Build expertise in educational leadership and research with UMass Lowell’s Ed.D. in Leadership in Schooling​. Online with one-week summer residency.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    Hybrid
  • Degree
    EdD

EdD in Leadership in Schooling Overview

Prepare for leadership roles in PK-12 districts with UMass Lowell's online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Schooling (Ed.D.). This online program emphasizes research and its application to practice, allowing you to formulate and investigate questions directly relevant to your daily professional work.

Complete online courses during the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters, with a one-week summer residency each year. The program follows a cohort model and begins in mid-May. You will take two courses per semester, completing the program in three years.

The Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. also offers a STEM Education option designed for science, math, and engineering educators who wish to move into leadership roles.

Program Quick Facts

  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Not Required
  • Online Courses
  • One-Week Summer Residency
  • Cohort Model

Curriculum

The Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. requires 42 credits of study beyond the master's, Ed.S. or CAGS. All courses are fully online, with a one-week summer residency each year.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Degree Pathway, Doctor of Education (Ed. D.), Leadership in Schooling

For students Summer 2020 and beyond.

Required Course

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6440Foundations for Practitioner Scholars3
EDUC.6910Developing Inclusive School Contexts3
EDUC.6940Systems Leadership3
EDUC.6960Strategic Partnering with Families and Communities3
EDUC.6991Reading and Applying Educational Research3
Total15

Research Design & Methods

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6911Applied Research Design: Introduction to Improvement Science3
EDUC.6921Quantitative Data Analysis for Practitioner Leaders3
EDUC.6922Qualitative Research Methods Practitioner Leaders3
EDUC.6931Qualitative Data Analysis for Practitioner Leaders3
Total12

Specialization Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6920Law, Policy and Finance3
EDUC.6930Organizational Learning3
Total6

Residency

1 week residency required each summer*.


Dissertation Planning and Execution

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.7501Dissertation in Practice3
EDUC.7502Dissertation in Practice: Data Collection and Analysis3
EDUC.7503Dissertation inPractice: Dissertation Completion3
Total9

Total Credits = 42.

*Fee required.

Last updated: 7/28/2020.

Degree Pathway, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Leadership in Schooling, STEM

For students Summer 2020 and beyond.

Required Course

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6227Foundations of Student Learning in STEM Fields3
EDUC.6910Developing Inclusive School Contexts3
EDUC.6940Systems Leadership3
EDUC.6960Strategic Partnering with Families and Communities3
EDUC.6991Reading and Applying Educational Research3
Total15

Research Design & Methods

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6911Applied Research Design: Introduction to Improvement Science3
EDUC.6921Quantitative Data Analysis for Practitioner Leaders3
EDUC.6922Qualitative Research Methods Practitioner Leaders3
EDUC.6931Qualitative Data Analysis for Practitioner Leaders3
Total12

Specialization Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.6225Education Reform in STEM Education3
EDUC.6226Leadership and Research in STEM Education3
Total6

Residency

1 week residency required each summer*.


Dissertation Planning and Execution

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
EDUC.7501Dissertation in Practice3
EDUC.7502Dissertation in Practice: Data Collection and Analysis3
EDUC.7503Dissertation inPractice: Dissertation Completion3
Total9

Total Credits = 42.

*Fee required.

Last updated: 7/28/2020.

Why Choose the Leadership in Schooling Program at UMass Lowell?

Phitsamay Uy

Faculty Experts

Leadership in Schooling program Associate Prof. Phitsamay Uy, Ed.D. is a national expert on immigrant and refugee communities, especially those of Southeast Asian descent. In a briefing before Congress in 2018, she points out that, out of 5.5 million ELLs in the U.S., “following Spanish, the second and third most-spoken language….Number two is Vietnamese, and number three is Hmong.” She brings attention and scholarly research toward addressing their educational needs.

Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) logo. In the history of the debate over the purpose and goals of the EdD, never has any scholar or academic group attempted to take action to reclaim the EdD with the goal of making it the degree of choice for professional practice preparation in education. CPED and its consortium members are committed to working together to undertake a critical examination of the work done to date, as well as future efforts, and intend to be the leaders in the effort to the redesign of the doctorate in education.

Membership in the Carnegie Project on the Educational Doctorate (CPED)

The Ed.D. program is a member of the CPED consortium of more than 100 colleges and schools of education worldwide. CPED is a national effort to prepare practitioner-scholars to apply their practice to generate new knowledge and become informed experts who guide the profession to new achievements. Visit the CPED website
Two graduate students work on their laptops.

Top 10 in the Country for Online Graduate Programs

UMass Lowell’s School of Education’s online graduate programs are No. 9 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report.

Job Outlook

Graduates from our program are in high demand, working as principals, assistant principals, superintendents, curriculum directors, department heads and other leadership positions in schools. 

All of our students work full time in pre-K-12 schools or education-related organizations. Our graduation rate is 74%, which is approximately 25% higher than the national average of similar programs.

What Our Graduates Are Saying

“This program has reinvigorated my passion for education and how it is a tool to help our society. It has made me incredibly reflective about my own identity and biases and more mindful that the other people I interact with can have some very different experiences. It has also been helpful in my work, because I feel like I am learning the tools I can use to help advocate and provide support for my students.”
—Stephanie Vivas ’26, Ed.D., Leadership in Schooling; science teacher at Brookfield High School

“Enrolling in this program has positively impacted both my career as an educator and my understanding of educational practices and systems I am part of. The learning experiences have empowered me with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex challenges in my current role with confidence. I am part of the 2023 cohort, and we have created a supportive learning community that solidifies the knowledge and practice with collaboration and partnership.”
—Fatima DeSousa ’25, Ed.D., Leadership in Schooling; English language teacher at Lowell Public Schools

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

Cost Per Credit: $470*
Term Registration Fee: $30

*Online 7000-Level Education are $655 per credit

Please see online tuition and fees for more information.


As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
  • Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
    • Master of Music Education
    • Master of Public Administration
    • Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
    • Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
    • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
  • Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
  • Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

  • Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
  • Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
  • Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
  • Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:  

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+ 
  • TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Request More Information

Take a Virtual Tour of UMass Lowell

Launch virtual tour

Explore UMass Lowell from anywhere in the world. See the spaces where our students study, create, learn and live through a self-guided, interactive tour.

Find Graduate Resources

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email: 
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu