GRE is Optional. Please see Test Requirements section under Other Requirements for more information.

In addition to the University’s required application materials, applicants should review the information below for additional expectations or application requirements.

Test Requirements

Applicants for Fall 2024: Beginning in Fall 2023, the Ed.D in Educational Leadership program no longer requires the GRE to apply. Applicants must demonstrate adequate quantitative, analytic, and writing aptitude to be admitted. Students who believe their application materials do not fully reflect their academic potential are encouraged to include in their application an official GRE score received within the last 5 years.  Any candidate may submit official, current GRE scores for consideration by the admissions committee.

Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. One from your immediate supervisor, one from a person who can speak to your academic work, and one who knows your professional work and background.

Ask your references to speak to your leadership experience and potential and ask them to provide specific examples in their letters, especially of experiences or activities in which they have observed your leadership.

Transcripts
Transcripts from all post-secondary education (including community colleges, summer sessions, extensions programs, study abroad and four-year universities) are required to be uploaded in the application. Each applicant should obtain an unofficial copy of their transcripts and either upload the document directly if it is in an accepted format or scan it into a file that can be uploaded. It is the responsibility of the applicant to view each upload and make sure it is clear and legible. If a degree was earned at any postsecondary institution, the transcript upload must show proof of degree.

Admitted applicants will be required to submit official transcripts from all institutions to The Graduate School as well as the School of Education.

Statement of Purpose

The EdD in Educational Leadership at UNC aims to provide experienced educational professionals with the knowledge and skills to transform schools and districts.  Please provide a statement of purpose that explains the following:

1. How have your experiences prepared you to lead for excellence in education?
2. What role does earning this degree play in your professional goals?
3. What is a complex and pervasive problem of educational practice that you would like to investigate further?

Incomplete Applications
All application materials, including letters of recommendation and official test scores (if applicable), must be received by the application deadline.  Score matching does not begin until applications are submitted, and can take up to a week to match, so please plan accordingly.  Applications that are incomplete after the deadline will NOT be reviewed for admission.

All application materials are submitted electronically.  Applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status and ensuring that their application, including letters of recommendation and official test scores, is complete by the application deadline.  Failure to do so will result in your application not being reviewed for admission.

Funding
Funding is available but not guaranteed in the form of Teaching Assistant (T.A.) positions and Research Assistant (R.A.) positions.  T.A. and R.A. positions typically include tuition waivers (both in-state and out-of–state), health insurance, and a monthly or bi-weekly stipend.

*Only in unusual circumstances and after consultation with the program are other admission terms considered.