Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Executive Cohort
PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
Is this program right for you?
The Wisconsin Idea Executive PhD Cohort in K-12 Leadership program prepares you to take on one of the most vexing problems in American education: closing achievement gaps in student performance. Gain strategies using data to address inequities, provide instructional leadership, and evaluate programs effectively. Graduates of the program will be adept in multiple academic areas, positioning themselves well to enact impactful change as superintendents and directors of instruction.
- This program meets the requirements for WI-5003 Superintendent, WI-5010 Director of Instruction, and WI-5080 Director of Special Education and Pupil Services license
- Classes meet on weekends during the fall and spring semesters, and students attend classes full-time one week per month during the summer
- The rigorous program is designed to allow students to work full time while pursuing the degree
- Students learn to use the most recent research-based practices to improve student achievement across a district
Education that works for you
The program’s flexible schedule allows students to effectively balance the responsibilities of home, work, and school. Classes meet on weekends during the fall and spring semesters. In the summer, students attend classes full time one week per month, from May–July.
Program type
Doctoral degree
Degree awarded
PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
Commitment
4-5 years to degree completion
Tuition
UW-Madison Graduate tuition rates
UW-Madison TuitionFormat
Evening/weekend
Face-to-face
Credits
51 credit requirement
Admission terms
Program admits for fall term every 2 years.
Offered by
STEM opt eligible
No
Supports F-1 Visa
No
Learn moreApplication deadlines
Fall 2028
- Deadline: December 1, 2027
Fall 2030
- Deadline: December 1, 2029
Your questions, answered
Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!
Admissions and events
Program requirements
Application materials required
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Results that work for you
Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Executive Cohort
$91,000
Median salary in 2021
Job titles
Top industries
7.3%
Projected growth for education administrators (2020-2030).
Source: Lightcast™ 2022
#1
The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked third in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 12th straight year it has been rated among the top five.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings
What you’ll learn
Lead while you learn with the Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Executive PhD program. Balance work with weekend and summer classes, developing expertise in research, policy analysis and leadership through practical application and real-world challenges.
- Leadership and management
- Research methodology
- Critical thinking
- Quantitative methods
- Policy and data analysis
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