New Program Offers Educators a Path to Doctorate Degrees

September 22, 2026 - 10:25

A recently-launched program is making it easier for Northern California educators to advance their careers. The School of Continuing and Professional Education has joined forces with the University of Arkansas to create a new doctorate cohort specifically designed for working educators in the region.

The partnership aims to remove common barriers that prevent teachers and administrators from pursuing terminal degrees. By offering a cohort model, participants move through the program together, building a support network while balancing full-time jobs and coursework.

Educators in the program can earn a Doctor of Education degree with a focus on educational leadership. The curriculum covers topics such as instructional improvement, organizational change, and data-driven decision making. Courses are delivered in a flexible format that includes online components and occasional in-person sessions, making it feasible for professionals who cannot relocate or pause their careers.

University officials say the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local schools by investing in the people who lead them. Participants will engage in research projects tied directly to challenges in their own districts, ensuring the work remains practical and relevant.

The first cohort is already underway, with educators from several counties taking part. Applications for the next group are expected to open later this year. For many in the field, the program represents a rare chance to earn a doctorate without leaving their jobs or communities behind.