Program Structure, Courses & Costs

The UC LEAD Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a year-round doctoral experience designed for practicing educational leaders. With a distinctive January start and a structured three-year progression, the program integrates leadership development, organizational improvement, and rigorous research preparation.

Start: January (Winter Quarter)

Format: Year-Round (Includes Summer)

Duration: 3 Calendar Years

Total Units: 108 Quarter Units

Program Structure

The UC LEAD Ed.D. follows the UC San Diego quarter system and is completed across 12 consecutive quarters. Students enroll in winter, spring, summer, and fall each year.

8–10 units per quarter (full graduate load)
Typically two 4-unit seminars per quarter
Select quarters include a 2-unit practicum
Year three includes advanced colloquia

Core Coursework Includes

Leadership in curriculum design and delivery
Instructional leadership and research
Equity and diversity in education
Change theory and human motivation
Policy analysis and current issues

Research Preparation

Students complete a structured research sequence that includes literature review development, research design, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and preparation for dissertation research. Many candidates conduct research grounded in authentic educational settings.

Leadership Capacities

1. Leadership for Learning

Focused on enhancing the conditions for student learning, this strand strengthens communication, collaborative problem-solving, and instructional leadership practice.

2. Leadership for a Diverse Society

Prepares leaders to design inclusive, equity-centered practices responsive to culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse communities.

3. Leadership for Organizational Change

Develops leaders capable of guiding strategic innovation and sustaining meaningful institutional improvement.

4. Leadership for Organizational Development

Builds capacity to design growth plans, cultivate reflective professional cultures, and strengthen leadership across organizations.

5. Leadership for the Future

Engages emerging issues in law, technology, learning theory, and social change to prepare leaders to design future-oriented educational systems.

Program Costs

Students pay tuition quarterly, including the summer quarter. Summer tuition is the same as academic-year quarters.

In addition to fall, winter, and spring, students are responsible for paying summer quarter tuition.

Student Health Insurance (SHIP)

Students are automatically enrolled in SHIP. Those with existing coverage may qualify for a health fee waiver. Refer to the university SHIP page for eligibility criteria and deadlines.

2025–2026 Tuition & Fees

Official tuition and fee schedules for the Ed.D. Program are published annually by UC San Diego. Fees are subject to change annually.

View Tuition & Fees SHIP Information

Explore Next Steps

Attend an information session, review admissions requirements, or request additional program information.

Admissions Requirements Request Information