Pre-K–12 Educational Leadership
Develop into an innovative scholar-practitioner and transformational leader who can solve complex problems of practice.
The Educational Doctorate
For those who choose to pursue a doctoral degree, there are two tracks. These two tracks encompass the future faculty track for those who aspire to become faculty at postsecondary institutions and the scholar-practitioner track. For the scholar-practitioner track, you are expected to complete a three (3) artifact dissertation that includes a dissertation-in-practice (DiP). The scholar-practitioner dissertation includes elements traditionally located in a five-chapter dissertation, ensuring rigor, while also considering the audience and impact of the dissertation. Whereas, for future faculty, the dissertation also consists of three (3) artifacts, but these are three (3) journal articles intended for submission to peer-reviewed journals or practitioner journals. This format is designed to help future faculty members establish a research agenda while also creating public scholars who embrace transformational change and educational leadership. Candidates will work closely with their advisor, to choose a path that is the best fit for them.
Degrees & Offerings
Educational Administration and Leadership: PreK–12 Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
DoctorateSpecifically designed for educational leaders who want to earn their educational doctorate (Ed.D.), but do not need the degree for licensure. This alternative pathway is offered through an online and Hyflex approach (online and/or face-to-face). Candidates will identify a problem of practice, write a literature review that incorporates both scholar and practitioner perspectives, and embody the mindset of a methodologist.
Learn more about the educational administration and leadership program
Program Details
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Known for Excellence
The USD School of Education has been accredited by CAEP (formerly NCATE) since 1956.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks USD School of Education among the "Best in the Nation" for the 4th consecutive year.
The small faculty-student ratios assure you the one-on-one attention and mentorship you need to succeed whether you are on campus or attend class online.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
As a student at USD, the opportunities available to you extend beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, find your community and experience your education to the fullest extent through the following opportunities.
An Affordable Education
Gain valuable real-world, professional experience while enjoying paid employment and discounted tuition rates as a graduate student at USD. The affordability you gain through graduate assistantships and fellowships will equip you with valuable, professional-level skills that will set you apart after graduation.
Teaching and research assistantships are awarded by individual departments. If you do not receive an assistantship within your department, you are eligible for an assistantship outside of your academic program or within support offices (non-academic units) at USD. Further inquiries should be directed to the graduate director of the department.
At USD, our graduate students are actively pursuing unique research and presenting at local and national conferences exploring innovative areas of interest to them. Additional research and grant opportunities include:
Research and Creative Scholarship Opportunities
Each semester students may apply for grants through the USD Graduate School, faculty and students pursue research in virtually all academic departments on campus, and in many cases, it is a required portion of a graduate degree program.
IdeaFest
IdeaFest is an annual event celebrating student research, creative scholarship and academic engagement. Undergraduate and graduate students in all disciplines present their work in oral and poster presentations, live performances, readings, exhibits and displays.
USD is home to more than 170 student organizations, including several that are housed in the School of Education. You may be interested in joining a student organization to make friends, develop new skills and explore your interests.
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
Join your fellow graduate and professional students at USD. We aim to build a sense of community between graduate and professional students. Build your resume, network with others and gain experience and the unique opportunity to represent the interests of graduate students to the greater campus and community.
Departments & Facilities
Educational Leadership
Preparing education leaders to be effective educational administrators.
Faculty & Staff
Mejai Avoseh
Gary Cheeseman
Vassa Grichko
Wendy Knutson
Erin Lehmann
Jesse Sealey
William Sweeney Ph.D.
Take Your Classes Online
We're committed to bringing our knowledge to you. USD serves the largest number of online students in the state of South Dakota. With competitive online tuition rates, we offer the same price whether you’re out-of-state or an in-state resident.
USD maintains a challenging and rigorous curriculum focused on preparing you to move forward in your career.
Take classes at your own pace. Enroll in an online class today!
A Tailored Program for You
USD's graduate degrees in educational leadership are unique in that you can craft the program to fit your interests and career goals. You'll learn from supportive and expert faculty in the Division of Educational Leadership, and you'll also take classes from other departments across campus to expand your skillset and knowledge. This unique structure provides a versatile and supportive climate that prepares students for effective participation in an information-rich society.
Discounted Tuition for South Dakota Teachers and Vocational Instructors
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
