Educational Leadership, Society and Change Ph.D.

Time to Completion Policy. Students can repeat the course, EDL 831 Dissertation Guidance, for up to four semesters to complete the Dissertation. Leaves of absence do not extend the time limit.

The extension maximum is 12 months. Extensions are granted on a per semester basis. The student must write a letter to the Program Director explaining reasons for requiring an extension. The letter must be submitted to the Program Director prior to the end of the term in which the time limit expires. An extension is granted on a case-by-case basis. An extension can only be granted twice.


Proposed Curriculum Plan

Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Society, and Change

Research Core (13 credits)

EDL-731Doctoral Seminar3
EDL-732Advanced Statistics & Lab4
EDL-733Quantitative Research Design3
EDL-734Qualitative Research Design3
Total Credits13

Academic Core (18 credits)

EDL-736Educational Leadership and Change3
EDL-737Inequality and Education3
EDL-738History & Future of Education Reform3
EDL-739Cultural Perspectives in Education3
EDL-740Cultural Perspectives II3
EDL-741Education Leadership, Law, and Social Movements3
Total Credits18

Electives (29 credits)

Electives will be taken under advisement, Graduate electives taken at any other institution will be subject to approval by the program director.

Comprehensive Exam

Dissertation Core (12 credits)

EDL-752Dissertation Proposal I3
EDL-753Dissertation Proposal II3
EDL-831Dissertation Guidance6
Total Credits12

Total Approved Graduate Hours 72

Core Transfer Credits

In addition to electives, students can transfer in up to six core credits, subject to the program director.

Additional Requirements

  1. There will be a Comprehensive Exam immediately preceding the dissertation. This will consist of one or more written questions to be analyzed using the scholarship and theory learned throughout the program. The Comprehensive Exam must be successfully completed prior to the start of the Dissertation Core.
  2. There will be a formal oral defense of both the dissertation proposal and the final dissertation.
  3. Time to Completion Policy for earning the degree. Students can repeat the course, EDL 831 Dissertation Guidance, for up to four semesters to complete the Dissertation. Leaves of absence do not extend the time limit. The extension maximum is 12 months. Extensions are granted on a per semester basis. The student must write a letter to the Program Director explaining reasons for requiring an extension. The letter must be submitted to the Program Director prior to the end of the term in which the time limit expires. An extension is granted on a case-by-case basis. An extension can only be granted twice.

If a petition is approved, the student is notified in writing of the expectations for progress and of the expected timeline for completion and award of degree.

If the petition is denied, the student is notified in writing they will be terminated from the doctoral program.

To apply, applicants will submit:
- Official undergraduate transcript showing degree completion and graduate transcripts indicating completion of any graduate level courses with a grade of B or better.
- A professional curriculum vitae or resume
- A two-page written Statement of Intent describing reasons for pursing the program.
- Two professional letters of recommendation.
- A writing sample of at least 5 pages.
- Applicants may be asked to interview with the Educational Leadership, Society, and Change faculty, in-person or virtual.