World-Improving Research and Creativity

Our alumni currently hold a variety of roles and are employed all over the country, from here in the Washoe County School District to Harvard University. This program is also known for its advanced research activities that make national news regularly.

About Our Program

Thank you for your interest in the Ph.D./Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership!

This program is designed specifically for individuals pursuing an advanced leadership position in a K-12 or higher education setting. It is guided by the general framework found in the course catalog. The Ed.D. option is available in this area of emphasis for practicing K-12 or higher education professionals; we support students in ensuring the coursework gets tailored to their focus area. 

Thank you for visiting our doctoral program page. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with any of our faculty members. We look forward to talking with you.

Sincerely,

Ethan W. Ris
Program Coordinator

eris@unr.edu

Request More Information

Admission Deadlines

The College of Education & Human Development has application deadlines for Spring (November 15). Students wishing to apply for a graduate assistantship for Fall semester must apply for the Ph.D. program and the college graduate assistantship by February 1. Applications for Fall will continue to be reviewed up to July 15.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Education: Educational Leadership area of emphasis is intended for individuals with a minimum of a master's degree in an education-related field wishing to work in a leadership role. Our goal is to prepare students to excel in their field of interest through a personalized, challenging curriculum that best suits their professional goals.

There are numerous research and field-based opportunities, and students will work with their advisors to determine a program of study. Examples of positions that our alumni hold include:

  • School administrator (principal, assistant principal, site administrator)
  • Central office administrator (superintendent, assessment director, ESL director, staffing coordinator)
  • University academic faculty (assistant/associate professor)
  • University administrative faculty (student government director, program director, students affairs president)

Program Information

Looking for a Graduate Assistantship?

The College of Education & Human Development has a limited number of Graduate Assistantships for full-time students admitted to masters or doctoral programs.

Graduate Assistantship

Program Faculty

Educational Leadership
Cristina Lash
Cristina Lash, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
(775) 682-9372
WRB 4055
1420
Educational Leadership
Ethan Ris
Ethan Ris, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership
(775) 682-9374
WRB 4052
1420
Educational Leadership
Jafeth Sanchez
Jafeth Sanchez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership; Director, Latino Research
(775) 682-9078
WRB 4054
1420
Educational Leadership
Bill Thornton
Bill Thornton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Evaluator
(775) 682-9096
WRB 4059
1420