About the Program
The Educational Leadership, Research, & Policy doctoral program is designed to meet the professional and personal needs of educational leaders in school districts, higher education institutions, and non-governmental organizations through rigorous coursework.
Although this program is offered in the College of Education, it attracts candidates from various career fields such as the military, non-profit organizations, business, state agencies, the ministry, as well as P-20 educational organizations.
This innovative program combines challenging coursework with collaborative faculty-student research labs to prepare students for the successful completion of a dissertation and professional application of leadership, research, and policy skills and knowledge.
Focus of Study
The 3-year PhD program is designed for working professionals to:
- Engage in scholarly inquiry and professional practice that promotes equity and inclusion
- Synthesize diverse research perspectives in facilitating educational excellence
- Lead others in continuous improvement by integrating the role of context, implementation, and outcomes
- Communicate successfully through oral and written professional discourse
As an active participant in these programs, you will develop as a leader through an expanded self-knowledge and worldview. You will develop the competencies and strategies to lead others.
You will learn how to guide a professional team as you integrate recommendations from research with an assessment of the needs of an organization and create a plan for success.
You will explore the political and social implications of education and the educational requirements of contributing to a diverse, democratic, multicultural society. You will acquire the confidence necessary to ignite and inspire others.
Program Requirements
For details regarding program requirements, please refer to the program’s Student Handbook.
Additional Resources:
Program Coursework
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Courses |
Leadership & Policy Content
9 Credit Hours |
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Research Content
51 Credit Hours |
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Dissertation Credits
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During coursework, students complete 10 dissertation credits under the guidance of their assigned advisor.
Following coursework, students must be continuously enrolled with a minimum of one dissertation credit hour per semester (excluding summer) during the completion of the dissertation under the direction of their dissertation chair.
A total of 30 hours of dissertation credit is required for program completion.
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A program cohort program begins each fall semester.
| Early Admission Priority |
January 15 |
| Final Deadline |
March 15 |
| Financial Aid Priority |
March 1 |
Completion of an advanced degree (e.g. M.Ed., MBA, etc.) is required for admission to this program. If you are currently completing an advanced degree program and will complete your course of study before beginning coursework in the PhD program, you are eligible to apply.
