University of Maryland

Overview

The Ed.D. in School System Leadership at the University of Maryland is a practice-oriented doctoral program designed for current and aspiring education leaders. This program equips participants with the skills necessary to design, lead, and assess system-wide improvement initiatives within educational settings. Grounded in improvement science, students will engage in a capstone project that addresses a real-world challenge within a school system.

What you'll study

The program employs a cohort model, blending in-person seminars with online coursework. Participants will delve into essential topics such as education leadership, policy, organizational management, and applied research methods, culminating in a capstone project.

Core coursework (examples from the program)

• Education Policy Making and the School Leader
• Managing Educational Organizations in a Diverse Society
• Advanced Seminar on Instructional Improvement for School Leaders
• The Human Dimension in Administration
• Seminar on School District Leadership
• System Innovation and Transformation Management
• Seminar in School Finance and Resource Management
• Applied Research and Data-Based Decision Making for School Leaders
• Applied Research Design for Education Leaders
• Advanced Seminar in Improvement Science

Capstone / culminating requirement

As part of the program, students will undertake a Capstone Project aimed at addressing and resolving a real problem of practice in their school system. This project emphasizes the application of improvement science and research methodologies to foster actionable recommendations and measurable outcomes.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A Master’s degree in a field related to education leadership
• Work experience: A minimum of 3 years of successful experience in an educational leadership role
• Certification: Maryland Administrator I Certification (or equivalent)
• GPA:
  • A minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate courses completed at a regionally accredited institution
  • A minimum 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate courses undertaken to meet master’s degree requirements
• English language proficiency:
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 96 (or an equivalent accepted score, if applicable)
• Application materials:
  • Three letters of recommendation (including at least one from a supervisor)
  • Resume/CV
  • Professional statement
  • Supplemental application: responses to three questions regarding educational leadership
  • Personal interview with program faculty
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended

Career prospects

Graduates of the Ed.D. in School System Leadership are well-prepared for advanced leadership roles within educational systems. They can pursue positions such as district superintendent, educational administrator, or leadership consultant, contributing to the transformation and improvement of educational environments. The program’s focus on practical application and research equips students with the necessary tools to drive impactful change within their organizations.