Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

For International Students

  • Online
  • Hybrid

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program offered at the University of Northern Iowa prepares you to take that next step as a leader and expert who will help transform today’s formal and informal education and community settings. With a revamped and expanded program, UNI now offers part-time students the flexibility of: 

  • A three-year plan of study, two courses per semester with delivery online and hybrid
  • A 48-credit-hour program (24 hours professional core, 15 hours intensive study, 9 hours dissertation)

Areas of Concentration:

Allied Health, Recreation and Community Services - This area of intensive study is designed to provide students with advanced planning, management, supervision and evaluation of programs in the community and its institutions.

Curriculum and Instruction - This area of intensive study is designed to prepare scholar practitioners to plan, implement, evaluate and supervise educational programs for children, from infancy through adolescence and adult learners, inclusive of a wide variety of diversity.

Educational Leadership - This area of intensive study in education administration prepares personnel for leadership positions in PK-12 schools and other educational services or settings.

Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs - The Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs Intensive Study Area prepares personnel for leadership positions in colleges and universities, such as department heads, directors, vice presidents, professors and consultants. 

International Admissions

Admission Requirements:

  • International Application for Admission
  • Holds a master's degree appropriate to the applicant's doctoral program and research goals.
  • All post-secondary official transcripts sent directly from your current and/or all prior academic institutions that you have attended to the Office of Admissions at the mailing address listed below.
    • Mailing Address
      • University of Northern Iowa
      • International Graduate Admissions
      • 002 Gilchrist Hall
      • Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher for all prior graduate work.
  • Submit GRE scores (+ analytical writing section) a regionally accredited institution of higher education (may substitute an electronic writing sample to fulfill application requirement)
  • Have a minimum of three years of professional experience
  • Official TOEFL score of (100), or IELTS score of (7.0), or Duolingo score of (120) to be considered for full admission
  • Resume/CV
  • Writing sample (may substitute a GRE with analytical writing to fulfill application requirement)
  • Three references from educators/professionals who are acquainted with your academic ability.
  • Other program-specific requirements
  • Applicant statement addressing the professional background, motivations for seeking degree in a specific area and at UNI, career goals, and a statement that should articulate your professional background, reasons for seeking a doctoral degree and career goals related to your intensive study area (1000 word limit).

Application Deadlines:

  • February 1st of the year the cohort starts
    • Allied Health, Recreation & Community Services
      • Next Cohort Starts Fall 2024
    • Curriculum & Instruction
      • Next Cohort Starts Fall 2024
    • Educational Leadership - Principal & Superintendent Tracks
      • Next Cohort Starts Fall 2024
    • Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs
      • Next Cohort Starts Fall 2024

Program Duration:

  • Allied Health, Recreation, & Community Services: 3 Years
  • Curriculum & Instruction: 3 Years
  • Educational Leadership - Principal & Superintendent Tracks: 3 Years
  • Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs: 3 Years

Graduate Funding Requirements:

  • No funding is offered by this program.

Contacts and More Information: