Leadership and Counseling

Dara McCarthy, a University of Idaho Boise doctoral student in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences, has been a school counselor at Pathways Middle School, in Meridian, ID, for over 10 years. Through her doctoral research, she is combining her counseling background and her current field of study, educational leadership, to advance alternative education in Idaho and beyond.

Developing leaders who transform organizations and communities

Prepare to be a compassionate and competent professional helping transform schools and human service organizations into top-achieving, inclusive, continuous learning communities. The graduate programs include leadership and organizational development and educational leadership. The department serves students throughout the state and nation by delivering classes online, in person and a mix of both.

Meet our people

Leadership and Counseling faculty

TJ Bliss

Clinical Assistant Professor, Adult, Organizational Learning, and Leadership

Sydney Freeman, Jr.

Professor

Laura Holyoke

Department Chair and Associate Professor, Leadership and Counseling

Juhee Kim

Clinical Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership

Michael Kroth

Professor

Jerry R. McMurtry

Dean of the College of Graduate Studies

James Olive

Program Director and Clinical Associate Professor

Brandi Ray

Clinical Assistant Professor

Krista Soria

Associate Professor

Bethani Studebaker

Clinical Associate Professor, Program Coordinator; Director of Assessment and Accreditation

Elizabeth Wargo

Associate Professor

Kyle Znamenak

Clinical Assistant Professor

West Ada School District Principles and Superintendents leadership cohort meeting.

Flexible graduate programs for leaders in education and business

Choose from five flexible graduate programs designed to help you grow as a leader in education or business. Graduates become superintendents, principals, higher education administrators and more. Classes are offered live in Boise and Coeur d’Alene, online or in hybrid formats to fit your schedule. You can start with any course and take up to 12 credits before formally applying.

Bridge research and practice

Apply real-world research to your work through academic coursework, field experiences, professional development and expert consultation.

Learn your way

Access high-quality graduate programs from anywhere through live, online or hybrid courses designed to fit your schedule.

Support rural education

Make a difference in rural communities with learning options that strengthen local schools and expand your impact across Idaho.

Grow as a leader

Build your leadership skills in programs that emphasize compassion, competency and transformational change—designed to meet your career goals.

Shape education policy

Gain insights from timely research that helps you understand, influence and respond to key education issues and reforms.