This was a study of an education doctorate program at a small, private college. It examined the following nine components: theory of leadership for school improvement; candidate recruitment and selection based on leadership; coherent curriculum; use of active learning strategies; knowledgeable faculty; high quality internships; social and professional support, including student cohorts; standards-based curriculum; program assessment and evaluation. This study consisted of document reviews, semi-structured faculty interviews, and surveys of the program's students and graduates. Strengths of the program were found to be a knowledgeable faculty, along with support provided by cohorts. Characteristics of each of the nine components were found in the program. Some characteristics were found to be more implicit than explicit, such as a basis in a theory of leadership for school improvement, as well as recruitment and selection based on leadership. A high percentage of students and graduates were found to agree that the program prepared them for administrative practices in pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary schools. This study concluded with recommendations for program improvement and implications for further research on educational leadership preparation programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]