Ph.D.: The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Specialization
See Program Planning for the complete set of requirements for the Ph.D. Program
Leadership and Policy Studies is one of several specializations within the Ph.D. Program in which students may concentrate their studies and dissertation research. This strand draws from such fields as educational administration, school law, collective bargaining, policy analysis, leadership, and higher education. Individuals who seek faculty positions in educational administration, higher education, and policy analysis often select this strand for specialization. Similarly, individuals who seek leadership positions in elementary and secondary schools as well as in higher education select this strand for their concentration. Graduates of this doctoral strand have assumed positions in higher education both as faculty members and as administrators. Our graduates have also used their preparation in leadership and policy to assume such positions as superintendent, director, and principal.
Our doctoral students have written quality dissertations on such subjects as school finance, supervision of employees in K-12 settings, as well as higher education cooperative extension, the role of chief information officers in higher education, and sexual harassment.
Specialization Courses
Doctoral students in the Leadership and Policy Studies specialization typically complete the following courses as part of the doctoral program. The student’s Guidance Committee may require additional courses if the student does not have a master’s degree in School Leadership/Administration or if the student is seeking certification in addition to pursuing the doctorate.
Required:
EDUC 964 Human Resources in Education
EDUC 973 Policy, Politics, and Planning in Education
EDUC 977 Leadership: The District Level Administrator
Minimum of two courses selected from the following:
EDUC 962 School Finance
EDUC 967 School Law
EDUC 968 Collective Bargaining
EDUC 971 School Facilities
EDUC 958 Analysis of Teaching
EDUC 953/EDUC 991/EDUC 992, Curriculum courses