Education in School System Leadership, Ed.D.

The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in School System Leadership is a “Practice Based” doctoral program designed to develop leaders who can create and lead collaborative and inclusive system improvement initiatives.  The program enrolls cohorts of students who work together over 36 months to identify, investigate and solve real school system problems.  The Ed.D  in School System Leadership is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education for Superintendent II certification. 

Signature Program elements:

  • Grounded in the practices of improvement science
  • Courses offered in non-standard semester schedule through all day Saturday seminars and online modules
  • Program culminates in a Capstone Project that focuses on improving or eliminating a real problem of practice within a school system
  • Graduates of the program receive a Superintendent Endorsement (The only program of its kind in the state of Maryland)

 

  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all undergraduate courses taken at a regionally accredited college or university
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in all graduate courses completed to fulfill requirements of a Master’s degree
  • Master’s degree in a field relevant to education leadership
  • Maryland Administrator I Certification or equivalent
  • Minimum 3 years of successful experience in an educational leadership position
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation from individuals familiar with candidates’ leadership potential, relevant experience, and ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program. A minimum of one letter must be from someone who has served as a supervisor of the applicant
  • Resume/CV
  • Professional Statement
  • Supplemental Application: Applicants respond to 3 questions related to educational leadership
  • Personal interview with program faculty

Overview of Application Process

The application process for the EDUC Ed.D. Program is a two-part process involving an initial screening application to the School Leadership (EDUC) Ed.D. Program, followed by a formal application to the University of Maryland.

The program will be accepting applications for the fall 2024 admissions cycle.  Please check back for more information.

Step 1:  (Unofficial) Screening Application Process - Deadline: March 15, 2024

To start the application process, please go to College of Education EDUC School Leadership Admission Application (umd.edu). All materials are to be submitted to the program for screening.  Additional screening exercises are conducted which may include an interview.  Complete the PDF fillable graduate application located within the initial online application.  (Applications now open for fall 2024): College of Education EDUC School Leadership Admission Application (umd.edu)

Note:  You must be a U.S. Citizen or a pending U.S. Citizen to apply to this program.

Upload the following required application materials:

  • Copy of official transcripts from all institutions from which you received 9-credits or more; must have degree posted and cumulative GPA's on transcripts.  *See note below if you have international transcripts.
  • Personal Statement and Resume'
  • 1 Letter of Recommendation speaking to Leadership Skills (you will need a total of 3 for the official application)
  • Answer 3 questions listed in the initial application

*Note:  If you have an international transcript, we will need the following transcript

Step 2:  Program faculty screen applicants and recommend for full application

Candidates who are successful through the program screening process are recommended to formally apply to the University of Maryland, Graduate School (Deadline: May 17, 2024)

Application and Admission Timeline (Subject to Change):

  1. March 15, 2024
    • Application Portal Opens (Contact Judy Foster, jfoster@umd.edu in order to submit)
  • May 17
    • Application Portal Closes/Screening & Review Process Begins
      • Completed applications are reviewed by Ed.D. Team
      • Promising candidates are invited to interview with Ed.D. Team
  • June 14
    • Notification to candidates recommended to apply to officially apply to the University of Maryland Graduate School begins June 28, 2024 through July 12, 2024
  • August 26
    • Fall Semester Classes Begins August 26, 2024.

Zoom Information Sessions

APPLICATIONS OPEN SPRING 2024

EARN YOUR DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION IN SCHOOL SYSTEM LEADERSHIP

Grounded in the practices of improvement science Courses offered in non-standard semester scheduled through all day Saturday seminars and online modules Students participate in coursework, field experiences and cutting edge experiential learning Program culminates in a Capstone Project that focuses on improving or eliminating a real problem of practice within a school system Graduates of the program receive a Superintendent II Endorsement (The only program of its kind in the state of Maryland)

Target participants: Cohorts of 15-20 mid to upper level school system administrators

Zoom Information Sessions are being held:

January 16, 2024 (7-8:15 pm)
February 21, 2024 (7-8:15 pm)
March 6, 2024 (7-8:15 pm)
Register Here: https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqf-uopzgjEt1xUpqHHlEMLGW9aclbeik1

 

This is a cohort model program.  A diverse cohort of 15-20 educational leaders/administrators from across the state participate in courses offered online and through all-day Saturday seminars.

  • 60 credits (post-Master’s)
  • 27 credits in 6 Core Topical Seminars (4 credits each)
  • 9 credits in Applied Research, Assessment and Evaluation courses (3 credits each)
  • 4 credits (2 courses) in professional inquiry and written communication
  • 5 Key Assessments
  • Extensive externship and portfolio requirement
  • 8 credits of  Apprenticeship (Extensive externship & portfolio requirement)
  • 12 credits of Capstone credits (6 credits of 828: mid-program assessment and 6 credits of 829)

Screening and admissions: Judy Foster, jfoster@umd.edu 
Program
:  Dr. Douglas Anthony, danthony@umd.edu   
Tuition and Financial: Valerie Foster, vfoster@umd.edu

Applying is a two-step process:  
The next cohort will start Fall 2024. 

  • Application Portal will Open March 15, 2024  (contact jfoster@umd.edu in order to submit)
  • Program will Review Submitted/Completed applications: May 17, 2024 
  • Notifications to candidates recommended to apply to Graduate School begins June 14, 2024
  • Fall Semester classes begins August 26, 2024

Zoom Information Sessions:

January 16, 2024 (7-8:15 pm)
February 21, 2024 (7-8:15 pm)
March 6, 2024 (7-8:15 pm)
Register Here: https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqf-uopzgjEt1xUpqHHlEMLGW9aclbeik1