Educational leadership embodies the work of school administrators. Typical responsibilities often include curriculum and program planning, the creation of educational policies, support for teachers and guidance for the success of students. These professionals might be responsible to promote test score improvement or bring about educational reform.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.