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Educational Leadership, P-12 Education Administration Concentration, Ed.D

Program Information

Do you have big ideas for improving schools? Do you aspire to build relationships supporting student achievement? Schools need your leadership as a K-12 Superintendent where you will direct programming, hire and supervise staff, manage budgets, and make decisions that guide your academic community to a thriving future. The Educational Leadership, P-12 Education Administration Concentration, Ed.D program aligns with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation standards and meets the requirements that will lead to a K-12 Superintendent endorsement in Idaho. 

  • Affordable and Practical - Idaho State University is one of the most affordable accredited universities in the country. All instructional design and technology students are invited to learn more about qualifying for in-state tuition!

  • Anywhere and at Anytime - The 100% online, asynchronous (no set time) program enrolls students nationwide and is tailored to the working professional.

  • Flexible and Accessible - Students can be enrolled part-time or full-time and can start in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

  • Advance Your Career The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is the highest university degree awarded in recognition of academic preparation for professional practice in Educational Leadership. While research is an important component of the Doctor of Education program, candidates enroll in courses and experiences specifically designed to prepare them to be effective practitioners and leaders in K-12 schools, school districts, and related fields.

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Application, Funding, and Support

Program and Admission Requirements

The Educational Leadership, Ed.D. is aligned with the requirements for the Education Specialist. The Educational Leadership, P-12 Education Administration Concentration, Ed.D is designed to strengthen a candidate's knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the Core Standards for Advanced Professionals and the Idaho State University Department of Educational Leadership Standards for Educational Leaders, which parallel the Idaho standards for school superintendents.

Minimum requirements for admission:

  • Meet the ISU Graduate School admissions requirements
  • Hold a Master's degree in educational administration or a related field from a regionally accredited institution
  • Have a minimum of 3.5 GPA at the graduate level
  • Submit a letter of interest, stating why the applicant is interested in the Educational Leadership, Ed.D. with an emphasis in P-12 School Administration
  • Submit a current resume with names and contact information for at least 2 professional references
  • Successful complete an interview with faculty in the P-12 School Administration emphasis
  • Successful performance on an on-site writing sample completed in conjunction with the interview
  • Minimum score at the 40th percentile or the Miller's Analogy Test (MAT) OR minimum score at the 40th percentile on either the Verbal or Analytical Writing section on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The ED.D. in Educational Leadership (P-12 Education Administration) requires a minimum of 61 credits:

  • 18 credits in the doctoral core
  • 24 credits in the area of emphasis, including a minimum of 3 practicum credits
  • 9 credits of cognate courses (500 level or above)
  • 10 dissertation credits

Continuous Enrollment 

Candidates are required to maintain continuous enrollment, including during summers, throughout the Ed.D. program.

Career Opportunities

  • Public School Superintendent
  • Central Office Administrator
  • Higher Education Faculty
  • Post-Secondary Administrator
  • Higher Education Researcher
  • Community Schools Consultant
  • Alternative Schools Administrator
  • Juvenile Justice Program Administrator 

Job Outlook

Because P-12 education administrators and superintendents are highly desirable in today’s job market, the job outlook includes: 

  • Average salary (according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook) is $101,020 for kindergarten through secondary education administrators.
Geoff Thomas Photo

Dr. Geoff Thomas

Assistant Professor

Office: College of Education 381

(208) 282-4322

geoffreythomas@isu.edu