At a time when education is being asked to respond to emerging technologies, changes in workforce demands and shifting public perceptions and demographics, the need for bold, systems-minded leaders has never been greater. UCF’s PhD in Education — Educational Innovation and Change track — prepares seasoned administrators, instructors and staff to become the results-oriented change agents that contemporary American education demands.

This multidisciplinary program challenges you to think critically and expansively about the policies, structures and systems that shape student success across the full educational spectrum. Rooted in a mix of theory and practice, our program invites you to explore persistent challenges, uncover emerging trends and design solutions that will improve education broadly. But you’ll also build a personalized program of study that reflects your background working in PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities or career and workforce education programs — and prepares you to lead meaningful change in your specific context.

Along the way, you’ll collaborate with faculty who are active scholars and practitioners. Their backgrounds span deep experience in influencing policy reform, developing curricular changes, championing new technologies and shaping their fields. They’ll serve as your thought partners, helping you frame complex problems, design impactful research, and apply your findings in real-world settings — while introducing you to key players across the region, state and nation.

Whether you're passionate about designing accessible learning environments, redefining the way learning is evaluated, or implementing future-ready technologies, you’ll graduate prepared to influence how learning happens and who it serves.

Because the future of education belongs to those with the courage to question, the clarity to plan, and the creativity to lead transformation — from vision to impact.

Possible Careers

  • Take on leadership roles in school districts.
  • Become a professor.
  • Work as a consultant to state and federal agencies.
  • Plan and implement curriculum at the district level.
  • Assume leadership roles for non-profit and private schools and agencies.

At a Glance

  • GRE Required
  • Full Time
  • 8 Core Courses
  • 9 Specialization Courses
  • 1 Candidacy Exam
  • 1 Dissertation

Track Prerequisites

  • 1 Master’s Degree in Related Field
  • 1 Year Minimum Full-time Professional Work (or its Equivalent)
  • GRE Test Scores
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • 1 Resume
  • 1 Goal Statement
  • 1 10-20 page original writing sample