In 2002, professional educational administrators came together to address an overwhelming need for innovative leadership in the K-12 and Community College environments. From those first meetings, a goal to develop a program which cultivates the necessary foundation for policy change became a reality.  We are proud to honor our first Ed.D. graduates this June, 2008.

Armed with real-world, problem-based learning, program graduates will be ready to lead for change, understanding, and challenging the complexities of educational organizations; affect educational change processes, and shape the educational policies that impact the practice of education in the public setting.

Program Objectives: The curriculum is constructed around four overarching and inter-related themes that are seen as integral to the academic and professional development of educational leaders:

• Visionary Leadership and Management
• Policy into Practice
• Data for Decision-Making
• Building Community in a Diverse Society

The courses are tied to these themes and will use problem-based, case study learning approaches to ground the program in the realities of schools and community colleges.  

Program Format and Fees: The program is intended primarily for working professionals in leadership positions and can be completed within three years. Within a cohort system, individuals rely on their collective experiences to supplement and encourage the formal learning process, and are enrolled in a common sequence of courses. Students are admitted once a year for coursework beginning in late summer. The program begins with a one-week leadership seminar in August. Classes are held throughout the fall, winter and spring quarters approximately once every three weeks on a consecutive Friday and Saturday. A one-week June seminar ends the academic year. Students will be enrolled for 12 units each quarter which represents a full-time schedule. For a list of current graduate student program fees, please refer to the official UC Davis fee schedule.