Earn your Ed.D. in Professional Leadership from the University of Houston and gain a competitive edge for your next opportunity. Our flexible hybrid program lets you complete your doctorate in three years without putting your career on hold. Learn from award-winning faculty at a Tier One research university in one of the nation’s largest and most diverse cities. Our nationally recognized Ed.D. model prepares leaders to tackle complex challenges in education, healthcare and beyond. 

At-a-Glance

Application Deadline: May 1

What You’ll Learn

Build the knowledge and skills to lead change across diverse organizations in UH’s Doctor of Education program. Our Ed.D. curriculum combines the study of leadership, organizational behavior, coaching practices and applied research with specialized courses tailored to your career goals. All students complete a Laboratory of Practice and a Dissertation in Practice, conducting research on a real-world issue in their field.  

Through the 51-credit-hour program, you’ll learn to evaluate evidence, address complex organizational challenges and apply practical solutions immediately on the job.

The UH Ed.D. also allows you to personalize your leadership journey by selecting the specialization that aligns with your interests and professional goals. 

Career Opportunities

Texas offers a strong landscape for professionals seeking to advance into executive and senior leadership roles. More than 1,200 public school systems operate across the state, with leadership needs spanning district administration, curriculum and instruction, special education and other areas. In Houston, the Texas Medical Center includes more than 60 member institutions across healthcare, research and education, and the Houston region is home to more than 15,000 nonprofits — providing extensive job opportunities.

These diverse organizations need skilled leaders who can set clear strategic direction, guide teams with confidence, make sound decisions based on data and adapt to changing needs. The Professional Leadership Ed.D. at UH prepares graduates to strengthen these skills and take on greater responsibility across a range of settings, including:

• Schools and Districts in roles such as Curriculum Director, District Coordinator, Chief Academic Officer and Superintendent.
• Healthcare and Higher Education in roles such as Director of Education and Training, Medical Education Director, Program Director, Hospital Executive and Academic Dean.
• Nonprofits and Other Organizations in roles such as Executive Director, Program Director, Community Engagement Manager, and Education or Leadership Consultant.

Program Benefits

Earn your doctorate from one of Houston’s leading Ed.D. programs, built around flexible learning, applied research and real-world impact. As the largest doctoral program at the University of Houston, the Ed.D. in Professional Leadership is a trusted choice for professionals seeking to advance their careers in education, healthcare and beyond. 

• Flexible Format: Designed for working professionals, the program can be completed in three years with online and evening courses, plus three Saturday morning sessions a semester.
• Houston Advantage: Benefit from UH’s location in one of the nation’s largest and most diverse metropolitan areas, with connections to hundreds of public and private schools and the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. 
• Nationally Recognized Model: The University of Houston is the only Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate member institution in Houston. CPED is a national network that supports high-quality Ed.D. programs.
• Certification Success: Students interested in Texas Superintendent Certification have a strong record of success on the state exam, with the UH pass rate typically above 95%.

“This program has been transformative for me. Not only has it broadened my perspective as a leader, but it has also equipped me with the research, critical thinking and collaboration skills needed to elevate my impact professionally and personally.”

Jeffrey Merino

Ed.D. graduate 

Financial Support

Explore financial aid, scholarships and graduate student funding resources available through the University of Houston Graduate School.

• Financial Assistance: The Graduate School Fund provides financial assistance for Texas resident graduate students who demonstrate financial need and enroll in at least six credit hours during the academic term. Students should complete the FAFSA to apply.
• Scholarships: Current students may apply for College of Education scholarships to help support their graduate education.
• Employer Support: Employer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs may be available to help offset the cost of a degree.
• Because the UH Ed.D. program is designed for working professionals, most students continue working full time while budgeting their education expenses over the course of the program. 

Tuition Calculator

To estimate tuition and fees, use the UH tuition calculator and select 6 or 9 hours for typical enrollment and “PhD” for degree type for all doctoral degrees. 

Be sure to also check college fees (see “Executive Education Doctoral Program”), in addition to basic tuition and University fees, for a broader cost estimate.

“UH created a program where I can take what I am learning and immediately apply it to my leadership practice. The connection between research, reflection, collaboration and real-world impact is what makes this program special to me.”

Tabitha Felicia Alvarado

Ed.D. student, M.Ed. graduate