Online Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership and Policy

Building on over 150 years of excellence in teacher education, the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh offers a fully online Ed.D. program designed to produce visionary leaders for K-12 education. Recognizing the diverse needs of professional educators, our program offers three flexible pathways to help you reach your career goals.

Choose Your Pathway. 

1. Superintendent Licensure Certificate (2-Year Track)

Designed for administrators seeking the 03 District Administrator License.

• Focus: You will complete the first two years of the program, focusing on foundational leadership, systemic inequity, school finance, and human resources.
• Outcome: Upon completion of the required 36 credits and field experiences, you are eligible to apply for superintendent licensure.

2. Ed.D. and Superintendent Licensure (3-Year Track)

Our comprehensive 48-credit degree is designed to be completed in three years (two courses per Fall, Spring, and Summer term).

• Focus: This pathway integrates all administrative licensure requirements with doctoral-level research.
• Outcome: You will earn both your Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and your Superintendency Licensure. The final year is dedicated to research methods and a dissertation with immediate, practical application to your district.

3. Ed.D. Completion (Advanced Entry)

For leaders who already hold a valid Superintendent Licensure, this pathway allows you to enter the program to earn your doctorate.

• Focus: You will engage in advanced philosophical foundations and move directly into the Research and Dissertation phase.
• Outcome: Earn your Ed.D. by completing the 12-credit dissertation sequence and any remaining foundational doctoral requirements.  Transfer up to 15 credits of prior coursework from the superintendent licensure. 

Program Features

• Flexible Online Learning: Maintain your professional role while connecting with a community of expert faculty and peers.
• Practical Application: Dissertation work is designed to solve real-world problems within your school or community.
• Commitment to Equity: Coursework emphasizes diversity, inclusivity, and the skills needed to affect systemic change.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Ed.D. program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Master’s degree in an education-related field.
• Valid Wisconsin teaching license.
• Wisconsin Administrative Licensure for PK-12 Principal (51).
• Minimum of 3 years of successful experience as an administrator.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Ready to Lead?

Apply Now to Join the 2026 Cohort

Contact Information: Dr. Bob Mayfield, Program Coordinator Email: mayfieldb@uwosh.edu