Become a highly-qualified system leader with a doctorate in Educational Leadership

Graduates of our Doctor of Education program are prepared for roles as school district leaders and for positions in educational coordination and policymaking at local, regional and statewide levels.

About Sage’s Ed.D. Program

Expand your knowledge and skills in this Doctor of Education program, while immersing yourself in a community of like-minded peers examining current issues and research.

Part of the Esteves School of Education, which is accredited through AAQEP, this Ed.D. program is designed for public school leaders, independent school heads, charter school leaders, higher education leaders and those with statewide responsibilities in educationally related organizations.

You’ll complete your doctorate in Educational Leadership in 27 months (or seven semesters). Ed.D. program requirements include field research,  a dissertation and team research.

Educational Leadership Faculty

Faculty in our Ed.D. program have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Throughout their careers, our faculty have conducted research in educational leadership while serving as program directors, principals, assistant superintendents, superintendents and district superintendents.

Doctor of Education Program Distinctions

What sets our Ed.D. program apart is the support that comes from your cohort (15-20 candidates per group), your professors and your executive coach. Coaches are professionals in the field with years of experience who will support you throughout the program and allow you to build a network of other education professionals.

You will collaborate and work with your cohort to complete team research as well as your own doctoral dissertation.

Ed.D. Cohorts in Albany and New York City

Doctor of Education candidates may join a cohort that meets on the Russell Sage College campus in Albany, New York, or candidates may join a cohort that meets in New York City.

Priority for the New York City cohort is given to members of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, which serves administrators within the New York City Department of Education.

Spotlights Pattern

Ed.D. Program Overview

Learn more about Sage’s Doctor of Education program from Jerome Steele, Ed.D., assistant professor and chair.

Careers with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Professionals with a doctorate in Educational Leadership hold a variety of positions, primarily in K-12 education. They are assistant principals, principals, program directors, assistant superintendents, district superintendents, New York State Education officials, education consultants and leaders/teachers in higher education.

School District Leader Certificate

The School District Leader (SDL) certificate is required in New York State for those who work in a leadership role at the school district level, including directors, assistant superintendents, school business officials and superintendents. Gain 600 hours of field experience, required by this certification, through the Educational Leadership program.

  • Complete 24 credits of the Educational Leadership program (after third semester)
  • Take and pass the New York State School District Leader examination
  • Take workshops on Reporting and Identifying Child Abuse and Maltreatment, School Violence Prevention and the Dignity for All Students Act

Ed.D. Learning Experience

Classes are hybrid, taking place online and in-person. Whether you join a cohort that meets in Albany or New York City, you will find a learning experience that is both individual and collaborative.

You will apply your skills to two field experience sites during the first year. You will have opportunities to work on a variety of teams, enabling you to share ideas, research and reflections on current issues and topics. Learn about leadership, organizational governance, change theory and community building.

Doctorate in Educational Leadership Course Format & Program of Study

  • Semester 1-3: core content courses scaffolded to prepare for dissertation; project learning in two field sites
  • Semester 2: begin research courses
  • Semester 3-6: work on team research and dissertation research
  • Semester 7: finish dissertation, collaborate with team to present at Research Colloquium

Course Objectives

The course objectives are based upon the National Education Leadership Preparation Standards. The department also references the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders.

Application Requirements

  • official undergraduate transcripts from all institutions attended
  • official graduate-level transcripts totaling at least 60 credits of study with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher from all institutions attended
  • three letters of recommendation that address your potential relationship to system leadership: two from a current or former supervisor; the third may be from a colleague
  • career goals essay supporting your choice to enter doctoral study at this time
  • current resume
  • if selected, a personal admissions interview including an on-demand writing sample to determine readiness and capability for scholarly writing
  • application deadline for fall semester: June 1

Next steps?

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Have questions about Sage’s Ed.D. program?

Assistant Professor and Chair; Director, Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung Center
Associate Professor
Administrative Assistant
Professor of Educational Leadership
Associate Professor and Chair, Institutional Review Board
Assistant Professor
Professor (New York City)