phd in education in kentucky

Doctorate in Education Degrees in Kentucky

If you work in the field of education, you know the importance of earning your EdD in qualifying for top positions. With your doctorate, you can possess the skills to make a greater impact in your organization. At EducationDegree.com we strive to provide the information and resources you need to find the right doctorate in education program. Use our school listings below to contact colleges that help Kentucky students excel in the world of education.

Earning Your Ed.D. in Kentucky

Kentucky has several outstanding universities offering a doctorate of education degree (Ed.D.), as well as a wide variety of specialty study tracts. The Doctorate of Education Leadership program available through Northern Kentucky University is specifically designed to create transformational leaders to work in a variety of settings. The students are referred to as “learning associates,” and they have a wide range of professional backgrounds.

The Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Western Kentucky University is designed to connect theoretical concepts to the needs of current practitioners. The program promotes skills and knowledge in real-world practice settings, allowing the student to experience new applied behaviors. Doctoral students receive the opportunity to explore the range of career options; the program also provides the interdisciplinary research preparation, which is contextually focused on the real-world problems of education that is essential to our future global competitiveness.

The career choices include:

• K-12 Administrative Leadership – to serve as public school district administrators
• Teacher Leadership – for leadership roles related to various areas, such as assessment, technology, literacy and classroom teaching
• Postsecondary Leadership – to serve in two year or four year institutions
• Organizational Leadership – to serve in an education-related organization, not schools or colleges

Executive Ed.D. (ExecEdD) is a new program from the University of Kentucky offering an executive delivery model for the doctorate degree. This is one of several programs designed to help educational professionals earn their Ed.D. while continuing to work full-time.

Kentucky is also one of the states adopting the new nationwide initiative to change instruction for the students in Ed.D. programs. Ultimately the Ed.D. programs for research and leadership will each have a different focus. The leadership degree will benefit educators in administrative positions, and the research degree will have a more traditional approach, similar to the Ph.D.

These are just a sampling of some of the doctorate in education programs offered by Kentucky universities! Browse the featured schools below to discover the perfect program for you.

Career Outlook for Graduates in Kentucky

Kentucky doctorate in education programs are training students to lead and operate universities, colleges, government agencies, private corporations and professional associations. The Kentucky Department of Education employs researchers who produce a huge volume of data related to the state’s educational system. Public and private universities and colleges also hire a large number of Ed.D. individuals for research, as well as assistant and associate professors. Universities and colleges also have available jobs in administration and student affairs.

The public school system also offers administrative positions, such as the superintendents, principals and specialists in education. The mean income for high school principals in Kentucky is $92,965, for middle school principals it is $87,866, and for elementary school principals the mean salary is $82,414.

The average salaries for other public school positions are:

• Dean of academic affairs: $95,000
• Vice President of Student Services : $116,000
• Vice President of Instruction: $120,000

Qualify for top-level positions in education by earning your Ed.D! Contact our featured schools below to find an accredited program that can help you accomplish your professional goals. Whether you want campus-based or online learning, we can help you move in the right direction!

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Welcome to the University of Kentucky

Thank you for exploring opportunities for graduate education with us. The University of Kentucky (UK) Graduate School is a thriving community of scholars, researchers, and students, all dedicated to improving lives through excellence in education, research, leadership, creative work, service, and healthcare. We are proud of our reputation for excellence. Here are just a few reasons why we believe that UK would best fit your personal educational goals.

• UK is one of only seven universities in the U.S. that have Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy on a single campus.
• Home to nearly a dozen research centers, including the Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment, UK has been awarded over $300 million annually in federal, state, and industry research grants and contracts.
• The William T. Young Library is among the world’s leading research libraries; its book endowment is the largest among public universities.
• UK’s scholars – students, faculty and alumni – have been the recipients of many prestigious awards including the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes, and honored by distinguished organizations such as the Rhodes Trust, the Fulbright Scholar Program, the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and the Metropolitan Opera.
• UK offers advanced graduate degrees in 90 program areas, awarding doctoral degrees in 55 fields, master’s degrees in 85 fields, and graduate certificates in 52 focus areas. Choosing the right graduate program is an important decision; you can obtain more information about our Graduate Programs here. Additionally, our Admissions Counselors and Directors of Graduate Studies are available to answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to working with you as you continue your education journey.

Padraic Kenney, Ph.D.  Dean  The Graduate School

Admissions Team

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• Lexington, Kentucky 40506

Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Education Sciences - Physical Education Option

• College of Education

Dive into research and gain more insight into physical education. Go beyond physical activity promotion and dive into research topics and courses that address epidemiology, sociology, behavior science, and public health. This online doctoral program suits physical education instructors, higher education researchers and athletic directors.

At a Glance

Credits and tuition cost (2023-2024).

• All Programs
• Doctorate Degrees
• Education Sciences - Physical Education Option (Ph.D.)

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Doctorate in education sciences - physical education option overview, hear from program leaders, what you'll learn.

Students are admitted into our program through a  mentor-based admission process , under the direct supervision of a specific faculty member. We encourage you to identify the faculty member with whom you wish to work with prior to applying to the program. For a brief introduction and contact information, you may view the bios of:

• Aaron Beighle, Ph.D   
• Heather Erwin, Ph.D . 

In addition to getting acquainted with our faculty, you will have the opportunity to discuss research interests and potential dissertation areas.  Our program typically takes between 3-5 years, including your dissertation. 

Course Examples

• KHP 601 Teaching Effectiveness and Leadership in KHP
• KHP 602 Promoting Physical Activity for Youth
• KHP 579 Adapted Physical Education
• KHP 644 Research Techniques Applied to Kinesiology and Health Promotion KHP 674 – Foundations of Health Promotion
• KHP 675 Health Assessments
• EDC 610 Discipline & Classroom Management
• EDP 613 Social Psychological Issues in Education
• EDP 614 Motivation and Learning
• EDS 580 Special Education
• EPE 617 Introduction to Higher Education
• EPE 672 College Teaching and Learning
• EPE 684 Higher Education and Athletics
• EPE 653 History of Higher Education
• EPE 703 Preparing Research Proposals
• EDC 712 The Elementary School (Curriculum Theory)

How to Apply

Application requirements.

Standard graduate application requirements apply.

Admissions Criteria

Standard graduate admission requirements apply.

• A master’s degree or 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work with a 3.0 GPA. 
• A sample of scholarly writing
• Three (3) letters of recommendation

Program Contact

Distance learning, licensure & authorization.

Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa. 

Student Support

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.

Why UK Online

Grad tuition cap, flexible schedule, be supported, related programs.

EdDPrograms.org

Ed.D. Programs in Kentucky

Thinking of the Bluegrass State for your doctorate in education? To help you come up with a Kentucky Ed.D. shortlist, we've put together a comprehensive list of programs. In our practical guide, you'll also find a section devoted to online KY doctorates in education, no dissertation options, tons of links to Ed.D. fellowships, useful facts about careers & salaries, and info about important conferences & training academies.

Earning a Doctor of Education Degree in Kentucky

Kentucky’s doctoral programs in education are going strong. In our school listings , you’ll discover big public names (e.g. WKU), private options (e.g. UC), and a whole host of CAEP-accredited schools. There are 100% online Ed.D. programs with highly affordable rates. There are degrees with great concentration topics and useful internal funding opportunities . There’s even an Ed.D. that fulfills certification requirements for the Superintendent Certificate (i.e. Bellarmine).

Begin by matching the Ed.D. program in our school listings to your goals & budget—each listing has links to the curriculum and cost. You may also want to look carefully at Kentucky schools that are participating in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) , since this is an intriguing quality marker. CPED members include Northern Kentucky University, the University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University.

Once you have a choice or two in mind, check out our extensive Career section. Here you’ll unearth detailed data on jobs & salaries for Kentucky education administrators, directions to state-specific job boards, descriptions of important KY leadership associations (e.g. KASA), and ideas for conferences & training programs (e.g. The Leadership Challenge).

Online Doctor of Education Programs in Kentucky

Online ed.d. providers in kentucky.

• Murray State University (CAEP-accredited)
• University of Kentucky (CAEP-accredited)
• University of the Cumberlands (CAEP-accredited)

What to Know About Kentucky Online Ed.D. Programs

Your options for Kentucky online doctorates in education are limited to three respectable (and fairly affordable) universities: MSU, UK, and UC. All of them are CAEP-accredited; all of them can be completed 100% online; and all of them have a core of educational leadership. So you can have your pick!

If you live near one of the other universities in our school listings , we also want to point out that a number of so-called “campus” degrees are actually hybrid. For example, Northern Kentucky’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership only has face-to-face sessions one weekend per month; the balance of the coursework is online. As long as you don’t mind a Saturday commute, a blended doctoral program in education may suit you to a T.

Note: Our overview of online doctoral programs in education has listings for online Ed.D. programs in every state.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Kentucky Public Universities

Eyeing a doctorate in the field of K-12 leadership? UK’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is worth investigating. It’s a four-year program with ~46 credits (42 credits of coursework plus at least 4 credit hours for the dissertation). Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. It also has some markers we like to see in distance learning. It is a) cohort-based b) 100% online with the option to attend a useful Summer Doc Week c) strong on field-based activities and d) looking for a candidates with a 3.5 GPA.

Another public option is Murray State University, which started offering the 60-credit Online Ed.D. in P-20 and Community Leadership with four specializations—including Agriculture Education and STEM Leadership. This is a 100% online version of MSU’s executive-style, weekend program. It’s a particularly good choice if you have an Ed.S. since MSU will transfer up to 30 Ed.S. credit hours into the Ed.D. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state and the GPA threshold is lower than UK’s program.

Online Ed.D. Programs at Kentucky Private Universities

Or you could go private. The University of Cumberlands has a 60-credit Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with one of the lowest tuition rates we’ve seen among any private  or public school. It’s also fairly short (i.e. three years), packed with relevant core coursework (e.g. grant writing, strategic planning, etc.), and includes the option to pursue a specialty area (e.g. Psychology, Nursing, Information Systems, etc.). You can choose the 100% online path, or you can include on-campus Saturday classes in the mix.

No Dissertation Ed.D. Programs in Kentucky

Doctoral research projects & capstones.

Dread the thought of a long Ed.D. dissertation? A couple of Kentucky universities have headed down an alternative route. For example, Morehead State University’s Doctor of Education with three specializations includes a doctoral capstone instead. This is a practice-based, research-heavy project that addresses a particular educational challenge.

For example, some MSU Ed.D. students have chosen to focus their capstone work on a particular school, district, or organization (i.e. working in the role of an analyst‐adviser or management consultant). Others have chosen to collaborate in a small group of Ed.D. students, addressing different aspects of the same issue. Examples of MSU capstone challenges include:

• Analyze a district’s use of time, evaluate its impact on student achievement, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Compare and contrast highest achieving and lowest achieving districts, paying careful attention to strategies to reduce the achievement gap.
• Develop a district technology plan that will ensure full use of all available technology.

Spalding University takes a slightly different approach in its Doctor of Education in Leadership . Like MSU, Spalding wants Ed.D. students to tackle a research-based capstone project that directly applies to their place of employment or to the needs of a for-profit or not-for-profit organization. But it also expects students to produce some specific deliverables, including:

• An approved written capstone project (i.e. a scholarly article to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and/or a white paper to be submitted to the partner organization).
• An executive summary to be submitted to the organization.
• A technology-assisted oral presentation of the executive summary to be given to the leaders of the organization.
• And a 30-minute oral defense of research findings.

Doctoral Education Funding in Kentucky

Internal scholarships, fellowships & awards.

It’s not always easy to locate doctoral funding information on Kentucky Ed.D. program websites. To save you time, we’ve highlighted as many internal opportunities as we could find, including Ed.D. fellowships, tuition breaks, diversity awards, payment plans, and more. The university’s Office of Financial Aid will also be able to assist with advice on the FAFSA and external aid (e.g. federal & private loans, national fellowships, etc.).

Eastern Kentucky University

The College of Education has a section on Student Scholarships that’s worth a look. Possible graduate funds include the: Cooper Memorial Fund and the Lutes Memorial Endowed Scholarship. EKU graduate students are also eligible for Other Awards , including some general scholarships , but it’s always best to ask if doctorate in education students are classified as “graduate.” If so, full-time students can look into Graduate Assistantships .

Morehead State University

MSU has a section on Paying for Graduate School , with details on the financial aid process and Graduate Assistantships . Doctoral students are not eligible for the Dehart Fellowship, because the award only applies to master’s-level students.

Murray State University

The College of Education has devoted a section to Scholarships and Funding . There are some COE awards for graduate students, including one for folks in the Department of Educational Studies, Leadership & Counseling, but it’s best to check if Ed.D. students are eligible. (We noticed that MSU uses the terms “graduate” and “doctoral” in its tuition structure.)

Spalding University

Spalding has a couple of interesting deals on tap for students in the Ed.D. in Leadership (though we recommend you check to make sure they’re still viable):

• The first three current—or former—participants/members of Leadership Kentucky , Leadership Louisville , and the Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) accepted into the Ed.D. will be granted a 50% tuition reduction—a scholarship valued at approximately $25,000.
• Spalding sponsors Ed.D. students to earn a non-credit Certificate in Global Leadership—two, tuition-free, day-long colloquia. It also covers the costs of the ILA conference in the following fall (e.g. lodging, registration, meals, etc.).

See the Ed.D. website for more value-added opportunities.

University of Kentucky

Start with the degree page in our school listings —some specialties have helpful resource sections. For example, the Department of Kinesiology has info on teaching assistantships and research support.

Then check the College of Education’s extensive section on Scholarships —a list which includes a number of awards for doctorate students. We uncovered the:

• Porter Minority Fellowship in Education
• Edgar L. & Marilyn A. Sagan Fellowship (for students studying Educational Policy Studies)
• Joan P. Gipe Fellowship Fund in Literacy (for students training for a career in literacy). You can also look at Potential Sources of Funding for Literacy Graduate Students .
• Arvle and Ellen Thacker Turner Research Fund (for doctoral research). You can also apply for research grants & awards through the Office of Research and Graduate Success .
• William S. Taylor Memorial Fund (for students with unexpected economic hardships)

Finally, we recommend a visit to the Graduate School’s section on Student Funding . Here you’ll discover info on Assistantships , general Fellowships (e.g. Lyman T. Johnson Diversity Fellowship), the Graduate Student Incentive Program (GSIP) for students who win an external fellowship, and external funding ideas.

University of Louisville

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Organizational Development has a section on Financial Aid , with links to:

• College of Education & Human Development Scholarships and Financial Aid (check out the Paul A Winter Doctoral Fellowship for ELEOD students)
• Graduate Assistantships
• UofL Student Financial Aid Office

We also like UofL’s comprehensive section on Financial Support for Graduate Students , with info on University Scholarship & Tuition Awards (e.g. diversity awards). And the Graduate Student Research Fund .

University of the Cumberlands

In UC’s section on Graduate Financial Aid , there is info about payment plans .

Western Kentucky University

The Ed.D.’s section on Future Students includes a list of ideas for funding. The School of Teacher Education also has a helpful rundown of Financial Aid for Graduate Students and the Graduate School has a lengthy section on Financial Resources . You may want to look into:

• Distinguished Minority Fellows (DMF) Program (this is open to doctoral students)
• Research Grants (the Office of Sponsored Programs can also assist you in searching for grants and external funding)
• Travel Grants

Plus the list of general scholarships available through the College Heights Foundation . For instance, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership students are eligible for the Dr. Dorothy E. Reeves Scholarship Fund and the Dr. Victor J. Christenson Scholarship Fund .

In addition, WKU offers tuition waivers for credits obtained by P-12 teachers providing supervision of student teachers/interns and tuition waivers for WKU employees .

Note: If a university name is missing from the list, we didn’t find specific examples of Ed.D. funding beyond private & federal loans and external aid.

School Administration Certification Requirements in Kentucky

School administration certificates.

The Division of Educator Licensure and Quality , under the auspices of the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) , handles school administrative certifications in Kentucky. There are six types of administrative certification available from EPSB:

• School Principal Certification/Instructional Leadership – School Principal
• School Counselor Certification, Grades P-12
• Superintendent Certification
• Supervisor of Instruction Certification
• Director of Special Education Certification
• Directors and Assistant Directors of Pupil Personnel Certification

We’ve outlined the basics for principals and superintendents below. However, each of these links will also take you to a detailed requirements page.

Instructional Leadership – School Principal Certificate

EPSB’s page on School Principal Certification is a little scanty—we found the requirements laid out in full in KAR Title 16 (see Chapter 3: 050). Generally speaking, School Principal Certificate applicants must:

• Hold a master’s degree
• Complete a State-Approved Educator Preparation Program
• Have three years of teaching experience in a public/non-public school that meets state performance standards or has been accredited by a regional or national accrediting association
• Receive a passing score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment and the Kentucky Specialty Test of Instructional and Administrative Practices .

If you look at Chapter 3: 050, you’ll discover that Instructional Leadership – School Principal certification is actually split into two levels: Level I and Level II.

• Level I means you’ve completed a standards-based program of studies (i.e. Level I educator prep program) designed for minimal preparation.
• Level II means you’ve completed extra coursework/internship that will entitle you to attain the first five-year renewal of the School Principal Certificate.

In the traditional path, aspiring principals complete a Level I preparation program, receive a Provisional Certificate, find a job in Kentucky school district, and then complete the one-year Kentucky Principal Internship Program (KPIP) and Level II coursework.

A Professional Certificate for Instructional Leadership – School Principal is usually issued following the successful completion of the KPIP . Check the School Principal Certification page for up-to-date details.

Note: University preparation programs for the School Principal Certificate are often in the form of a master’s degree, certification program, graduate certificate, or Ed.S.

Superintendent Certificate

Applicants for the five-year Superintendent Certificate must fulfill the appropriate requirements for certification, as established in KAR Title 16 . In particular, the applicant must:

• Have at least two years of experience in an administrative position (e.g. school principal, supervisor of instruction, guidance counselor, director of pupil personnel, etc.).
• Hold a valid statement of eligibility for a Kentucky teaching certificate
• Have three years of full-time teaching experience
• Have completed Levels I and II preparation/certification for the position of school principal or supervisor of instruction

Note: A few Ed.D. programs in our school listings will prepare you for the School Superintendent Certificate (e.g. Bellarmine). However, most universities have decided to develop separate certification programs instead.

Educational Leadership Jobs in Kentucky

Educational leadership career outlook.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) keeps close tabs on employment and wage data for elementary & secondary school education administrators and postsecondary education administrators in every state. Kentucky has respectable levels of employment for both categories, though wages aren’t always terrific (see below).

You can get a microscopic view of the K-12 landscape by consulting reports issued by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) . KDE has an entire section devoted to School District Personnel Information , with details on Kentucky county staffing numbers and demographics.

Preparing for a KY higher education job opportunity?

• The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education has a Data section crammed with statistics on enrollment, graduate rates, diversity, and more. We particularly liked the comprehensive summaries of Kentucky’s State Universities and KCTCS . These include links to budgets, financial reports, staff directories, and the school’s College Scorecard .
• You can also browse through Data/Reports issued by the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU) . Each College & University link contains a profile of the school.

Educational Leadership Salaries

BLS’s page on State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Kentucky lists annual mean wages for education administrators. Overall, wages for Kentucky elementary & secondary school education administrators are often modest, but they’re not in the lowest bracket. You’ll usually see similar wage numbers in Indiana and Ohio.

Better yet, KDE’s section on School District Personnel Information has reports on certified salary schedules, average classroom teacher salaries, superintendent salaries (organized by district), and more. Jefferson County (the most populous county and the home of Louisville), Fayette County (home of Lexington), and Boone County often pay their superintendents particularly well.

When it comes to Kentucky postsecondary education administrators , it’s a different story. Mean wages for this group can be among the lowest in the country. If you’d prefer specifics, you can use Transparency.ky’s Advanced Salary Search to look up the salaries of employees in public post-secondary educational institutions. Search by Branch (i.e. Executive), Cabinet (i.e. Cabinet for the Universities), Title (e.g. President), and Department (i.e. the name of the university).

Educational Leadership Job Boards

Conventional job sites will contain postings for Kentucky education administrators (e.g. HigherEdJobs, SchoolSpring, LinkedIn, etc.). But we also wanted to point you toward some state-specific job boards.

• KDE’s Kentucky Educator Placement Services (KEPS) lists certified vacancies in public schools and districts. You can also submit your job profile.
• CPAK posts Career Opportunities for higher education personnel—primarily directors, coordinators, and advisors.
• KASS has a list of Job Openings for superintendents and other personnel.
• AIKCU has an Employment section with links to each independent college or university’s HR website.

Educational Leadership Organizations in Kentucky

Educational leadership associations.

• College Personnel Association of Kentucky (CPAK) : CPAK is a state division of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). It’s made up of professionals in varied areas of student affairs, student services, campus life, academic support, and higher education administration. It also offers CPAK Awards to graduate students.
• Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education (KABHE) : KABHE promotes the advancement of Blacks in higher education by articulating needs and concerns, promoting unity and cooperation, and enhancing the personal and professional growth of its membership.
• Kentucky Association of Professional Educators (KAPE) : KAPE is a professional organization that provides a range of benefits to educators (e.g. legal services, insurance, discounts, etc.). Membership is open to all certified and classified employees of a Kentucky public or private school.
• Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) : One to bookmark! KASA is dedicated to serving school administrators through advocacy, professional development, leadership, and research. Its members include PreK-12 leaders and higher education administrators. Be sure to check out the Administrative Certification Scholarship and the Communities section, which includes a calendar of Upcoming Leadership Events .
• Kentucky Association of School Councils (KASC) : KASC is a non-profit membership organization designed to help school councils make decisions that ensure student achievement at higher levels. It provides assistance to parents, teachers, and principals of member schools.
• Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) : KASS is a statewide, non-profit organization that aims to develop the capacity of superintendents—and those who aspire to superintendency—to reach their full potential in transforming their educational systems.
• Kentucky Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (KASFAA) : KASFAA is a professional organization that serves practitioners, users, and providers of student financial aid programs.
• Kentucky Education Association (KEA) : KEA is a voluntary membership organization for school employees. Public school teachers make up most of the members, but there are school administrators in the mix.
• Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) : KSBA is private non-profit that supplies advocacy, consultation, information, professional development, and district support services to local school board members (e.g. training & events ), as well as to district and school staff.

Educational Leadership Professional Groups

• Kentucky Education Cooperatives : Cooperatives provide assistance and expertise to member school districts. This includes comprehensive educational services and programs that support member districts and their schools in their school improvement efforts. Member districts also work through the cooperatives to maximize their purchasing power.
• The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence : We’re mentioning this organization because it’s heavily involved in KY educational efforts, standards & accountability, policy issues, and engagement initiatives (e.g. parent leaders).

Note: You’ll notice that some state and national educator organizations have funds and scholarships available for continuing education (e.g. Ed.D.). Check the association website and ask about opportunities.

Educational Leadership Events in Kentucky

Educational leadership conferences.

• CPAK Annual Conference and Business Meeting : CPAK’s flagship event for higher education personnel takes place in January.
• KABHE Annual Conference : KABHE’s three-day event in April offers opportunities for higher education administrators, faculty, staff, and students to explore best practices and current trends in higher education.
• KASA Annual Education Law & Finance Institute : This is a focused two-day event in March. It aims to deepen knowledge and improve practice among school administrators and their teams in implementing legal and financial decisions.
• KASA Annual Leadership Institute : This three-day event in July attracts 1500+ school leaders and industry partners. There’s a day of Pre-Event Workshops.
• KASC Conference : KASC’s annual event brings together teachers, parents, and school administrators from across Kentucky. It usually takes place over two days in September.
• KEA Annual Conference: KEA’s two-day event in June is designed to share strategies and successes that take place in Kentucky’s classrooms.

Educational Leadership Training

• CPAK Professional Development Programs : CPAK has developed a Career Mentoring Program for CPAK members and a Professional Shadowing Program for student affairs graduate students and professionals.
• KASA Leadership Development : KASA offers a huge range of professional development opportunities to P-20 administrators, including—but not limited to— Kentucky Women in Education Leadership (KWEL) , The Leadership Challenge , Next Generation Superintendents , Principal’s Leadership Series , and more.
• KASC Professional Learning Training : KASC offers individualized training sessions and workshops that focus on helping schools reach proficiency. It also runs educator-focused Summer Academies.
• KEA Training Opportunities : KEA organizes a variety of training sessions for schools, districts, local KEA leaders, and local KEA associations.

School Listings

10 Schools Found

Bellarmine University

College of Education

Louisville, Kentucky

Doctor of Education in K-12 District Leadership

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

Educational Leadership

Richmond, Kentucky

EdD - Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Morehead, Kentucky

Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education Leadership

Doctor of education in educational technology leadership, doctor of education in p-12 administrative leadership.

Department of Educational Studies, Leadership, and Counseling

Murray, Kentucky

EdD in P-20 and Community Leadership - Agriculture Education

Offered Online

EdD in P-20 and Community Leadership - pK-12 Leadership

Edd in p-20 and community leadership - postsecondary leadership, edd in p-20 and community leadership - stem leadership, northern kentucky university.

Department of Counseling, Social Work and Leadership

Highland Heights, Kentucky

EdD in Educational Leadership

School of Education

Doctor of Education in Leadership

Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Lexington, Kentucky

Doctor of Education in Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Edd in instruction and administration - instructional systems design, edd in instruction and administration - literacy education emphasis, online edd in educational leadership, edd in educational leadership and organizational development.

Department of Education

Williamsburg, Kentucky

Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Bowling Green, Kentucky

EdD in Educational Leadership - Organizational Leadership (ELOL)

Edd in educational leadership - p-12 administrative leadership (elps), edd in educational leadership - postsecondary education leadership (elpl), edd in educational leadership - teacher leadership (eltl).

PhD Program Application Information

Home Academics PhD Program PhD Program Application Information

All applications for graduate study at the University of Kentucky must be submitted on-line. We are now part of the Hobsons ApplyYourself Application Network, a system used by over 700 colleges and universities that provides an opportunity to submit all Graduate School and program requirements in one application including letters of recommendation.

The first step  in the process is to set up a new account and establish a username and password. Do not lose this information; you will need it if you wish to return to continue an unfinished application or later to review your completed application.

Application Materials

Transcripts.

You will be asked to upload  copies of transcripts from all higher education institutions attended and, in the case of domestic students, to self-report cumulative GPAs for each institution. If you are offered admission and decide to enroll, you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School.

Letters of Recommendation

The PhD Program at the University of Kentucky requires applicants to provide three letters of reference that address their potential for success in a research-oriented doctoral program and aptitude for research and teaching.  Recommendations from individuals who have supervised your research and scholarly work (e.g., research project supervisors, thesis advisors, professors) tend to be the most useful to the admissions committee and should comprise the majority of the letters.

Please exclude personal, pastoral and relative references.  If you graduated within the past 5 years, you must provide at least one academic reference.

As part of the online application you will be asked to supply email contact information for your three references. Once your application has been submitted, the system will contact each person identified and their recommendations will be submitted electronically directly to us. You can check back into your application at any time to see who has submitted a recommendation.

Personal Statement (uploaded electronic document)

Your statement should be no more than 5 pages, double-spaced, and should address the following prompts:

• Describe your motivation for pursuing a PhD in social work
• Articulate what specifically attracts you to the University of Kentucky social work PhD program
• Identify your career goals and how a PhD in social work would help you achieve those goals
• Describe the primary areas of research that you would like to explore during your doctoral training and articulate the significance of these lines of inquiry to social work
• Describe any other factors that should be considered in the evaluation of your application

Additional Documentation

A current resume or CV is required.

Writing Sample

Applicants to the PhD program must submit a recent, single-authored scholar writing sample.  The sample should provide evidence of writing ability, creative and critical thinking, and potential for independent research. The submission should be a “clean” copy (i.e., free of editorial markings).

The following are examples of appropriate submissions of scholarly writing:

• Published article or book chapter
• Master’s thesis
• Unpublished research report or white paper
• Term paper written in an upper-level graduate course
• Grant application

Application Fee (must be paid before you can submit your application)

Admissions Timeline

February 19, 2024 –  application deadline for admission of potential doctoral students who want to seek funding for PhD-specific CoSW scholarship (e.g., Beaven-Eidetik Doctoral Research Fellowship)

Feb 19, 2024 –  deadline for applicants interested in a full-time TA/ RA/ GA position for AY 24-25. Please know that these assistantships are for 20 hours a week of work and include a stipend, tuition reimbursement, and health insurance. To guarantee your application will be in review for funding, you must submit by this date.  In addition to your application to the program, you must submit a letter of interest for an assistantship. Include any information regarding financial need, relevant experience, and learning goals.

April 1, 2024 –  Final application deadline – no funding requested

Financial Assistance

We are steadfastly committed to funding our PhD students. Funding availability varies from year to year and fully funded positions are contingent upon available monies.

Funded positions for PhD students most often comprise of Teaching Assistantships (TA) or Research Assistantships (RA) that include a stipend, tuition reimbursement and health insurance. Funded teaching and research assistantships are available on a competitive basis.

College-wide scholarships are also another funding option for PhD students.

Fellowships are non-service awards made to students to assist in the pursuit of an advanced degree. This award includes a monthly stipend and typically covers tuition costs. Fellowships are awarded by The Graduate School on a university-wide competitive basis. The Director of Graduate Studies (Dr. Kalea Benner) is responsible for nominating students for these awards to the graduate school. However, a few fellowships are open by self-nomination. Consult the Graduate School’s website  for more information. There are numerous opportunities for social work PhD students to receive fellowships, scholarships, and grants from outside sources.

The University of Kentucky Graduate Student Congress also has travel and research awards for graduate students.

If you wish to apply for a teaching or research assistantship, please write a cover letter of application. If there is one faculty member you’d especially like to work with, mention that in the letter.

For Further Information

If you are considering applying, please call and talk with the Program Director. The director is happy to talk with potential applicants and to answer all questions.

Dr. Natalie Pope [email protected] 859-218-2768

The Decision Process

Once you submit all of your application materials to the Graduate School online, the Program Director will forward your application to the College’s Doctoral Committee who will make a decision based on objective criteria (e.g., GPA, recommendations, etc.). Those who are favorably reviewed and are also requesting funding support may be asked to participate in an interview via Zoom. Generally, we like to complete all of our interviews before the end of April.

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U.S. News ranks 9 WKU graduate programs among nation's best

• Friday, April 19th, 2024

Nine Western Kentucky University graduate programs have been ranked among the best in the country in U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings .

WKU graduate programs on the 2024 rankings include:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), No. 100, up from No. 113 last year.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), No. 101, up from No. 106.
• Speech-Language Pathology Program, No. 136, up from No. 189.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), No. 137.
• Master of Social Work (MSW), No. 142.
• Master of Public Health (MPH), No. 172.
• Public Affairs programs, No. 191.
• WKU’s graduate programs in education as well as the online Master of Business Administration program also were included on the U.S. News list of best programs.

The 2024 rankings include six programs from the College of Health and Human Services as well as programs from Potter College of Arts & Letters, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the Gordon Ford College of Business.

“These rankings are well-deserved acknowledgment of WKU’s excellence in graduate education,” said Dr. Jenni Redifer, Interim Associate Provost for Research & Graduate Education. “I am grateful to our WKU community of educators, as well as to our partner organizations, who provide invaluable real-world experiences during students’ graduate studies. The span of these rankings across numerous disciplines is evidence of the positive impact of WKU’s graduate programs throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.”

College of Health and Human Services

“I am thrilled that six of our graduate programs in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) have been recognized this year by the U.S. News and World Report for their academic excellence,” said Dean Tania Basta. “Our CHHS mission to prepare health and human services professionals who will work to improve the quality of life in their communities and beyond, so this recognition is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff in preparing our students to meet the rapidly changing needs of the health and human services workforce both regionally and nationally.”

The Nursing Master of Science (MSN) graduate program at WKU was ranked No. 100 in the nation, up from No. 113 last year. The College of Health and Human Services offers a Master of Science in Nursing that builds upon the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and seeks to develop expertise in advanced nursing practice. The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSNS) concentration is for individuals who wish to be certified as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. The innovative MSN-Master’s Entry Professional Nursing (MEPN) allows a student with a previous baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing to obtain an MSN degree and become eligible for licensure as a registered nurse.

WKU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was ranked No. 101, up from No. 106. The program is designed to prepare nurses who are already working in the field to become leaders in nursing practice and administration. The program has two tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Executive.

WKU’s Speech-Language Pathology Program was ranked No. 136, up from No. 189. The speech-language pathology program is accredited by the Council of Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology. This program is designed to prepare speech-language pathologists to meet the needs of those presenting with communication delays, differences, and/or disorders in a range of settings including hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, or schools.

WKU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) was ranked No. 137. The DPT Program is designed to prepare students to plan and administer treatment to help patients regain diminished physical function lost secondary to injury or disease, to promote soft tissue healing, and to relieve pain.

U.S. News ranked WKU’s Master of Social Work (MSW) No. 142. The program at WKU is available to working professionals as well as recent college graduates and prepares them for a career as social work practitioners in a variety of contexts, including individual, family, group, organizations, and community.

Also making the list was WKU’s Master of Public Health (MPH), which was ranked No. 172. The program is part of a field that seeks to protect and improve the health of families and communities through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, research for disease and injury prevention, and detection and control of infectious disease.

Potter College of Arts & Letters

U.S. News ranked WKU’s programs in Public Affairs at No. 191. The Potter College of Arts & Letters (PCAL) is home to WKU’s nationally recognized Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. The MPA program prepares graduate students for a variety of leadership positions in federal, non-profit, local, and state organizations.

The Potter College of Arts & Letters (PCAL) provides graduate programs in Organizational Communication (Master of Arts), Communicating in Healthcare (Graduate Certificate), Communicating in Organizations (Graduate Certificate), Creative Writing and English (Master of Fine Arts), History (Master of Arts), Music: Education, Conducting, or Pedagogy (Master of Fine Arts), Public Administration (Master of Public Administration), and Local Government Administration (Graduate Certificate). Each program offers robust degree offerings that prepare students for industry-level and/or graduate employment. Additionally, undergraduate students can elect to begin graduate studies earlier with the Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP). JUMP provide students the opportunity to complete a graduate degree while completing their undergraduate degree.

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Also included on the U.S. News list of best programs is WKU’s education graduate program. The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is home to WKU’s nationally recognized clinical preparation programs which focus on the community’s future teachers, counselors, psychologists, and leaders. Graduate degrees, including those at the master’s and doctoral level, are offered in Advanced Teacher Education, Counseling and Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Gifted Education and Talent Development, Instructional Design, Literacy Education, Organizational Leadership, Psychology, Special Education, and Teacher Education.

Gordon Ford College of Business

WKU’s online Master of Business Administration also is listed among the best graduate programs. The Gordon Ford College of Business offers a diverse range of graduate degrees and certificates tailored to provide students with the essential skills needed to thrive in today's ever-evolving business landscape. From Accountancy & Data Analysis (MADA), Economics, Cybersecurity, to Master of Business Administration (MBA), the GFCB’s flexible programs empower students to explore specialized fields, acquire invaluable expertise and credentials, and pursue their passions.

Ogden College of Science & Engineering

The Ogden College of Science & Engineering offers graduate programs that prepare students to be the critical thinkers, knowledgeable experts, and confident leaders needed to flourish in any workplace or in an array of doctoral programs. OCSE offers Master of Science degrees in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, Mathematics, Homeland Security Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science, and Engineering Management as well as a Master of Arts in Mathematics aimed at math educators. WKU’s Biology Department offers a nationally top-ranked online MS in Biology. These degree programs are complemented by graduate certificates in Biology, Scientific Data Analytics, Lean Sigma, and a unique certificate in Emergency Management and Disaster Science.

For more about WKU graduate programs, visit the WKU Graduate School at www.wku.edu/graduate

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-4295

Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky , which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.

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Apr 26th, 2024

“I was particularly drawn to the entrepreneurship major they offered because I was seeking something to help me grow my own video production business, which I started in 2016."

Dr. Martha Sales, WKU’s Dean of Students and Interim Vice President of Student Experience, was inducted into the Franklin-Simpson Hall of Fame on Thursday evening (April 25).

Information regarding the upcoming Leaders and Law Camp and registration form.

Apr 23rd, 2024

Three student leaders in WKU Student Publications were honored by College Media Business & Advertising Managers during an awards ceremony April 19.

“Challenging Conversations: Ethical Approaches to Team-Based Care," presented by Drs. Melissa Travelsted and Kurt Neelly from WKU CHHS were awarded the best poster in the Communication Strategies, Empathy category at the IPEC poster fair.

Vivian Rivera is WKU's latest to earn the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. NSF Fellows receive a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 and a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance is awarded to their graduate institution.

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• Online EdD: Leadership
• Why Spalding Online?
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• Online Experience
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Lead Change in Your Organization

Earning a Doctorate of Education in Leadership (EdD: Leadership) online at Spalding University equips you with skills and knowledge that can be applied directly to your growing career. Learn how to address modern-day issues with cultural awareness and advanced leadership skills — all within a flexible, online format that allows you to maintain your current career. 

Whether you’re aiming to become a leader in business, education, a nonprofit organization or policy making, our program will equip you to become an ethical and effective leader ready to implement positive change here in Kentucky.

Opportunities in Kentucky

According to the 2022 Statewide Occupational Employment & Wages Report by the Kentucky Center for Statistics , there is a favorable amount of jobs that you could apply your online EdD degree to. The estimated employment for different occupations in Kentucky is outlined below:

• Management: 101,520 
• Business and Financial Operations: 79,310
• Community and Social Service: 30,670
• Educational Instruction: 92,660

Lightcast Labor Insights also projects job growth for several occupations between 2023 and 2033, including:

• Social and Community Service Managers: 15%
• Managers: 16%
• Education Administrators: 4%

• Admission Requirements
• Curriculum Snapshot
• Program Themes

Learn more about the program

Next application deadline:

• Fall 2024: July 22, 2024

Next start date:

• Fall 2024: August 26, 2024

Get Started

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 2-3 Letters of recommendation
• Critique of a journal article
• Official transcripts from all schools
• No GRE required
• 2 years to complete 
• 10 courses/10 terms (one course at a time)
• 3 intakes per year: fall, spring and summer 
• $840 per credit hour
• 60 credit hours

Spalding University is a diverse community of learners dedicated to meeting the needs of the times in the tradition of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth through quality undergraduate and graduate liberal and professional studies, grounded in spiritual values, with emphasis on service and the promotion of peace and justice.

• SACSCOC Accredited:  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Charter For Compassion:  World’s first certified university
• Nationally Ranked University:  U.S. News & World Report

Online EdD: Leadership Curriculum Snapshot

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We’re here to answer your questions. Simply fill in your information and an advisor will reach out to you soon.

Online EdD: Leadership Program Themes

You’ll benefit from our program’s integrated and flexible format for instruction that promotes best practices in business, social services, the arts and higher education. Dynamic learning, cutting-edge research and collaborative study underscore our educational process. You’ll connect with students from a diverse, cross-sectional cohort of professionals at a university with an outstanding reputation for quality education and a legacy of service.

Advanced Leadership Concepts in Practice

This course focuses on the interdisciplinary study of systems and on the systemic thinking that 21st-century leaders must adopt to lead effectively in a diverse world and global economy. Students learn how the current emphasis on the interdependence of individuals, groups, structures and processes contrasts sharply with the 19th- and early 20th-century philosophy that individuals and organizations thrive as independent agents. Students also analyze a case study to identify and articulate the underlying leadership problem(s).

Global and Cultural Perspectives

This course examines effective, ethical, creative and transformative ways of implementing organizational and community change. Students learn how a leader can drive and shape an organization to embrace, foster and promote individual and collective innovation. Further, students explore skills and strategies to systematize operations and confirm digital access and appropriate infrastructure for an organization to thrive in a global marketplace. In addition, through written and other forms of assessment, students demonstrate accountability in the mindful use and application of transformative processes, just as students learn strategic planning, the importance of team building and the significance of creating partnerships. Students also analyze a case study to identify and articulate the underlying leadership problem(s).

Organizational Innovation and Change

This course promotes a global understanding of the philosophical and civic traditions of leadership as the ethical construct of diverse practices in myriad organizations, institutions and societies. Students gain greater awareness of the cultural contradictions that influence contemporary organizations, especially in U.S. society, and learn to identify Western views of morality as well as ethical business practices in a competitive and diverse world marketplace. This course also focuses on ethical, mindful and legal decision-making based on compliance, regulations and customs in a global marketplace. Students demonstrate their learning via written assessments, oral presentations and other appropriate means of evaluation. This course moves away from the traditional construct of leadership as the manifestation of a single role and instead explores the more substantive concept of leaders’ relationships to internal and external constituents, as well as to cultural mores and constraints. In this course, students also enroll in and complete the required research ethics online course and must pass the assessment related to the course. Students must pass the quiz to pass EDD 905. Students also analyze a case study to identify and articulate the underlying leadership problem(s).

Research-Informed Decision-Making

The purpose of this course is to educate doctoral-level students in the use of the scientific approach in research and to ensure informed decision-making grounded in empirical research. By critiquing research studies, students develop the knowledge, skills and aptitudes that characterize the disciplined researcher who conducts and applies qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed-method studies. This course challenges students to think systematically-yet-creatively about inquiry and about how inquiry aligns with an organization’s foundational design and performance-improvement principles. This course also promotes inquiry that informs ways in which leaders conceive, develop, implement and evaluate interventions (programs, products, systems and aids) to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

View the full course curriculum and learn more information to determine if this program is a good fit for you.

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What Can I Do With a Doctorate of Education in Leadership?

Earning your EdD in Leadership affords you a wide variety of career options. Graduates from our program carry out our mission to serve others in a variety of industries, organizations and disciplines. Typical leadership roles in the education sector include principal, superintendent, chancellor, dean, provost, education consultant, thought leader, department leader or faculty member. Other sectors include:

Why Spalding University?

Get your doctoral degree from a compassion-driven university.

As the first university in the world to be certified as a Compassionate College by the Charter for Compassion, we empower our students to leave a positive impact as ethical leaders. Additionally, our Catholic heritage welcomes all and emphasizes cultural understanding and dignity for everyone.

Universally Relevant

Develop leadership skills that are applicable to your organization’s goals, whether in the private, public, government or nonprofit sector.

Mission-Driven

Learn at a university rooted in quality learning, diversity, ethical leadership and a socially conscious legacy of service.

Learn More About the Online EdD: Leadership Program

Earn your degree at a university that keeps cultural, societal, global and ethical issues at the forefront of education..

We created this program for aspiring leaders who want to advance their organizations to the next level. If you want to lead strategically and ethically, Spalding’s online EdD: Leadership program may be the right choice for you to advance your career and use your influential voice for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find the answers to your questions here, contact your enrollment advisor and schedule a time to talk that’s convenient for you.

An online doctor of education (EdD) program prepares students for leadership roles, and it focuses on both conducting and applying research (whereas PhD programs focus on conducting research). An EdD degree can be applied to multiple industries like business, education, nonprofit organizations, social work, public health and more.

• Financial Aid
• Why Spalding?

According to the 2022 Statewide Occupational Employment & Wages Report by the Kentucky Center for Statistics, there is a favorable amount of jobs that you could apply your online EdD degree to. The estimated employment for different occupations in Kentucky is outlined below: Management: 101,520, Business and Financial Operations: 79,310, Community and Social Service: 30,670, Educational Instruction: 92,660.

Nope! This degree can be applied to the education industry and beyond. It is designed for students who want to pursue leadership roles in a variety of industries and disciplines including, but not limited to: 

• Advocacy groups
• Arts and humanities
• Faith-based organizations
• Human services and resources
• Learning design and technology
• Media and communications
• Mental health and social work
• Philanthropy and fundraising

The EdD: Leadership program is flexibly designed for working professionals and can be completed in two years. Courses are delivered one at a time. Each term is 8 weeks long, and students complete 10 courses in 10 terms.

Our online EdD: Leadership program costs $840 per credit hour, for a total program investment of $50,400 (plus applicable fees). Financial aid is available to our online students.

Spalding University and the EdD: Leadership program are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

You will learn from doctorally prepared instructors who are also practicing organizational leaders and bring real-world perspectives to the classroom. As trusted Spalding University faculty members, they are committed to your success.

There is no GRE/GMAT required. To apply, you must complete an interview with a member of the Ed.D. faculty and submit the following: 

• Transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0 GPA

How to Improve Leadership Skills with an EdD

Leadership development is essential to advancing your career and creating meaningful change. A Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership provides a formal educational pathway to effective leadership.

What Is Organizational Leadership? A Guide to Theory and Practice

Organizational leadership is a management style. It’s unlike traditional management, which relies on command and control. Organizational leaders focus on motivating and empowering team members to utilize their unique talents in achieving the organization’s mission with minimal oversight.

Your Advisor Can Help

Your advisor can help with:

• Application Guidance
• Technical Support

Complete the form and get instant access to your program guide. An enrollment advisor will also connect with you to learn more about your goals and share how Spalding can help you reach them.

Requirements Not Met

To proceed with either the BSN to MSN FNP or the BSN to DNP FNP, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree and hold your RN license.

If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership, you are required to have a master’s degree.

If you don’t meet this requirement but would still like further information, please contact us .

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Integrated Biomedical Sciences

The Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS) is an undifferentiated, first-year, core curriculum that serves as the entry point for seven doctoral programs housed in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. IBS provides exposure to cellular and molecular concepts in the biomedical sciences, development of interdisciplinary approaches necessary for innovative research, and flexibility in choosing a research emphasis among 186 faculty members in six departments. As part of IBS, students complete coursework, engage in biomedical research through laboratory rotations that facilitate selection of a dissertation mentor, and participate in research seminars.  The IBS curriculum is designed for students beginning graduate studies in the fall semester.

Students are admitted to IBS and, at the end of the IBS year, select their doctoral programs to pursue their dissertation research in one of these basic science departments:

Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics

The graduate program in the department of microbiology and immunology reflects the exciting advances which have occurred in microbiology, molecular genetics, cancer biology, and immunology over the last decade. The PhD training program is flexible and attempts to blend an appropriate mixture to didactic courses, seminar, research and independent study for each student. Our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows enjoy success in competing for positions in the academic, governmental and industrial sectors. Our funding base for research and graduate education has expanded and currently exceeds $5 million per year.

Learn More >>

Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry

Researchers in our highly interactive department utilize cutting-edge approaches to understand the molecular basis of disease, including work focused on cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, aging and neurodegenerative disorders. 

The collaborative nature of the department and the wide array of scientific approaches, from structural biology and biophysical methods to cell biological and organismal studies, also contribute to the exciting research environment.

Our PhD program combines excellent coursework designed to give students a solid foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology with high quality mentored research experiences which train our students to be successful scientists and independent thinkers prepared to go on to a variety of careers. Students from our programs have gone on to positions in a range of scientific areas, including academic research and teaching positions, industry positions, government positions and careers in science policy.

Neuroscience

The field of neuroscience is at the precipice of an unprecedented age of discovery. Recent advances in genetics and cellular and molecular biology have provided stunning insights into the mechanisms underlying many diseases and disorders of the nervous system. The advent of new tools and technologies has allowed neuroscientists to probe neural function at the molecular, cellular, systems, and behavioral levels. The parallel development of scientific and technological advances has positioned us to translate basic science findings to relevant clinical outcomes. The multidisciplinary nature of neuroscience scholarship and research is one of the greatest strengths and most attractive aspects of the discipline. 

Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences

The department of pharmacology and nutritional sciences faculty are trained in the individual disciplines of pharmacology and/or nutritional sciences, with research emphases in the areas of brain cognition and aging, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes). This multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment focuses on the development of nutritionally-based concepts and pharmacologic entities for the treatment of chronic diseases. Since nearly every chronic disease is prevented and/or treated by a combination of lifestyle (e.g., nutrition) and pharmacologically-based therapies, the department's unique combination of research capabilities and expertise in these disciplines promises to have an immense impact on addressing chronic disease processes.

The department of physiology is a diverse community of basic science researchers. Our areas of research include cardiovascular, neuroscience, metabolic disease and aging. Within those areas of research are 37 primary faculty members, 8 joint faculty members, 16 trainees, and numerous laboratory staff. With over $6.2M in extramural support in FY16, our award-winning investigators are making major advances in biomedical research. Our training programs are preparing scientists for successful careers in academia, industry, and government. Our education faculty touches the lives of over 2,000 undergraduate, professional and graduate students each academic year.

Toxicology and Cancer Biology

Our education mission is to provide students with an education in toxicology that is based on an understanding of biochemistry, physiology, molecular/cell biology and metabolomics, coupled with in-depth research experience on the mechanisms by which specific agents induce toxicity, and/or the basic cellular processes upon which environmental agents impact to cause disease.

Incident Reporting and Feedback

To maintain a safe, nurturing learning environment and culture, the Office of Biomedical Education encourages all learners to report any concerns or incidents that might detract from its mission. These concerns may range from a lack of professionalism or curriculum concern to reports of mistreatment. Please click on the link to report any observed incidents about UK College of Medicine faculty, staff, or students. The more detail provided, the more likely College of Medicine leadership will be able to reach an appropriate resolution. Every effort will be made to preserve the anonymity of the person reporting. College of Medicine leadership will not disclose any identifiable information unless the student gives explicit permission to do so.  Circumstances involving discrimination or harassment can be referred directly to the University of Kentucky Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity, 859-257-8927.

Report Incident

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PhD in Business Administration

Preparing students for placement where advanced knowledge and high level research skills are essential.

Quick Links

View 2023–2024 PhD Student Handbook

The mission of the doctoral program is to prepare students for successful careers in higher education, at government institutes, “think-tanks”, business corporations and financial institutions. To accomplish this mission, the program prepares graduates to comprehend and evaluate research, to perform research that advances knowledge, and to provide effective instruction, all within a business-related discipline and in a supportive collegial environment.

Concentrations offered.

The Von Allmen School of Accountancy doctoral program is designed to equip doctoral graduates for successful careers as educators and researchers at major colleges and universities.

Finance & Quantitative Methods

At the Gatton College, the PhD program in business administration with a concentration in finance and quantitative methods emphasizes the development of university-level research and teaching skills.

The Gatton College's doctoral program in management prepares students for successful academic careers at research-intensive universities. Our doctoral students work closely with the world-class faculty on cutting-edge research.

Marketing & Supply Chain

The Marketing & Supply Chain’s Ph.D. program is designed to provide its students with the skills necessary to become successful marketing professors in esteemed business schools.

Admission Guidelines

To be considered for the PhD in Business Administration program, the applicant must meet the admission guidelines of the Graduate School and Gatton College of Business and Economics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Obtaining your PhD involves a tremendous amount of preparation and hard work. Click the link below for some answers to frequently asked questions about achieving your PhD in Business Administration.

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College of Education

• Education Sciences in Physical Education - Graduate
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Dr. Heather Erwin

Physical Education Program Faculty

Department Chair & Professor

Other programs from the College of Education:

Early childhood, special education, and rehabilitation counseling - graduate, education science - physical education option - online, education sciences in health education - graduate, education sciences: quantitative & psychometric methods - graduate, school psychology - graduate, educational psychology - graduate, counseling psychology - graduate, higher education - graduate, education sciences - educational leadership option - online, educational leadership studies - online, exercise science - graduate, counselor education - graduate, kinesiology & health promotion - graduate, education sciences - graduate (ph.d), instruction and administration - graduate.

Searching for a physical education graduate school to best fit your interests? Customize our physical education doctorate program (Ph.D.) to follow your passions. You will gain an understanding of the full spectrum of physical education, along with in-depth knowledge of one specific area or disciplines such as comprehensive school physical activity programs, behavior management in activity settings, and motivating individuals to be active. 

In the physical education doctorate program (Ph.D.) at the University of Kentucky, you will: 

• participate in guided research projects designed to prepare you for conducting your own research;
• conduct independent research as you develop scientific expertise;
• gain teaching experience at the university level, preparing bachelor’s and master’s students for careers in physical education and health teaching;
• write and publish research in high-quality journals;
• collaborate with faculty on research and service projects; and
• network with physical education teacher educators from across the country and around the world.

You will develop extensive subject-matter expertise and discover potential research topics in courses covering physical education, physical activity promotion, epidemiology, sociology, behavioral science, and public health.

With small class sizes in our physical education graduate programs, you will receive individual attention. We have a thriving graduate program in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion and place the highest value on ethics, professionalism, and interdisciplinary work. 

Number of Hours: 36-42+

Number of Courses: 12-15+

Length of Program: 3-5 years

Program Type: This Ph.D. program can be completed on campus or in our fully online option.

Application Requirements 

• A master’s degree or 30 semester hours of approved graduate course work with a 3.0 GPA.
• Submit a statement of your professional aspirations and explain how you believe graduate study at the University of Kentucky will enhance your ability to achieve those professional goals. In your statement, provide information about your background, research skills and experiences, personal and professional achievements, and educational, work or life experiences that influenced you and your life goals.
• ​Students who have not written a Master’s level thesis will be required to submit an example of their research writing. A literature review or project from a completed class are acceptable examples. Special circumstances will be considered at the discretion of the applicant’s designated potential advisor.
•  At least two must be from a person with direct knowledge of your academic capabilities (e.g., instructor, research supervisor, advisor, etc.).

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Application Deadlines

Priority deadline for upcoming academic year: January 15

Fall: July 15 (international students: April 15)

Spring: Contact program faculty for availability 

These are the top public high schools in NKY, according to U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report just released its ranking of the top public high schools in the country.

The outlet used graduation results and test scores, among other metrics, to determine its top schools of 2024. See the best high schools in Northern Kentucky and how well they ranked in the state below.

Best Northern Kentucky public high schools

Here are the best public high schools in Northern Kentucky, according to their place on the U.S. News & World Report's ranking of top Kentucky schools. The Enquirer looked at high schools in Boone , Campbell and Kenton counties that ranked within the top 50 in the state.

• Highlands High School (No. 3 in the state).
• Beechwood High School (No. 5 in the state).
• Ludlow High School (No. 18 in the state).
• Campbell County High School (No. 20 in the state).
• Larry A. Ryle High School (No. 28 in the state).
• Randall K. Cooper High School (No. 43 in the state).

Highlands High School, Northern Kentucky's top high school, ranked No. 263 nationally.

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Ph.D. Higher Education Specialization in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Ph.D. in Studies in Higher Education with a specialization in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion is the first of its kind. With an embedded fully-online  Senior Diversity Officer Leadership Graduate Certificate , you will stand out among the most sought-after leaders in higher education.

Earn your Ph.D. at a highly-ranked institution recognized as a  Diversity Champion and Top College for Diversity .

Highlights:

• Be prepared for high-level administrative positions in diversity, equity, and inclusiveness leadership in higher education settings.
• Demonstrate your expertise with the nine-hour, fully-online Senior Diversity Officer Leadership Graduate Certificate (embedded in Ph.D. coursework)
• Have the distinction of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion specialization of your Ph.D. noted on your transcript
• Be part of a flexible program designed for working professionals and dedicated scholars (many evening/online courses available)
• 42 credits required (see program details below)
• Application Deadlines for Ph.D. Studies in Higher Education (SHED) including SHED-DEI and SHED-IR Specializations: October 1 for Spring Enrollment and February 1 for Summer or Fall Enrollment.  Apply here .
• GRE not required for admission
• Tuition information is available on the  University Registrar’s site .
• Scholars enrolled in the diversity, equity, and inclusion concentration of this Ph.D. will have the opportunity to apply for assistantships, as well as scholarship funding from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

I'm Ready to Apply 

Why you should enroll.

Diversity officers on college and university campuses have a role with unique opportunities and challenges. We will guide you in learning to bring innovation, creativity, and high-level strategic thinking to diversity, equity, and inclusion roles in higher education and related settings.

Designed with the needs of working professionals in mind, our Ph.D. in Studies in Higher Education Specialization in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a new concentration within our existing Studies in Higher Education doctoral program.

In this program:

• You will develop the competencies needed to serve as a leader for inclusive excellence and organizational change.
• Our world-class faculty will assist you in tailoring this flexible program to your unique needs.
• You will gain the leadership knowledge and skills needed to fill executive level positions and pursue innovative best practices in your Ph.D. work and future career.
• You will also be mentored by experienced senior diversity officers from across the nation.

The diversity, equity, and inclusion specialization of this Ph.D. will be noted on your transcript, helping you stand out among job applicants. By completing core coursework in the Ph.D. specialization, you can add an additional credential to your resume – a nine-hour Senior Diversity Officer Leadership Graduate Certificate.

Networking & Mentorship

A significant feature of the Graduate Certificate and new Ph.D. Specialization in Diversity Equity and Inclusion will be the opportunity to network and build mentoring relationships with senior diversity officers active in the field. Through partnerships with INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine, the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, and the  UK College of Education’s Education and Civil Rights Initiative in collaboration with the NAACP , students will build a network of connections and mentored relationships to assure success in their careers. These partners will be an active part of the students’ coursework as they complete their core courses in Senior Diversity Officer Leadership.

Program Details

Delivery Method:  Flexible, with many online/evening courses available. This is not an online degree program; however, it is possible to build a fully online schedule.

Credit Hours:  42

Tuition Cost:  Refer to Credit Hour Rates for Graduate Students on the  UK Tuition and Mandatory Fees  page.

Refund Policies:  You can find tuition refund policies, deadlines, amounts, and other important information on the  UK Student Account Services website .

As colleges and universities become more committed to the goal of inclusive excellence, more institutions are hiring professionals to coordinate diversity, equity, and inclusiveness efforts. Several commentators have noted the growing presence of diversity officers across all sectors of higher education (Frum, 2016; Smith, 2018; Stanley, Watson, Reyes, & Varela, 2019). Around two-thirds of major U.S. universities employ senior diversity officer or executive-level equivalent (Bradley, Garven, Law, & West, 2018).

Even with the growing number of administrative positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness leadership, there is a dearth of specialized training for individuals interested in entering this career. Leading college and universities towards inclusive excellence and organizational change requires a set of specialized competencies (Leon, 2014; Worthington, Stanley, & Smith, 2020).

By pursuing this higher education doctoral program with the embedded graduate certificate in Senior Diversity Officer Leadership, you will develop competencies around the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education standards:

• Envision and conceptualize the diversity mission of an institution through a broad and inclusive definition of diversity.
• Articulate in verbal and written form, the importance of equity, inclusion, and diversity to the broader educational mission of higher education institutions.
• Capitalize on institutional programming to enhance the diversity mission of higher education institutions for faculty, students, staff, and administrators.
• Implement the procedural knowledge for responding to bias incidents when they occur on college or university campuses.
• Anticipate the potential barriers that faculty face in the promotion and/or tenure process in the context of diversity-related professional activities (e.g., teaching, research, service).

Academic practitioners and individuals interested in pursuing careers in diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education or related fields will find the flexibility to choose their own path through this doctoral program with a core set of classes designed to build knowledge and skills in designing innovative approaches to creating inclusive environments.

Curriculum Guide

In consultation with their advisory committee, students choose an individualized program of study including up to:

• 12 hours of Research Methods (quantitative, qualitative, historical, or evaluation courses)
• 9 hours of coursework in Senior Diversity Officer Leadership
• 9 hours of guided electives in higher education (see below)
• 12 hours of Contextual Studies in education or related fields.

Students are encouraged to enroll in courses throughout the College and University to create an intellectually diverse program of study. Stacking a Graduate Certificate (offered by the College of Arts & Sciences) in Diversity & Inclusion (no extra credits needed) is recommended. See course descriptions below.   Download Program Plan

Recommended Electives to Build Concentration or Context

These are regularly offered courses.

EPE 654 Diversity and Higher Education:  This course examines how various aspects of post-secondary education are impacted by diversity, power, and privilege. While race and ethnicity are foregrounded in this course, students also engage in readings and critical discussions regarding the role of gender identity and expression, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation, and able-bodiedness on issues such as post-secondary access, the college student experience, college/university curricula, higher education policy, and administrative practices. (Fall)

EPE674: Theories of Student Development:  This course is an examination of theories and related research that inform our understanding of patterns of student growth and development during college years. Students engage in critical analysis of theories of identity development through analysis of self and the voice of others. This course examines major bodies of theory related to college student development and the constraints and affordances of contexts in which that development occurs. (Summer-Online)

EPE675: Sociology of Higher Education:  A study of higher education and society using sociological views and policy perspectives. Topics include inequality and diversity in higher education; universities and colleges as social organizations and cultural institutions; the academic profession, academic departments and disciplines; the social and academic lives of students; as well as the impact of higher education and its relations to labor markets. (Spring, Summer-Online)

EPE683: Equity and Access in Higher Education:  This course will examine the legal, educational and public policy issues that promote or hinder access to higher education. The focus will be on selective public and private institutions. (Spring)

Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have regarding this program. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Jane McEldowney Jensen

Associate Professor & Director of Graduate Studies

(859) 257-1929

[email protected]

Return to EPE Home 

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USC cancels graduation keynote by filmmaker amid controversy over decision to drop student’s speech

Students carrying signs protest a canceled commencement speech by its 2024 valedictorian who has publicly supported Palestinians on the campus of University of Southern California on Thursday, April 18, 2024. USC was citing security concerns, in a rare decision that was praised by several pro-Israel groups and lambasted by free speech advocates and the country’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

A Pro-Palestinian student places a sign on the Tommy Trojan statue on the campus of the University of Southern California during a protest against the 2024 valedictorian Asna Tabassum canceled commencement speech on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The University of Southern California canceled the commencement speech by its 2024 valedictorian who has publicly supported Palestinians, citing security concerns, a rare decision that was praised by several pro-Israel groups and lambasted by free speech advocates and the country’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Pro-Palestinian students pose for photos in front of the Tommy Trojan statue on the campus of the University of Southern California during a protest of the 2024 valedictorian Asna Tabassum canceled commencement speech on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The University of Southern California canceled the commencement speech by its 2024 valedictorian who has publicly supported Palestinians, citing security concerns, a rare decision that was praised by several pro-Israel groups and lambasted by free speech advocates and the country’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Students protest a canceled commencement speech by its 2024 valedictorian who has publicly supported Palestinians on the campus of University of Southern California on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The University of Southern California was citing security concerns, in a rare decision that was praised by several pro-Israel groups and lambasted by free speech advocates and the country’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Students hold up a photo of University of Southern California 2024 valedictorian Asna Tabassum in protest to her canceled commencement speech on the campus of University of Southern California on Thursday, April 18, 2024. The University of Southern California canceled the commencement speech by its 2024 valedictorian who has publicly supported Palestinians, citing security concerns, a rare decision that was praised by several pro-Israel groups and lambasted by free speech advocates and the country’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Students hold up a photo of USC 2024 valedictorian Asna Tabassum in protest to her canceled commencement speech on the campus of University of Southern California, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The University of Southern California canceled the commencement speech by its 2024 valedictorian who has publicly supported Palestinians, citing security concerns, a rare decision that was praised by several pro-Israel groups and lambasted by free speech advocates and the country’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The University of Southern California further shook up its commencement plans Friday, announcing the cancelation of a keynote speech by filmmaker Jon M. Chu just days after making the controversial choice to disallow the student valedictorian from speaking.

The private university in Los Angeles on Monday said it was canceling valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech at the May 10 ceremony because of safety concerns. Tabassum, who is Muslim, has expressed support for Palestinians in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, and university officials said the response to her selection as valedictorian had “taken on an alarming tenor.” They did not cite any specific threats.

The university’s decision was met with praise from pro-Israel organizations but condemnation from free speech groups and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Students and faculty marched across campus Thursday in silent protest of the university’s decision.

Now, university officials say they are “redesigning” the entire commencement program.

“Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony,” the university said in an unsigned statement posted Friday. “We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.”

Chu was slated to deliver the keynote address at the May 10 ceremony. He is a 2003 graduate of the university who has since directed films like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Wicked,” an adaptation for the Broadway musical set for release last this year.

More than 65,000 people are expected to gather on campus for commencement, including 19,000 graduates.

“Although this should have been a time of celebration for my family, friends, professors, and classmates, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian voices have subjected me to a campaign of racist hatred because of my uncompromising belief in human rights for all,” Tabassum said in a statement earlier this week.

The Israel-Hamas war has presented a challenge for colleges under pressure to preserve free speech and open debate, and campuses are expected to be further tested as commencement speeches get underway in the coming weeks.

At Columbia University on Thursday, New York police removed a pro-Palestinian protest encampment and arrested more than 100 demonstrators. Most of them were charged with trespassing at the Ivy League-institution.

Several students involved in the protest said they also were suspended from Columbia and nearby Barnard College. The school said it was still identifying students involved in the protest and added more suspensions would be forthcoming.

“Students have a right to free speech but do not have a right to violate university policies and disrupt learning on campus,” said New York Mayor Eric Adams, who said the city was asked by university officials to remove the encampment.