Application Deadline
Application deadline for financial support
Most financial support for graduate students is offered through individual academic programs. In addition, a limited number of awards are available through The Graduate School and are based on program nominations. To allow sufficient time for nomination, applications — including all uploads and required test scores — must be complete by the due date.
Admission Requirements
We welcome applicants working as educational leaders in schools, central offices, and government or private agencies that support school systems. A master’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited institution is required.
Applicants seeking superintendent licensure must hold a current North Carolina principal’s license before admission or sign a waiver acknowledging they will not be eligible for either the principal or superintendent license upon completing Ed.D. program.
Successful candidates typically demonstrate significant school- or district-level leadership experience and a clear commitment to advancing student success through leadership practices aligned with North Carolina’s administrator standards.
Applicants are encouraged to monitor their application status regularly to ensure all materials have been received.
Admissions Process
To apply to the Ed.D. concentration in K–12 Leadership, applicants must submit the following materials:
- School of Education online application
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from the applicant’s immediate or most recent supervisor.
- Statement of purpose (1,000 – 1,500 words)
- Resume/CV
- Official TOEFL/IELTS (International applicants only; valid within the last two years)
- $95 Application fee (nonrefundable)
- Application fee waivers are available only to ten groups of applicants. We do not offer waivers outside of these groups. If none of these groups applies to you, you must pay the application fee to complete your application. If you have questions, please contact clamber@unc.edu.
Applications are reviewed after all materials are submitted and the application fee is received. By applying to UNC-Chapel Hill, consent is granted to University staff to obtain any additional or missing information as needed, including campus safety information.
Each offer of admission is specific for the term stated in the admission letter. Applicants who do not enroll for that term must reapply for admission in a future semester.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students are encouraged to explore a variety of tuition and financial aid options when considering a degree from the UNC School of Education. This includes assistance through the UNC Office of Scholarships & Student Aid, such as loans, grants, campus employment, and teaching or research.
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