Educational Studies Programs

Introduction to Lesley University Ph.D. in Educational Studies Programs

The Ph.D. in Educational Studies program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study and scholarship. Educational Studies is defined at Lesley as an interdisciplinary area of inquiry that includes the examination of the individual and social processes of learning and teaching in institutional and social contexts. Study also involves integrating the study of cognition, learning, and human development with the study of institutions, organizations, and cultures. This cross-university program encourages interdisciplinary study, builds on Lesley's commitment to the generation of new knowledge, and recognizes the value of relating theory to practice. The program also maximizes the opportunity for individually-designed study, which is structured by the student under the supervision of a senior faculty advisor. It is intended to promote scholarly inquiry throughout the lifespan and consequently seeks educated professionals who wish to make an intellectual contribution to their fields of interest. 

Lesley offers the following three Ph.D. programs in educational studies. Please use the link within each program description below to view that program of study.

• Ph.D. in Educational Studies: Adult Learning Specialization (45 credits)
• Ph.D. in Educational Studies: Educational Leadership Specialization (60 credits)
• Ph.D. in Educational Studies: Individually Designed Specialization (45 credits)

Ph.D. in Educational Studies: Adult Learning Specialization

The Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a Specialization in Adult Learning program is a 45-credit, post-Master's program consisting of three phases of doctoral study: coursework and further development of the doctoral study plan submitted at application (Phase I); doctoral study (Phase II); and dissertation (Phase III). This program builds upon four central questions: How do adults Learn? What is the relationship between learning and development? How does culture affect learning? In what environments do adults learn? The program combines online learning with two annual seven- to ten-day residencies.

Ph.D. in Educational Studies: Educational Leadership Specialization

The Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a Specialization in Educational Leadership program is a 60-credit post-Master's program consisting of 30 credits of required courses and 30 elective credits. The degree is earned through interdisciplinary courses, electives, residencies, and research. Waivers and transfer credits may apply, up to a total of 24 credits; see the program page for details.

Ph.D. in Educational Studies: Individually Designed Specialization

The Ph.D. in Educational Studies program is a 45-credit, post-Master's program in which students move through three phases of doctoral study: development of an individualized doctoral study plan (Phase I); doctoral study (Phase II); and the doctoral dissertation (Phase III).

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