How to Apply & Deadlines

Graduate Admissions - Supplemental Instructions
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

Admission is competitive and students are selected on the basis of their prior academic preparation, professional experience and their intellectual and leadership potential.

A strong academic record will be indicated by a 3.2 grade point average or better for four years of undergraduate work as well as competitive GRE or MAT scores (in the 50th percentile or above).

Standardized Test Scores

Official GRE or MAT test scores are required.

Plan to take the required exam no later than October to be considered for fall admission.

  • GRE institution code - 5816
  • MAT score recipient code - 1472

Standardized test scores must be official (reported directly by the testing agency) and current (no more than five years old).

If you did not specify UNC-Chapel Hill as a score recipient at the time of taking the test, or if your scores were sent more than one year ago, you must contact the testing agency to request that your scores are sent to us.

Offical standardized test scores must be on file prior to the application deadline.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a very important part of your application. Three letters are required, one from your immediate supervisor, one from a person who can speak to your academic work, and one who knows your professional work and background.

Ask your references to speak to your leadership experience and potential and ask them to provide specific examples in their letters, especially of experiences or activities in which they have observed your leadership.

Statement of Purpose

Another important part of your online application is the one or two-page Statement of Purpose in which you outline your reasons for pursuing the Ed.D. degree at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Please present a clear and compelling case for admission which is cogent and congruent with the School of Education’s Conceptual Framework and Educational Leadership’s goals of providing social justice, equity and academic excellence.

Your interest in addressing leadership in K-12 settings should also be clearly stated along with any other additional information concerning your background and plans that may be helpful in considering your application.