed description of this program, including student learning outcomes, course descriptions and program requirements, or email our program contact for more information.
S. Marie McCarther
Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Education, Leadership and Policy Studies
Coordinator, PK-12 Educational Administration
Phone:
816-235-2451
Email:
mccarthers@umkc.edu