What should I study?

Erick Houck presenting to class

K-12 Leadership Ed.D.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in K-12 Leadership is designed to equip experienced and practice-focused educational leaders with understandings, skills and knowledge to effectively drive improvement in school systems and other professional settings.
Photo of Molly Wells, a Master of Arts in Teaching program graduate, student teaching in a classroom.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) M.A.T.

The MAT program prepares aspiring teachers to earn initial North Carolina licensure through structured coursework and an intensive two-semester student-teaching internship, developing effective future-ready educators equipped to support, challenge, and inspire students. 
Lora Cohen-Vogel speaking at a podium during a presentation

Policy, Leadership, and School Improvement (PLS) Ph.D.

The Policy, Leadership and School Improvement Ph.D. concentration produces scholars, administrators, and analysts who are prepared to take leadership roles in K-12 systems, universities, research organizations and policy-making bodies.
Master of School Administration classroom

School Administration M.S.A.

The MSA is designed for educators who are striving to assume leadership positions and to help their communities pursue a vision of educational equity and support for all learners.

Leading Schools, Supporting Educators, and Driving Student Success

Explore how students, alumni, and faculty are strengthening schools.

Collage of photos of Dwayne Johnson, including images of him at his school working and photos of him with the dean during his doctoral hooding ceremony.
Putting dissertation research into practice to get kids back in school

Principal Dwayne Johnson ('20 M.S.A., '26 Ed.D.) turned a challenge he faced as a school leader into doctoral research aiming to help rural schools better understand chronic absenteeism, strengthen family partnerships, and get more students back in the classroom.

Image of Amber Young '21 (MSA), a principal in Mitchell County, opened her school's doors to the community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene with school perronnel.
School principal helped run a post-Helene distribution site

When Hurricane Helene hit Mitchell County in September 2024, principal Amber Young (’21 M.S.A.) immediately went into action to protect her school. Young and her parents put down sandbags at each entrance to stop water from coming into Gouge Primary School. They saved teachers’ lesson plans, materials, decor, and furniture. Once she regained cell service,…

Image of Carla Baptista Tavares
Guiding school communities in support of students and families

Carla Baptista Tavares, a career educator, is guided by mentorship and a passion for lifelong learning. Her commitment to academic accessibility and community partnerships fosters growth and lasting relationships for learners.  For more than 15 years, Baptista Tavares — a 2024 graduate of the UNC School of Education’s Master of School Administration (MSA) program and…

old well
A partner to teachers, a champion for students

Hope Heverly, an experienced educator with 15 years in education, has built her career around relationships and a collaborative approach to supporting students and teachers. Earlier this spring, Heverly was named assistant principal of Carolina Community Academy, an innovative school for K-2 students in Roxboro, North Carolina, a partnership between the University of North Carolina…

Portrait of Martinette Horner
Preparing school leaders for every N.C. district

In 2021, the UNC School of Education launched its Master of School Administration program with in-person and virtual class options, enabling aspiring school leaders from any North Carolina district to access classes and expert faculty members in Chapel Hill. Martinette Horner, Ed.D., MSA program director, reflects on the shift to HyFlex learning. Our Master of…

Portrait of Daniel Watson
Driven by students and community

As principal of Carolina Community Academy, Daniel Watson (’18 M.S.A.) brings heart, strategy, and a commitment to community. That approach has led to success for the innovative K–2 lab school in Roxboro, North Carolina, which has been a partnership between UNC-Chapel Hill and Person County Schools since 2022.  At CCA, Watson continues to elevate student…

Explore Other Possible Careers

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Policy & Law
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Higher Education
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Organizational Leadership
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