College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Educational Leadership and Administration (Ph.D., Ed.D.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Educational Leadership and Administration (Ph.D., Ed.D.)
From Classroom to Statewide Impact — Earn Your Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration
At New Mexico State University, our Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration — available as both the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) — prepares educational leaders for roles in PK–12 administration, higher education leadership, and community college governance. Delivered in a hybrid, cohort-based format, our curriculum empowers you to transform educational systems and lead change across diverse learning environments.
Admission Deadlines
For Fall Admission: January 15th
- Total course hours: 63
- Total dissertation credits: 18 (Ph.D. program only)
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates of NMSU’s Educational Leadership doctoral programs are poised to drive impactful change across the education spectrum. Whether you aspire to serve as a superintendent, associate or assistant principal, community college dean, university provost, or academic policy director — you will emerge equipped to lead with innovation and equity. Careers often lead to roles such as district executive leader, higher education administrator, institutional researcher, or educational consultant — all grounded in rigorous research skills, leadership capabilities, and justice-oriented practice.
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration? Fill out our inquiry form.
Advance your Higher Ed Career?
Rooted in social justice and academic rigor, the program integrates advanced coursework, research methods, leadership theory, and internships tailored to your concentration — whether that’s PK–12 education, PK–12 administration, higher education, or higher education administration. The Ed.D program emphasizes practical application and leadership within educational settings, while the Ph.D. program prioritizes research and theoretical knowledge.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research-oriented degree. Coursework and internships are directed toward developing research proficiencies in educational leadership. The Ph.D. also requires additional hours of coursework in an approved cognate area. Students will need to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours and 18 credit hours of dissertation research.
Take classes like:
- ELAD 6110 Organizational Theory
- ELAD 6310 - Concepts of Leadership in Education
- ELAD 6525 - Higher Education Law
- ELAD 6320 - Foundations of Educational Administration
The Doctor of Education is geared toward those students wishing to pursue a degree which will help them in their profession. Coursework, internships, and research are constructed to develop individuals for administrative position in Pk-12 schools in post-secondary institutions. Students will need to complete a minimum of 63 credit hours.
Take classes like:
- ELAD 6620- Evaluation Design in Education
- ELAD 6310 - Concepts of Leadership in Education
- ELAD 6525 - Higher Education Law
- ELAD 6610 - Scholarly Writing and the Southwest Border
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research-oriented degree. Coursework and internships are directed toward developing research proficiencies in educational leadership. The Ph.D. also requires additional hours of coursework in an approved cognate area.
Students will need to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours and 18 credit hours of dissertation research.
Take classes like:
- ELAD 6110 - Organizational Theory
- ELAD 6310 - Concepts of Leadership in Education
- ELAD 6520 - Public School Law
- ELAD 6320 - Foundations of Educational Administration
GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission.
Application: The application includes transcripts, three letters of recommendation, letter of intent, writing sample that includes 4-5 pages on social justice issues in education, and a statement of support from current employer.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.