This spring, the University of Northern Iowa will celebrate a milestone: 30 students will graduate with their Doctor of Education (EdD), the largest number in the program’s history. 

As the program grows, so does its impact — preparing more educational leaders to shape the future of learning in Iowa and beyond. Future education administrators going through the EdD program can select one of six specialized academic fields:

• Principalship
• Superintendency
• Special Education
• Curriculum & Instruction
• Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs
• Interdisciplinary Studies

The growth in EdD graduates reflects the program’s increasing momentum and strategic enhancements over the past several years, with projections estimating 100 active EdD candidates by spring 2026.

Program leaders believe several key changes have fueled this growth, including a shift to annual admissions, strengthened recruitment, retention and program coordination efforts, and a robust base of 79 faculty members from across the university supporting teaching, advising and dissertation committees.