Wisconsin Idea Executive Educational Leadership Preparation Program PhD
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
September 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about the MS in Learning Analytics program, including curriculum, application process, scholarships, and career paths.
Register now →September 23, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman to learn more about the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.
Register now →October 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Program Director Lisa Hebgen to learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →October 14, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education
Join Program Director Weijia Li to learn more about the MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education program. We’ll cover curriculum, application process, career paths, and more.
Register now →October 14, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WIPP & MS in Sports Leadership
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, and Sara Jimenez Soffa, program director for the MS in Sports Leadership, to learn more about the diverse pathways into K-12 leadership.
Register now →October 21, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Career Outlook: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about career options for students in the MS in Learning Analytics program.
Register now →October 21, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, to learn more about the path to school leadership
Register now →October 28, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join students from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program to learn about their experiences. You’ll have time to ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →November 11, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics & MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Julia Rutledge and Lisa Hebgen, the program directors for the MS in Learning Analytics and the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching for overviews of their programs. You’ll learn more about the curriculum, application process, and career paths, as well as similarities and differences between the two programs.
Register now →November 18, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Application Assistance: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out
Register now →December 2, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Faculty Spotlight: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join an instructor from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching to learn more about the program. You’ll get a preview of the course they teach and be able to ask questions!
Register now →December 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about the MS in Learning Analytics program, including curriculum, application process, scholarships, and career paths.
Register now →January 27, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join Program Director Lisa Hebgen to learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →January 27, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman to learn more about the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, including curriculum, application process, and potential career paths.
Register now →February 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Education: Instructional Coaching
Join students from the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program to learn about their experiences. You’ll have time to ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →February 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Career Outlook: MS Learning Analytics
Join Program Director Julia Rutledge to learn more about career options for students in the MS in Learning Analytics program.
Register now →February 17, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Program Overview: MS in ELPA: Global Higher Education
Join Program Director Weijia Li to learn more about the MS in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Global Higher Education program. We’ll cover curriculum, application process, career paths, and more.
Register now →February 24, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pathways: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, to learn more about the path to school leadership
Register now →March 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Faculty Spotlight: Education: Instructional Coaching MS
Join an instructor from the Education: Instructional Coaching MS to learn more about the program. You’ll get a preview of the course they teach and be able to ask questions!
Register now →March 10, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Student Panel: MS Learning Analytics
Join students from the MS in Learning Analytics program to learn about their experiences. Ask questions and see if the program is a good fit for you!
Register now →March 17, 2027 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Application Assistance: MS in ELPA: WI Idea Principal Preparation
Join Program Director Tina Salzman and learn strategies to make your MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation application stand out.
Register now →April 7, 2027 from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Program Overview: Education: Instructional Coaching MS
Learn about the MS in Education: Instructional Coaching program, including curriculum, application process and career paths.
Register now →Results that work for you
Wisconsin Idea Executive Educational Leadership Preparation Program PhD
$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
Video insights
Want a closer look at the PhD program? Check out our official YouTube playlists for a program overview, application tips, and student outcomes.
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Connect with an enrollment coach
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Connect with us to:
- Explore your program options
- Review courses and outcomes
- Check eligibility requirements
- Get help with your application
- Learn about financial aid
Email us: coach@pdc.wisc.edu