PH.D. IN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES WITH A
SPECIALIZATION IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Frequently Asked Questions

PROGRAM AND REQUIREMENTS
What will the degree be in?
What is the program of study?
What is the format of the program?
What are residencies like, and when do they take place?
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Is a dissertation required in addition to the program of study?
What materials are required to participate?
Am I required to possess a current license or certification in Educational Administration to be considered for or accepted to this program?
I am a principal (or other K-12 educational administrator) and have a CAGS degree from another institution. How many of those credits may I apply toward this program?
Is there an application deadline for the upcoming program?
May I take courses with the Educational Leadership cohort as a non-matriculated student, for professional development purposes?

FOR NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP (NISL) OR TEACHERS21/LEADERSHIP LICENSURE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:
What courses will my NISL training count for?
I am just starting my NISL training, but I want to begin this program. What should I do? 

Program and Requirements

Q:  What will the degree be in? 
A:  This is a 60-credit, post-Master’s Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a focus in Educational Leadership, defined as school (K–12) leadership.

Q:  What is the program of study?
A:  The program of study can be viewed at http://www.lesley.edu/phd/edlead_phd.html. 

Q:  What is the format of the program?
A:  The program consists of 30 credits of required coursework and 30 credits of electives (chosen with a senior advisor on the basis of student interest). Students will be required to attend three, nine-day residencies spaced one year apart, and complete coursework between the residencies that will be offered in both hybrid (face to face and online), and wholly online classes. In addition, students enroll in a zero-credit, no-tuition Doctoral Study seminar each semester, which provides ongoing support and advisement to students throughout their program. Note: Students who need more than 36 or 39 credits will complete additional electives after the third residency.

Q. What are residencies like, and when do they take place?
A. Over the nine-day residency period, students will experience direct instruction, group activities, individual research time, presentation, and other activities.  Students enroll in two classes, as well as the zero-credit Doctoral Study seminar, which will provide additional opportunities for advising and mentoring.  Class hours are typically from 9 am to 5 pm, with a break for lunch.  Students can expect to have assigned reading before the residency and, possibly, assignments due during the nine-day residency period.  Final projects and other work will be due after the residency, and there will be online follow-up discussions and activities.  Guest speakers will be invited, who will engage with students before and after formal class hours.

 The exact schedule of the three residencies will be developed for each site, and will be created taking local professional schedules into consideration. Admissions counselors will have these details at the time a new group is announced and begins forming, so that prospective students can plan accordingly.

Q:  How long will it take to complete the degree?
A:  For students who transfer in or waive in the maximum of 24 credits, the program is designed to be completed in approximately 30 months. For comparative purposes, the cohort that began its work in July 2007 will complete in December 2009, with degree conferral scheduled for February 2010. Once begun, the program runs for 12 months of the year, although for registration purposes there are only two semesters, Fall and Spring.

Q:  Is a dissertation required in addition to the program of study?
A:  Yes, all students will be required to write a research-based dissertation that contributes to the domain of Educational Leadership. As noted on the program of study, there is a required Dissertation Seminar at the end of the program that provides support for students in completing this requirement.

Q:  What materials are required to participate?
A:  All participants will be expected to have a laptop computer and regular Internet access at home, work, or both. Dial-up access is not recommended, due to the amount of time and scale of resources participants will need to access. Those who wait to acquire computers or peripherals until they are admitted can take advantage of favorable discounts through Lesley’s student purchase program, which is administered by Harvard University.

Required and suggested texts will be assigned in each course, as well as articles and other sources that can be accessed electronically for viewing or download. In order to conduct research, students may need to acquire specific additional materials (voice recorders, software packages, etc.), depending upon their topics and research designs.

 Finally, students may be advised or asked to join one or more professional associations or organizations for the term of their study. Usually memberships will be at student
(discounted) rates.

Q. Am I required to possess a current license or certification in Educational Administration to be considered for or accepted to this program?
A. Because the program is designed for working educational leaders who can use their professional experience as a platform for their studies, and begin to apply some of what they are learning to their school and district settings, the Admissions Committee expects to see evidence of current licensure in an education administration field. Exceptions to this requirement will be made on a limited basis.

Q:  I am a principal (or other K–12 educational administrator) and have a C.A.G.S. degree from another institution.  How many of those credits may I apply toward this program?
A:  Generally, you can apply 12 credits from any accredited, post-master’s program taken not more than five years prior to the date of admission to the program. You must have earned a grade of “B” or better in each course. These credits will transfer into the program and will take the place of elective credits. Candidates who hold a current license or certificate in an educational administration area can waive an additional 12 credits from the elective portion of the program. Exceptions to these requirements must be sought at the time of admissions from the Admissions Committee and Program Director.

Q. Is there an application deadline for the upcoming program?
A. Yes. Each location and cycle of admissions has its own deadline for application, which is linked to planned start dates. An admissions counselor can provide the deadlines for each developing site.

Q. May I take courses with the Educational Leadership cohort as a non-matriculated student, for professional development purposes?
A. Lesley’s residency and cohort programs are closed to those not matriculated into the program; the sole exception is when students from other residency or cohort programs need to join a group to make up a course.  In that case, permission of the program director is always required. A closed group ensures that there are adequate resources for advising and supporting all of the students in the group, and that group members and instructors have a reliable academic experience each time a course meets.

Information for National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) or Teachers21 Leadership Licensure Program participants

Q: What courses will the NISL/Teachers21 training count for?
A:  All students who have successfully completed their training in either program, and who write specific sections of their Doctoral Study Plan that relate their training to their doctoral learning objectives, will received waivers for 24 of the required 60 program credits. Most of these credits will be applied to the elective portion of the program. Specific waivers will be discussed with students in the context of preparing their Doctoral Study Plans.

Q:  I am just starting my NISL/Teachers21 training, but I want to begin this program. What should I do?
A:  All applicants are strongly advised to apply for a cohort that will begin AFTER they complete their training program, as the training requires a considerable commitment of time and study.  In addition, it would be difficult to schedule courses in the doctoral program to account for all of the workshop times the training sessions command.  A Lesley admissions counselor can assist with locating places where cohorts are forming, to help you better plan when to submit your application.