PhD in Educational Leadership

Ph.D. in Educational Studies: Educational Leadership Specialization

Gain an advanced degree that will develop your skills as a school leader or administrator as well as allow you to contribute to new knowledge in the field.

Educational Leadership for Successful Schools

Develop forward-thinking dynamic leadership approaches that result in the improvement of student learning. Our Ph.D. in Educational Studies expands your understanding of the disciplines that influence education, systems thinking, strategic planning, cultural responsiveness, and facilitation of collaborative efforts for school improvement.  Program outcomes for graduates include:

  • Engagement in critical inquiry
  • Application of foundational knowledge related to leadership
  • Use and conduct of research
  • Initiation, facilitation, support, and sustainment of institutional innovation

Program of study and course descriptions [PDF]

    Key program information for the PhD Educational Leadership Specialization:
    • Program consists of 45 credits of coursework in three program phases
    • Students work with a senior advisor and a doctoral committee
    • Students meet together for three 9-day face-to-face summer residencies, and attend online classes
    • The final phase culminates in writing and presentation of the dissertation
    • The program can be completed in approximately three years
    • Prerequisite: Master’s degree or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
    • Application deadline: March 15. How to apply.

     

     

     

     

    SAMPLE PROGRAM COURSE

    EAGSR 8107 Critical Contexts for the Principalship
    In this seminar students will examine the principles, values and beliefs that inform contemporary educational leadership and look critically at the contextual factors that influence how leaders function in schools and school districts. Students will consider the social, economic, historical and political forces that shape school conditions and review the changing impact of Federal policy and national strategies on local educational settings.

    Faculty Spotlight

    Faculty Barbara Govendo

    Barbara Govendo
    Associate Professor

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    Faculty Stephen Gould

    Stephen Gould
    Assistant Professor

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    Spotlight
    Our 2013 Ph.D. Recipients

    The Graduate School of Education and the Graduate School of Arts and Social Sciences conferred 23 doctoral degrees this year. Read more about the Ph.D. Hooding Ceremony, including the recipients' thesis topics.

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    More About the Program