Become an Educational Leader with UD
Are you an educational or organizational leader ready to drive meaningful change? Do you want the skills to navigate complexity, strengthen systems and improve outcomes for the people you serve?
The University of Delaware’s Ed.D. in Organizational Improvement for Educational Leaders is designed to help you lead with clarity, confidence and impact. Offered through UD’s College of Education and Human Development, this doctoral program prepares you to identify and solve complex organizational challenges, make informed decisions that influence teaching, learning, and career development and use data to address emerging and ongoing systemic issues. With expert faculty, applied learning experiences and a focus on real-world improvement, you’ll be equipped to lead change where it matters most.
A Degree Designed for Professionals
This 57-credit program is designed for professionals working across PK–12, higher education, and community settings. Core coursework builds a strong foundation in education systems, research and evaluation, data use, adult learning, and continuous improvement, while electives allow you to tailor your studies to areas such as evaluation, literacy, math education, school psychology, higher education, or community-based education.
This flexible, part-time program is designed for working professionals. Students typically take one course in the fall, winter, and spring semesters, with additional short seminars in the fall and spring, and two online courses during the summer. Courses are offered in hybrid and online formats, allowing most students to complete coursework in three years, followed by approximately 1.5 years to complete the Dissertation in Practice.
The Dissertation in Practice (DIP) is a rigorous, three-semester experience that centers on a real-world problem in your professional context. With ongoing guidance from your DIP committee, you will identify a meaningful challenge, implement actionable solutions, and prepare for a final defense grounded in applied, impactful work.
Why Choose UD Over Other Ed.D. Programs?
A Degree that Employers Recognize and Respect
Where you earn your doctorate matters. A UD Ed.D. carries credibility with school districts, state agencies, and employers—especially for leadership roles.
Learn From Full-time, Research-active Faculty—Every Course
All UD courses and dissertation committees are led by full-time faculty who actively conduct PK–12 research and work with schools.
Applied Work With Real Impact—Not a Theoretical Dissertation
Ed.D. students complete a Dissertation in Practice, designed to solve a real problem in your school or district, delivering immediate value while strengthening your leadership skills.
Reduced Tuition and Funding Opportunities
All Ed.D. students receive a reduced graduate tuition rate, with tuition reimbursement options and scholarships that can significantly lower, or even eliminate out-of-pocket costs.
Part of a National Leadership Community
UD is a member of the University Council for Educational Administration, placing you among top PK–12 leadership programs nationwide.
A Credential That Leads to Real Career Advancement
A UD Ed.D. prepares you for leadership roles, promotions, and expanded career options.
Built for Working Professionals, Not Career Students
The cohort-based, part-time structure provides consistency, accountability, and support—without requiring you to pause or leave your current role.
A Professional Network That Lasts Beyond Graduation
Cohorts become a group of experienced educators and leaders who serve as long-term collaborators, mentors and thought partners.
Resources Only a Research-intensive University Can Offer
UD provides access to research centers, school partnerships, and national leadership networks that lower-cost programs simply can’t match.
Take the Next Step in Your Career
