How to apply

The EdD Program's summer 2023 admission cycle is now closed. Online applications for our summer 2026  admission cycle open in 2025.  

How to Apply

Online Application: Complete online Graduate School application ($90.00 non-refundable fee).

Resume or Curriculum Vitae: Resume or curriculum vitae including leadership and supervisory experience.

Goal Statement: In two, double-spaced pages, address the following question: What are your professional educational leadership goals, and how are they aligned with the Ed.D. Values and Student Learning Goals NOTE: Use of citations is not required in the goal statement; however, as needed, cite appropriately using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA 6th edition), or, the Publication Manual of the Modern Language Association (MLA 7th edition). Title and reference pages are not counted toward the two page requirement. 

Professional Essay: In three, double-spaced pages or less, address the following: Explain a pressing social justice issue(s) facing your profession, and your role in providing relevant and effective educational leadership strategies. Use a minimum of four citations to support your argument(s). NOTE: Cite appropriately using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA, latest addition preferred), or, the Publication Manual of the Modern Language Association (MLA, latest edition preferred). Title and reference pages are not counted toward the three page limit. Following preliminary file screening, successful candidates will be invited group interviews.  

Recommendations: Two (2) recommendations are required from persons who are able to provide evidence of your leadership and academic abilities, and your potential for success in a doctoral degree program. Please select only professional, community, or academic references. You will identify the recommenders in your online application, including their full name, email address and telephone number. Be sure to contact them prior to including their contact information in your application, so they know to expect an email from the UW Graduate School requesting a recommendation on your behalf. Your application will not be considered complete until all two recommendations are submitted. 

P-12 Educators Only: P-12 leaders who seek a Superintendent Certificate must submit a photocopy of Teacher, ESA, Principal or Program Administrator certificate

Transcripts:  Submit one unofficial transcript from each degree granting institution attended. Unofficial copies are required prior to admission. NOTE: If admitted to the program, a complete set of official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate School. For additional transcript information, please visit the Graduate School's Official Transcript Requirements page. 

Certified Electronic Transcripts (Preferred Method)

Acceptable electronic transcripts must be:

• Sent to gemsdocs@uw.edu from the issuing institution or its authorized agent
• Passcode protected
• Digitally signed 
• Properly certified by the issuing institution 
• If using the US Postal Service: University of Washington, Graduate Enrollment Management Services, Box 353770, Seattle, WA USA 98195-3770
• If using FEDEX/UPS Service: University of Washington, Graduate Enrollment Management Services, G-1 Communications, 4109 Stevens Way, Seattle, WA USA 98195-3770 ​

Unacceptable electronic transcripts:

• E-mail attachments
• Sent by student
• Sent by third party credential evaluations (WES, FIS, ECE)

Important Notes:

For admission or application questions, please contact the EdD Advisor, Ashley Walker, (aew7@uw.edu).

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required.
• The Ed.D. Program does not accept Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) applications.