doctorate in education policy and leadership

Doctorate in Education Policy & Leadership (EdD)

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Prepare to advance your career and join a network of American University faculty, students, and alumni who are transforming education in the United States.

American University’s School of Education believes education shouldn’t just focus on what students learn—it should provide students with an opportunity to reach their full potential and be a force for positive social change. Education should give students hope. Antiquated policies and structures have made hope hard to find in modern education, and the United States needs a new approach to education leadership and policy to bring hope and action to its schools.

The Online Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership (EdD) is a response to this need, empowering leaders in education who have the practical experience and theoretical knowledge to effect widespread, progressive change in education. Whether they pursue opportunities in educational instruction, organizational leadership, or policymaking, EdD graduates will be better prepared to change education, for every student.

The Cohort Experience

Peer learning and a sustained learning network are essential hallmarks of the Online EdD program. As a result, students will progress through the program as part of a cohort, taking the same courses, and accomplishing program milestones together. We intentionally build a diverse cohort of students to contribute to the dynamic learning environment in the program. Learning will occur through robust dialogue, shared learning experiences, and presenting current professional work and doctoral research.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete.

Typically the program can be completed in less than three years.

Who is the online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership program intended for?

This program is designed for working PK-12 leaders who want to connect policy to practice and gain the practical knowledge and skills to transform their organizations and education systems.

What are the pillars of this program?

Graduates of the Online EdD program will be equipped with the skills every education leader needs to be effective, including strategic budgeting, collaborative inquiry, talent management, partnership building, learning science, and program evaluation. We strive to hone students’ knowledge and develop their skills and beliefs in the following four domains:

Systems Change

Personal leadership, social justice and antiracism, policy and research.

These domains serve as the backbone of our program and live out in each course, module, and residency experience that our students engage in. After completing their coursework and their Problem of Practice dissertation, students will have the policy, leadership, and research skills necessary to serve in senior positions in school district central offices, independent schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and more.

May I continue to work full-time while completing the program?

Full-time work while taking the program is normal. Students will participate in a residency enabling them to interface with peers and faculty, so they need to visit Washington, DC for three (3) required residencies in terms 1, 4, and 6 from Thursdays through Sundays, encapsulated in the EDU-798 course.

When are applications due?

Applications are due each December for placement in the cohort the following fall.

Is this program part of CPED?

The Online EdD program at American University is proudly part of The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). The vision of the CPED is to inspire all schools of education to apply the CPED framework to the preparation of educational leaders to become well-equipped scholarly practitioners who provide stewardship of the profession and meet the educational challenges of the 21st century.

Have questions? Send us an email: [email protected] 202-885-3720

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Doctor of Education in

• Educational Leadership and Policy

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• School of Education

TAKE A LEADERSHIP ROLE IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION

Through our doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Policy, students can develop the conceptual understanding and advanced leadership skills needed to create organizational learning environments. 

The program in Educational Leadership and Policy, EdD offers two strands: one is designed for educators in pre-K-12 settings and the other is designed for leaders in higher education settings. The program is designed for candidates who wish to develop the conceptual understanding and advanced leadership skills needed to create organizational learning environments to address inequities, optimize teacher performance, and maximize student learning. Candidates will work in learning communities with faculty and administrators to gain a deeper understanding of themselves as educational leaders and to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for visionary, collaborative, strategic, and ethical leadership in schools, districts and institutions of higher education.

Program Objectives:

• Prepare students develop habits of critical questioning and the reflective means for evaluating individual and organizational effectiveness
• Help develop the ability to examine educational issues through multiple perspectives
• Understanding how to manipulate organizational structures for improving higher education
• Develop the ability to practice deliberate, informed leadership.

Choose your Degree

• K-12 Educational Leadership
• Higher Education Leadership

The Educational Leadership and Policy EdD offers a concentration in K-12 Leadership to those who have formal backgrounds as NYS certified educators and school leaders, or hold roles in Pupil Personnel services.

The majority of students in the K-12 strand will have completed requirements for administrative/leadership certification. K-12 students who enter the Ed.D. program and have not yet earned certification may complete these course requirements as part of the advanced certificate in educational leadership or school district business leadership. K-12 students who have already earned certification may transfer up to 30 s.h. from an accredited institution toward the course requirements in Phase I.

Learn More about the Educational Leadership Advanced Certificate Learn More about Educational Leadership EdD

The Educational Leadership and Policy EdD offers a concentration in Higher Education to those who hold positions or have backgrounds in Higher Education Leadership & Administration. Typically, higher education students who enter the Ed.D. program will have an earned master’s degree in higher education leadership/administration from an accredited institution, of which up to 30 s.h. can be applied to the course requirements in Phase I. For those who do not have a prior master’s, a master’s in higher education can be earned at Hofstra, fully-online and asynchronously.

Learn More about the Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies MSEd

Getting Started

Admissions requirements, student financial services.

Visit the Hofstra campus or connect with the graduate admission team. We will answer your questions and put you in touch with program faculty or degree candidates to learn more. Contact us at  [email protected] , or call 516-463-4723.

To be considered for the doctoral study, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Start your application online  where you can upload the following documents:

• A detailed resume of professional and related experiences.
• A statement of purpose for advanced study in context of personal and professional goals.
• Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate study.
• Three professional recommendations.
• An interview with the doctoral program director.

In addition, applicants to the K-12 strand must provide:

• Proof of New York state certification in teaching or pupil personnel, and administration (if completed).

Interview with faculty members will be required.

International students : Please review additional  admission requirements .

In addition to financial aid and payment plan options offered by Hofstra University, the EPL program offers a variety of financial aid options for candidates applying to the Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership or the doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Policy (Ed.D.)

For more information, please visit the  Office of Student Financial Services.

Doctoral Fellowships

Doctoral Fellowships for Educational Leaders are designed for exceptionally qualified candidates who are currently employed in educational leadership positions, or those who will complete administrative certification requirements as part of the doctoral program - or “in Phase I” of the doctoral program. These awards offer tuition remission for qualified candidates of the doctoral program.

Doctoral Fellowship financial aid decisions are made by May 1.

Research Assistantships

Applicants to the doctoral program may apply for a position as a research assistant. These positions are only available to full-time students in the doctoral program; duties typically require a minimum of 15 hours/week. For details, contact the department.

Doctoral students who receive financial support are expected to provide service to the learning community through participation on one of several committees, organizing social events, participating in student recruitment activities, or developing the department newsletter.

Students are also encouraged to apply for fellowships and financial incentives awarded by professional organizations, such as the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and 100 Black Women of Long Island.

Program Requirements

Exam requirements.

Program Outline  -  79 Semester Hours Minimum

• Phase I: Professional Studies - Semester Hours: 30 Prior to earning the EdD, the majority of students in the k-12 strand will have completed requirements for administrative/leadership certification. K-12 students who enter the EdD program and have not yet earned certification may complete these course requirements as part of the Advanced Certificate in educational leadership or school district business leadership. K-12 students who have already earned certification may transfer up to 30 s.h. from an accredited institution toward the course requirements in Phase I. Typically, higher education students who enter the EdD program will have an earned master’s degree in higher education leadership/administration from an accredited institution, of which up to 30 s.h. can be applied to the course requirements in Phase I. For those who do not have a prior master’s, a master’s in higher education can be earned at Hofstra, either in face-to-face or online mode.
• Phase II: Advanced Professional Studies - Semester Hours: 40 Requirements consist of the doctoral core, advanced educational leadership courses and other electives. Candidates complete core requirements as a learning community. In addition to course work, candidates must satisfy residency requirements and complete written competency requirements in two areas: critical analysis and synthesis of scholarly work, and research design and analysis and also satisfy residency requirements. Prior to beginning Phase III, candidates meet with faculty for Doctoral Oral Examination A: A Self-Assessment of Personal Learning.
• Phase III: Doctoral Dissertation - Semester Hours: 9 minimum Following completion of the Doctoral Oral Exam A: A Self-Assessment of Personal Learning, candidates begin the final phase of the program, involving a minimum of nine semester hours.  Students may work with faculty and peers to develop a dissertation study or project or, depending on their readiness, they may develop the proposal through individual consultation with the dissertation adviser. The effort culminates in a presentation of the proposal (Doctoral Exam B) and, upon its completion, presentation of the dissertation, (Doctoral Exam C). Once the proposal is accepted, students may apply up to six semester hours toward dissertation requirements.
• Competency in Critical Analysis and Synthesis of Scholarly Work
• Competency in Research Design and Analysis
• Doctoral Oral Examination A: A Self-Assessment of Personal Learning
• Doctoral Examination B: Proposal Hearing
• Doctoral Examination C: Dissertation Oral

Critical Literature Synthesis Competency: The Critical Analysis and Synthesis is a literature review on a topic relevant to educational leadership. While students normally complete requirements for the synthesis as part of EADM 320-321,  Introduction to Doctoral Studies , evaluation of the document as the written comprehensive examination is separate from evaluation for the course grade.  Students who fail to meet the competency requirement by the completion of the second semester of the course have the opportunity to resubmit the synthesis by the end of August of that year. If a student fails to meet this deadline, or fails to produce an acceptable product, the second and final deadline for submission will be  one academic year  from the first due date. Failure to complete a satisfactory document within the given time period will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program. The student may not register for additional coursework until this requirement is satisfied.

• Research Competency: Students complete requirements for the competency as part of their work in either of the research courses. As part of either research course, students design and complete (data collection and analysis) a research study.  The requirement involves completion of the research project and preparation of a final report at the end of the research courses. Students must meet the competency in one of the two research courses. Failure to complete a satisfactory document in either of the research courses will constitute grounds for dismissal from the program
• Oral Exam/Self-Assessment of Personal Learning (Doctoral Exam A): On satisfactory completion of all the requirements of Phase I and the majority of the requirements in Phase II, including all distributed electives, the student may schedule the oral exam. The Oral Exam is usually scheduled at the end of August. The Oral Qualifying Exam (Doctoral Exam A) is a pre‑requisite for registration in any of the courses in Phase III. After successful completion of the oral examination, candidates begin the final phase of the doctoral program.
• Dissertation Proposal Examination (Doctoral Exam B)
• Dissertation Defense (Doctoral Exam C)
• Mission Statement
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics – Higher Education

Faculty Profiles

Sean fanelli.

Dr. Sean Fanelli, Adjunct Professor, is highly regarded for his expertise in higher education administration and brings to Hofstra University an exceptional breadth of leadership experience. Prior to joining the faculty of the School of Education, Dr. Fanelli served as the president of Nassau Community College for more than 28 years.

Meet Dr. Fanelli

Eustace G. Thompson

Dr. Eustace Thompson, Professor in the EdD Educational Leadership and Policy Program, earned his PhD from New York University in educational administration. Prior to his faculty appointment, he had 37 years of experience in urban and suburban public schools settings and held the positions of deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and middle and high school principal. He is a certified curriculum auditor and walk-through supervision trainer.

Meet Dr. Thompson

Rebecca S. Natow

Dr. Rebecca Natow, Professor and Director of the EdD Educational Leadership and Policy Program, is an expert in higher education, educational policy, and qualitative research methods. She has conducted research relating to performance-based funding policies for higher education, developmental education, and postsecondary program implementation. She has also conducted extensive research into the higher education rulemaking process, which involves the creation of regulations that implement and administer federal higher education policy. She is the author of  Higher Education Rulemaking: The Politics of Creating Regulatory Policy , published by Johns Hopkins University Press. Her dissertation, entitled  Making Policy in the United States Department of Education: The Political Process of Federal Rulemaking for Higher Education , received the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the Politics of Education Association, and was a finalist for the American Educational Research Association Division J Outstanding Dissertation Award. Dr. Natow received her Ed.D., Ed.M., and M.A. in higher and postsecondary education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

Meet Dr. Natow

Holly Seirup

Dr. Holly Seirup, holds a joint appointment as a Professor in the Departments of Counseling & Mental Health Professions and Educational Leadership. Prior to joining the faculty, Dr. Seirup held various positions in university administration including serving as Vice President of Campus Life for over a decade, and as the Dean of the School of Health Professions and Human Services. She continues to be active in the community and in her research, where she has presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences and has authored/coauthored articles on topics ranging from the impact of Hope, Grit, and Resiliency on academic success, behavioral health issues on the college campus, college persistence, and online pedagogy.

Meet Dr. Seirup

Clifford Pincus

Dr. Clifford Pincus, Adjunct Associate Professor, is currently a member of the sales management team for United Airlines. Over the years Dr. Pincus has presented at numerous training sessions, and conferences focusing on research in the relationship between key employee behaviors and organizational outcomes, organizational cultures impact on organizational success, and the effects of work life balance on employee engagement. He also instructs Quantitative Analysis for the EdD Educational Leadership and Policy program at Hofstra University along with Classes in Management and Entrepreneurship for the Zarb School of Business.

Meet Dr. Pincus

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College of Education and Human Development

Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development

Education policy and leadership PhD

This Education Policy and Leadership (EPL) doctoral program establishes foundational understandings of educational systems, leadership dynamics and the realities of power and politics in schools, as well as the role of research in educational innovation and improvement. 

Doctoral students in Education Policy and Leadership gain the capacity to:

Conduct original research and provide expertise on how school systems work to serve all learners

Examine multiple dimensions of PK-12 educational systems, including their cultural and historical contexts, as well as policies and mandates that shape practice.

Build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Help school systems and policymakers discover ways in which to support healthy and sustainable districts, design programs that enhance learning and development throughout the student lifecycle, and promote a deep understanding and connection between the education we receive and the individuals we become.

• Professor in educational leadership
• Research associate or fellow
• Director of research, curriculum, teaching and learning, or staff development
• Philanthropic of non-profit executive leader or education program officer
• Superintendent or assistant, associate, area, or deputy superintendent
• Chief of schools
• District administrator

Departmental core (16 credits)

Professional socialization seminar.

• OLPD 8011—Doctoral Research Seminar I (1 cr) [Take Fall term of first year]

Research courses

• OLPD 8015—Inquiry Strategies in Educational and Organizational Research (3 cr) [Take Spring term of first year]
• Quantitative course (3 cr inside or outside of department; with approval of advisor)
• Qualitative course (3 cr inside or outside of department; with approval of advisor)
• Additional methods course (6 cr; with approval of advisor)

Program core (18 credits)

• OLPD 5001—Formal Organizations in Education (3 cr) [Take OLPD 5001 if offered – if not offered take alternatives OLPD 5011 or OLPD 5607] OR OLPD 5011—Leading Organizational Change: Theory and Practice (3 cr) OR OLPD 5607—Organization Development (3 cr)
• OLPD 5346—Politics of Education (3 cr)
• OLPD 8020—Leadership: From Theory to Reflective Practice (3 cr)
• OLPD 8104—Innovative Systems Thinking in Education and Culture (3 cr)
• OLPD 8302—Educational Policy Perspectives (3 cr)
• Electives (3 cr minimum; with approval by advisor)

Additional coursework (12 credits minimum)

Minimum of 12 credits required. These credits can be used to meet the requirement that a minimum of 12 credits be taken outside the EPL track or for a minor. Courses not specifically listed should have advisor approval. Students who have successfully completed enrollment in the University of Minnesota's Principals Academy may use transfer credits to fulfill this requirement.

Thesis credits (24 credits)

All Ph.D. students are required to register for 24 semester thesis credits after completing the preliminary oral exam. The 24 credits must be taken over two or more terms.

• OLPD 8888—Thesis Credits: Doctoral

Total PhD credits required

46 credits of EPL coursework + 24 thesis credits = 70 total credits

How to apply

Admission deadline.

December 1 for a Fall semester start. Fall semester start only.

Applicants may only apply to one OLPD track.

Applications are not complete until ALL required materials and fees have been received. If anything is missing, your application may not be considered. It is strongly recommended to apply at least two weeks before any submission deadlines.

Applications are processed by the Graduate School. A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the department's admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials.

Online application and instructions  

Admission Requirements

Degree: Master's degree or equivalent

GPA: Undergraduate 3.0; Graduate 3.5

Note: Applicants should not submit GRE scores, as they will not be considered in the review process.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores (Not required for U.S. students):

• TOEFL: Internet based = 79 or above (21 writing/19 reading)
• IELTS = 6.5

Experience (International educators only): 3 years experience in international education (preferred)

Tuition and funding

Tuition information: CEHD | OneStop

Financial aid: CEHD | OneStop

Readmission

If a graduate student in an OLPD program has become inactive they must follow the readmission procedures .

Whether you seek reactivation after accidentally being discontinued this term or want to return after a long absence these are the steps needed to re-apply.

• Complete the proper online readmission application . If you have been away from the program less than five years use the Express Readmission Application and email it to [email protected] . All others must submit the Online Application for Readmission  
• Once received, the department will forward your application to the appropriate admissions committee. Readmission decisions are normally determined by the program’s admissions committee, not any one individual faculty member. Readmission is never guaranteed. Decisions for readmission are based on a review of previous progress toward degree completion, the proposed timeline for completion, the availability of faculty resources, and/or any additional application materials they may request from you. Individual programs/tracks reserve the right to readmit students under the current graduate program requirements, rules, and guidelines. They may also request an applicant to provide additional information prior to making a decision.  
• Once the committee makes their recommendation, the department’s DGS will sign off on the decision and forward the result to the central Graduate Admissions Office for processing. Once processed, you will be notified of the decision.

Individual department programs and tracks reserve the right to require readmitted students to retake coursework if they deem it appropriate. Readmitted students are also required to abide by current time-to-degree policies as determined by the University, which may differ from the policy in place when they first started the degree program.

Individuals seeking readmission to the Ph.D., Ed.D., and M.A. program tracks in the former EDPA, WHRE, and WCFE majors can only reapply to the appropriate program track under the Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (OLPD) major name.

We’re here to help. Simply complete this form and a member of our department will be in touch.

Leadership and Policy Studies (Ph.D.)

Examine education policy and problems through an interdisciplinary lens that incorporates economics, political science, sociology, and international and comparative education.

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About the Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy Studies

The Ph.D. in leadership and policy studies is designed for those who intend to build an academic career focused on studying education and policy as researchers, professors, and policy analysts, gaining the knowledge and methodological tools to conduct cutting-edge research on the pressing educational issues of the day.

Leadership and Policy Studies Program Overview

At the heart of the Ph.D. program in leadership and policy studies is the mentor-apprentice model, in which students work on research projects alongside a collection of esteemed faculty. As a doctoral student, you will be matched with an LPO faculty member whose research interests align with your own, and you will design an individualized program of study that reflects your specific interests and background. The program offers two concentrations: Educational Leadership and Policy and Higher Education Leadership and Policy.

Explore education policy, leadership and administration, and the right path for you.

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Ph.D. Program Facts

Admissions Coordinator: Rosie Moody Admission Term: Fall Credit Hours: 72 Application Deadline: December 1

Ph.D. Program Curriculum

Our program relies on a cohort-based model, in which students take most of their classes in the first two years together, allowing for a supportive, collaborative learning experience. All students take a 3-semester quantitative methodological sequence, at least one qualitative methods course, a course in causal research, and disciplinary courses in the history, politics, economics, and sociology of education. All students take a year-long course practicum course in their first year that allows them to begin conducting quantitative research from the very beginning of their time in graduate school. In addition, students take seminar courses with department faculty in their areas of expertise and can take full advantage of the breadth of courses available throughout Peabody College and Vanderbilt University

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Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration

Become a change agent for education.

Strong leadership, coupled with a deep understanding of how research, policy, and practice inform and disrupt educational systems, is necessary to transform our nation's multifaceted learning environments.

The doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Administration (ELA) prepares and develops scholar-leaders to become catalysts for change in diverse educational settings and contexts .

The ELA doctoral curriculum captures the program’s underlying values: leadership for equity, social justice, and school improvement. Tackling the pressing matters that school leaders face, our doctoral students apply theoretical, conceptual, and empirical knowledge to real-world problems of practice. They critique research, employ critical thinking and reflective practices, collaborate with peers, problem-solve, and analyze multi-source data.

Under the tutelage of professors who are staunchly invested in their growth, ELA doctoral students produce valuable research that positively impacts PreK-12 education. Graduates from ELA’s doctoral program move into leadership positions across local, state, and federal settings, where they advocate for and facilitate necessary educational change.

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Work Together to Solve K-12 Challenges Our rigorous cohort-based course content combined with research methods will engage you in critical problem solving, with four critical goals: Leadership for Equity and Social Justice, Leadership for School Improvement, Leadership for Change, and Research-based Practice and Practice-informed Research.

Convenient Schedule Whether your cohort is fully online or meets in our off-campus classrooms, the EdD is designed to accommodate the schedule of working educators. Online cohorts attend both weekly synchronous meetings and engage in asynchronous connections. Off-campus classroom cohorts attend weekend classes on select Friday evenings/Saturdays.

Develop Your Skills Develop your leadership skills through coursework, seminars, research associations with faculty and self-directed activities.

Faculty Lead the Way Engage with faculty who not only excel at teaching and research, but also challenge students to ‘go beyond,' provide mentorship throughout the program, and provide support to maximize your learning.

The GW Advantage

Whether attending off-campus or online, a GW education is unlike any other. GSEHD students benefit from our unique location in the heart of our nation’s capital and the University’s extraordinary access to diverse school settings, leading national archives and libraries, research opportunities, international organizations, and faculty who are published researchers and hold extensive practitioner experience.

Our diverse student body comes together from across the country and around the globe, bringing a wide range of professional experience, skills, and enriching knowledge.

Jump to Section:   Curriculum   |  Admissions   |  Fees & Aid   |  Careers   |  Faculty   |  Events   |  Request Info

 Program at a Glance

Doctor of Education (EdD) in the Field of Educational Leadership and Administration

Department:

Course delivery:.

-Online -Alexandria Center -VSTC Campus (Ashburn)

Program Entry:

Cohorts are recruited for admission in Fall and Spring

The Educational Leadership and Administration program in K-12 Education develops educational leaders to thoughtfully lead schools and educational organizations in an ethically grounded manner and with a focus on equity. Our program develops graduates who understand how research and practice mutually inform each other and who apply those understandings in educational settings, in the context of an increasingly globalized system of schooling. Doctoral students will be challenged to think critically, collaborate, use reflective practice and communicate effectively in preparation to transform educational settings. By preparing our graduates to be scholar-leaders and school and system leaders, our graduates are ready to apply findings from educational research and to utilize local evidence to improve learning for students directly in K-12 settings.

• Guide to Applying
• Admission Requirements
• Application Deadlines

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >

To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

Prerequisite: Master's Degree

• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
• Your rationale for seeking further qualification in the field of Educational Administration at GW.
• What knowledge, skills, dispositions, or experiences in leadership will you bring to the program? What has prepared you to assume an administrative role?
• Evidence of equity-focused teaching or leadership experiences in your own professional setting.
• Areas for growth you will seek to acquire during the program to prepare to be an effective educational leader.
• Scholarly writing sample , which includes (a) references and citations to peer-reviewed work or legal documents; (b) analysis of a problem related to educational leadership, administration, law, or policy; and (c) academic formatting and style, which includes but is not limited to APA
• Two Letters of Recommendation (one that speaks to the applicant’s writing and analysis capacity and another that speaks to the candidate’s contributions to teams)

Interview may be required

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants .

View more details about requirements  

Applications are now being accepted for  Fall 2024. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

 Tuition & Financial Aid

• Tuition Overview

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about scholarships, grants & financial aid     

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. This program requires a minimum of 48 credits.

Rates vary by program and designated location of admission. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

  The tuition rate* for the off-campus EdD in ELA program is $1,230 per credit hour .

  The tuition rate* for the online EdD in ELA program is $1,230 per credit hour .

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

Being part of the program has been a life-changing opportunity. I have grown and continue to develop professionally and socially due to the meaningful learning I experienced. I entered the program with limited clarity and focus on my professional goals. However, as a result of the time devoted to deeper learning, I now see where I can make a difference in my educational community. 

DR. NATASHA SAUNDERS (EdD '23) Coordinator for Secondary English Language Arts, Fairfax County Public Schools

 Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Services, top K-12 elementary leaders earned a median $98,980 annual salary in 2021, with jobs in the field expected to grow 6% by 2031. 1

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , Top Executives, at bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm (visited May 25, 2023 ).

Our graduates are leading in schools and districts across the nation. They serve as:

• District Coordinators for Special Education
• Assistant Superintendents
• Superintendents
• University Professors
• Principals and Assistant Principals
• Senior Literacy Specialists
• Chief Human Resources
• Development Officers

• Public, private or charter PK-12 schools
• Higher education institutions
• Government departments or agencies
• Consulting organizations

As a student in this program, my knowledge and skills as a school leader grew tremendously and assisted me in ensuring the school communities I served positively moved the needle for student achievement. The faculty and staff were experienced and knowledgeable and helped prepare me for my prospective role as a K-12 school leader. I established meaningful relationships with peers and faculty who served as accountability partners and offered a wealth of feedback and support. 

DR. SHANTE ONIYIDE (EdD '22) Principal, Hampton City Schools

Educational Leadership and Administration (EdD) Faculty

Interim Director of Accreditation; Professor, Educational Administration

Assistant Professor and Co-Program Director, Educational Leadership and Administration

Associate Professor, Educational Administration

Assistant Professor, Educational Administration

Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Administration

Professor, Educational Administration

Assistant Professor of Practice, Educational Administration

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Education Leadership

The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) prepares experienced educators to become the transformational preK–12 leaders that the country needs — passionate about educational quality and equity, well versed in learning and development, and knowledgeable about public policy and organizational management, so they can translate visionary ideas into real-world success. Graduates of the three-year, multidisciplinary Ed.L.D. — taught by faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School — are uniquely prepared for system-level leadership positions in schools, nonprofits, mission-driven for-profits, and state and federal departments of education.

Earn an Online Doctorate in Education from NYU

Innovative change in your organization starts here. expand your leadership skills and create new solutions to persistent challenges with your edd in leadership and innovation..

NYU Steinhardt’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation is more than an educational leadership degree program. It’s a cohort of professionals, faculty, and distinguished cross-sectoral leaders interested in education and learning. Collectively, they understand that by working together, they can effect sustainable and scalable change through education leadership jobs in their organizations.

This Doctorate in Education serves a diverse range of experienced professionals. Rooted in a rigorous academic experience and shared passion, the advanced degree is designed for cross-sector leaders who are motivated to create change in education and learning.

Students accepted into the program bring with them real-world challenges. They are encouraged to question and explore, to take risks and succeed, to push and innovate.

This is a unique educational leadership degree that addresses the needs of working professionals with a rigorous online doctorate in education program that can be completed in as few as 24 months.

We [leaders] need to know how to speak to each other in a common language. Our EdD in Leadership and Innovation creates the space where we can find a common language as we work across sectors to solve problems. Dr. Noel S. Anderson Founding Faculty

Solving problems means challenging preconceptions.

Transformative change can result when you allow your point of view to be questioned. So, one of the best ways to develop knowledge, skills, new approaches, and solutions is to work with others — people across all sectors who will challenge you with differing perspectives.

We bring together students and instructors from inside and outside the scope of traditional education to push you to think differently and to ask tough questions.

When you intentionally gather people from different personal and professional backgrounds to collaborate, something powerful occurs: change happens. It’s how to build new processes, solutions, policies, and powerful new tools — and how to create visionary leaders.

We believe leaders are learners, and that education is essential to great leadership.

The NYU EdD is a rigorous online doctorate degree program that combines the discipline of a top-tier university with an innovative approach to education and leadership. We offer accessibility through enhanced technology and the personal connection of face-to-face instruction.

We examine the most important issues leaders in education and learning face today and discover solutions that make change possible for tomorrow. We apply an academic lens to myriad sectors so students graduate from the doctoral program in education with the core competencies for impactful director and executive-level career options.

The research, analysis, writing, and critical thinking involved in students’ strategic design and implementation of a change management project are assets that students will bring to current and future employers.

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Education policy, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, an individualized doctoral program and an apprenticeship that prepares you for advanced empirical education policy research..

The goal of the Education Policy doctoral program is to produce the next generation of education policy scholars and researchers by providing students with deep content knowledge, disciplinary grounding, and training in the use of rigorous, cutting-edge methods. We study early childhood education, K-12, and beyond, in the United States and around the world. Our program has a proven record of preparing students for a variety of research careers, such as professors at top tier-universities and policy researchers at premier research firms, non-profit research organizations, and government agencies.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

The Education Policy Ph.D. program equips graduates with the knowledge and methodological tools to use, understand, and conduct research on the pressing educational issues of the day.  Your program of study will be matched to your specific interests in education policy on the local, state, national, or international levels. 

Fall: 4 courses; Spring: 4 courses

Research apprenticeship 20 hours per week

Culminating experience Comprehensive examination and doctoral dissertation 

At the heart of the Education Policy Ph.D. program is the research apprenticeship. You will be paired with Education Policy faculty members whose research interests align with your own, and work alongside them in the research process. You will learn to design, conduct, and communicate the results of empirical research, including presenting papers at scholarly conferences and submitting articles to scholarly journals for publication.

In addition to an  individualized program of study,  our students are required to write a significant qualifying paper and complete a dissertation on an issue in education. 

Transfer Courses

Course units of graduate coursework taken prior to matriculation into the Ph.D. degree program, if approved by both your faculty advisor and the Education Policy Chair, may be substituted for one or more of the above required courses. However, students are still required to complete 16 course units while at Penn GSE.

Program Length

Our Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in four years—two years of full-time coursework and two years to complete exams and dissertation. The University’s maximum time limit for completion is ten years after matriculation.

Preliminary Examination/Doctoral Dissertation

At the end of the coursework, students complete a preliminary examination (also known as the qualifying paper or comprehensive examination) covering relevant areas of education policy. Successful passage bestows doctoral candidacy, at which point students appoint a dissertation committee, orally defend their dissertation proposal, and write and defend their dissertation.

Our program offers a balance of flexibility and rigor. We want our students to be able to tailor their courses to their own interests and expertise while ensuring that they develop methodological and content-area expertise. One of the strengths of our program is that students can take courses in nationally ranked departments across the University of Pennsylvania. Many of our students take courses at the Wharton School, the School of Social Policy and Practice, and in departments including Sociology and Political Science. Advisors work closely with students to design their course of study.

For information on courses and requirements, visit the  Education Policy Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Our Faculty

The Education Policy faculty study everything from big data in early childhood education to assessment evaluation to the teacher workforce. In addition to the standing faculty in Education Policy, our program is enriched by the scholarship of faculty members from the Literacy, Culture, and International Education, Human Development and Quantitative Methods, and Teaching, Learning, and Leadership divisions. 

Affiliated Faculty

Sigal Ben-Porath MRMJJ Presidential Professor Ph.D., Tel Aviv University

Wendy Chan Assistant Professor Ph.D., Northwestern University

Dennis P. Culhane Professor, Penn Social Policy & Practice Ph.D., Boston College

John MacDonald Professor of Criminology and Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Maryland

Laura W. Perna Vice Provost for Faculty Ph.D., University of Michigan

Daniel A. Wagner UNESCO Chair in Learning and Literacy Ph.D., University of Michigan

Sharon Wolf Associate Professor Ph.D., New York University

Jonathan Zimmerman Judy and Howard Berkowitz Professor in Education Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University

"I went to Penn GSE because I wanted to understand the education research that drove policy changes, and I wanted to make that research applicable to teachers."

Wendy Castillo

Our graduates.

Our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and methodological tools to use, understand, and conduct research on the pressing educational issues of the day. We have a proven record of preparing students for a variety of research careers, such as professors at top-tier universities and policy researchers at premier research firms, nonprofit research organizations, and government agencies. Some alumni have also gone on to lead schools, districts, and other organizations.

Alumni Careers

Recent job placements.

• Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Assistant Professor, St. Louis University
• Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, College Park
• Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Pennsylvania
• Postdoctoral Scholar, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Lecturer, Princeton University
• Senior Analyst, Abt Associates
• Research Associate, MDRC
• Analyst, Congressional Research Office

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Nakia Gard Program Manager (215) 573-8075 [email protected]

Noel Lipki Program Coordinator (215) 746-2923 [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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CPRE Mathematics Formative Assessment Project

The Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP) is a large-scale field trial of a mathematics formative assessment program conducted by CPRE and funded by the National Science Foundation.

Center on Standards, Alignment, Instruction, and Learning

The Center on Standards, Alignment, Instruction, and Learning (C-SAIL) examines how college- and career-ready standards are implemented, if they improve student learning, and what instructional tools measure and support their implementation.

Penn Early Childhood and Family Research Center

The Penn Early Childhood and Family Research Center aims to advance the use of science in a context of public trust to address problems affecting the well-being of young children and families facing systemic injustice and disadvantage.

Our Students

Our doctoral students engage in research alongside Education Policy throughout the course of their degree. Learn more about our students and their research.

You May Be Interested In

Related programs.

• Education Policy M.S.Ed. 
• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D. 
• Higher Education Ph.D. 
• Quantitative Methods M.Phil.Ed.
• Quantitative Methods Ph.D.
• Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, and Research Technology M.S.Ed.

Related Topics

PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

The mission of the department is to create, evaluate, exchange, and apply knowledge about leadership, learning, and organizational performance to prepare scholars and scholar practitioners who cultivate equity and educational opportunity in a diverse and changing world.

Many varied educational constituencies need to be able to analyze and to inform debate on educational issues, and to lead and develop learning communities that meet the diverse learning needs of students and society. We believe effective educational leadership in any institution embodies three core values: inquiry, equity, and reflection.

Graduates and recipients of the department's instruction are expected to reflect the knowledge, skills, and personal qualities that will be successful in promoting, producing, and improving learning and increasing public trust in educational institutions.

The Ph.D. degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis can be pursued through one of its named options (formal sub-majors documented on the transcript):

• Higher Education (research), focused on the effective administration of postsecondary institutions, including higher education leadership, student affairs administration, and athletic administration. 
• K–12 Leadership (research), emphasizing the effective administration of primary and secondary institutions. 
• Educational Polic y Analysis and Evaluation (research), stressing effective formation and analysis of policies governing the administration of all educational institutions.
• Wisconsin Idea Executive program.

Students in each named option will focus their course work within the emphasis, although students are encouraged to learn about other areas as well.

The department has long held a  commitment to diversity  and the strength it brings to a program. The department seeks to attract a very diverse student population.  As one of its  core values , the ELPA learning community celebrates wholeness, while, at the same time, values the richness of differences in life experiences, cultural backgrounds, ways of knowing, and perspectives of its individual members. The department seeks to renew itself continually by attracting faculty and students who contribute to this diversity as well as enhance the larger community.

Students apply to the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis through one of the named options: 

• Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis: Educational Policy Analysis & Evaluation, Ph.D
• Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis: Higher Education, Ph.D.
• Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis: K-12 Leadership, Ph.D.
• Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Executive Ph.D. Cohort, Ph.D.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements, named options.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Required courses.

Select a Named Option for courses required.

A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral.  Students pursuing the Ph.D.  in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis must select one of the following named options:

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Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis: Educational Policy Analysis & Evaluation, Ph.D.

Students should refer to one of the named options for policy information:

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of study.
• Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of study.
• Creates research or scholarship that makes a substantive contribution.
• Demonstrates breadth within their learning experiences.
• Advances contributions to society in the field of study or field of practice.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
• Fosters ethical and professional conduct.

Faculty: Professor Anjalé (AJ) Welton (chair); Professors Conrad, Eckes, Halverson, Kelley, Miller, Wang, Winkle-Wagner; Associate Professors Burt, Hillman; Assistant Professors Grooms, Henry, McQuillan, Saldana, Yu; Clinical Professors Crim, Li, Sramek, Salzman, Soffa-Jimenez 

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BRIDGING RESEARCH TO PRACTICE

Leading the Future of Education

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy consists of two program areas that offer master’s and doctoral degree concentrations in specific fields: the Program in Higher Education Leadership and Policy and the Public School Executive Leadership Program.

Our department has a legacy of excellence in training scholars, practitioners and educational leaders for PK-12 public schools, higher education and the P-16 policy arena. Our change-making graduates go on to serve as superintendents, school principals, professors, researchers and student affairs professionals. Our award-winning faculty, nationally recognized graduate programs, and highly regarded research centers focus on educational leadership and policy through an equity and social justice lens.

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy is a community of students, faculty, staff and policy influencers that share a common goal of improving educational opportunities for all.

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy offers graduate programs that develop thought leaders and administrators for public school, college and university settings.

Our department’s research has a direct effect on policies and practices that support students, administrators and leaders in P-16 educational settings. Our masters and doctoral students engage in research that is responsive to the ongoing challenges faced across educational sectors.

College News

• May 10, 2024 COE Media Mentions: May 3 – May 10
• May 8, 2024 Research, Impact and Achievements: May 2024
• May 3, 2024 COE Media Mentions: April 26 – May 3

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College Events

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Department Announcements

Sarah Woulfin’s New Book Reflects on How Equity-Centered Coaching Leads to Improvement in Schools

New book by Sarah Woulfin provides insightful guide for making coaching matter in schools.

Linda García Receives National Prize for Her Commitment to and Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Linda García, executive director of the Center for Community College Student Engagement, was named the 2023 recipient of the Terry O’Banion Prize for Inspiring Significant Change to Teaching and Learning.

Pedro Reyes Named Member of the Inaugural Research Advisory Council for The Education Trust

Dr. Reyes will work with other members to advise Ed Trust’s research agenda on teaching and curriculum, and provide insight on the educational landscape to help identify specific equity-based research projects.

Berkeley School of Education

Policy, politics, and leadership.

Faculty delve into the broad landscape of influences – namely, history, social and economic policy, and politics – and the organizational features of the institutions that sustain the nation’s diverse array of local schools and districts. Faculty conduct both social science research and teach in the economics, sociology, history, and politics of education. Together, faculty hold a commitment to fine empirical work – whether qualitative or quantitative – that illuminates the motivations, values, and practices shaping common cause and stakeholder conflict as we try to improve public education.

To find a faculty member who is an expert in the area, click on the titles below.

Leadership in educational organizations.

Travis J. Bristol Rebecca Cheung Bruce Fuller Gina Garcia* Tom Green Annie Johnston Rick Mintrop Erin Murphy-Graham* Derek Van Rheenen Lihi Rosenthal Soraya A. Sablo-Sutton Janelle Scott Jose Eos Trinidad* Tina Trujillo* Derek Van Rheenen Michelle D. Young*

* Faculty available to advise new doctoral students.

Policy Analysis and Program Implementation

Travis J. Bristol Tolani Britton Bruce Fuller Gina Garcia* Kris D. Gutierrez * Annie Johnston Rick Mintrop Daniel Perlstein Janelle Scott Jose Eos Trinidad* Tina Trujillo* Derek Van Rheenen Mark R. Wilson * Michelle D. Young*

Politics of Education Advocacy

Lisa García Bedolla Travis J. Bristol Bruce Fuller Gina Garcia* Kris D. Gutíerrez * Annie Johnston Rick Mintrop Daniel Perlstein Janelle Scott Jose Eos Trinidad* Tina Trujillo* Derek Van Rheenen Michelle D. Young*

School Improvement

Travis J. Bristol Rebecca Cheung Bruce Fuller Kris D. Gutíerrez * Annie Johnston Rick Mintrop Lihi Rosenthal Soraya A. Sablo-Sutton Alan Schoenfeld Jose Eos Trinidad* Tina Trujillo* Mark R. Wilson * Frank C. Worrell * Chunyan Yang

Education Policy and Analysis

Contact Information

Connect with program staff.

If you have program-specific questions, please contact Assistant Director for Education Policy and Analysis Sarah Haas .

• Connect with Admissions

If you have admissions-related questions, please email [email protected] .

Admissions Information

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• Tuition and Costs
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• Recorded Webinars
• Download Brochure

Gain the skills to design, evaluate, and scale the effective policies and practices critical to improving outcomes for learners — at the global, national, state, and local levels.

The Education Policy and Analysis (EPA) Program will prepare you to lead and engage in education policy development, analysis, and change in organizations and settings throughout the United States and internationally. You also will learn how to scale effective education practices and how to leverage policy in order to expand their reach. The program will provide you with the theoretical frameworks and analytic methods that will enable you to design, implement, and evaluate policies at the global, national, state, institutional, program, and project levels. Our program prepares you to work in local, state, national, and international sectors, as well as research and consulting organizations, think tanks, institutions of higher education, and policy advocacy organizations. 

"Crafting and evaluating education policy remains a critical part of ensuring better outcomes for all students, and our program leads the way in cultivating the next generation of education policy professionals. From integrating research and practice to improve public policy to identifying the best method of communicating research finding to policymakers, our program will provide you with the real-world tools you need to make a difference." Carrie Conaway Faculty Co-Chair

After completing the Education Policy and Analysis Program, you will have a deeper understanding of the following competencies that explore how to:  

• Integrate values and goals - Integrate the values and goals of your organization or community throughout the policy process, with special attention to equity as a central value in education.
• Understand the issue and context  - Define the educational problem or opportunity with an understanding of the relevant historical, social, economic, and political context, including the differing interests and incentives of stakeholders.
• Evaluate evidence and tradeoffs  - Define policy options and the criteria for evaluating them. Evaluate the quality of the available evidence and use it to compare alternatives, considering fiscal, political, social, individual, and collective consequences and tradeoffs.
• Communicate and collaborate - Communicate, collaborate, advocate, and negotiate with allies, opponents, and other stakeholders. Convey evidence and reasoning clearly and appropriately for the audience.
• Engage in the policy process - Make recommendations and implement policy under conditions of uncertainty, revising decisions as new evidence and understandings come to light. Build and share new evidence on policy implementation and impact.

Curriculum Information

The EPA Program is designed to help you gain the knowledge and practice the skills essential to developing, implementing, and analyzing education policy in a wide variety of professional contexts. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the 2024–25 academic year are: 

• This program commences with How People Learn, an immersive online course that runs June–July and requires a time commitment of 12-15 hours per week.
• You will continue Foundations with Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August. 
• Your Equity and Opportunity Foundations experience culminates in an elected course, which will take place during terms when electives are available. 

To fulfill the program requirement, students must take a minimum of 12 credits specific to EPA, including the following:

• The EPA Program Core Experience (4 credits) is a 4-unit fall semester course that introduces both practical competencies and theoretical frameworks about the policymaking process. You will survey policies across the sector and advance your learning through cases, problems of practice, and current policy debates. The experience offers exposure to a variety of education levels — early childhood, K–12, higher education, and adult learners — and settings in the U.S. and around the world. Students must enroll in their first fall semester. 
• Research methods courses (4 credits), course topics may include statistics for educational research, qualitative research methods, and program evaluation. 
• Policy-related courses (4 credits), course topics may include international comparative education policy, education finance, state and federal education policy, higher education student success, and additional research methods.
• Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE), a written submission that demonstrates application of program competencies to a real-world or simulated organization or client. The PAE may be a final project developed in a course, including the courses above, or in a field experience or internship. The purpose of the PAE is to allow you to practice, demonstrate, and reflect on the five core competencies of the EPA program. 
• The remaining credits are taken via  elective coursework , which includes the opportunity to specialize in a  Concentration . 

Explore our  course catalog . Note, a ll information and courses are subject to change.

Program Faculty

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard. View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Faculty Co-Chairs

Carrie Conaway

Carrie Conaway is an expert on strategic planning in education, data and resource use, evidence-based decision making, and connections between research and practice.

Andrew Ho is a psychometrician whose research aims to improve the design, use, and interpretation of test scores in educational policy and practice.

Peter Q. Blair

Emmerich Davies

Sarah Dryden-Peterson

Elizabeth Dawes Duraisingh

Susan Dynarski

Hadas Eidelman

Jarvis R. Givens

Thomas Kane

James S. Kim

Jaein Josefina Lee

Irene Anastasia Liefshitz

Joseph McIntyre

Luke W. Miratrix

Sebastian Munoz-Najar Galvez

Gabrielle Oliveira

Fernando Reimers

Paul Reville

Laura A. Schifter

Eric Taylor

Emiliana Vegas

Martin West

Career Pathways

The EPA Program prepares you for a variety of career pathways, including: 

• Policy analyst 
• Policy associate  
• Local, state, or federal government professional  
• Research associate or director of research  
• Senior research portfolio manager  
• Institutional research analyst  
• Data analyst  
• Program/project coordinator
• Program/project manager
• Community organizer
• Policy consultant  

Cohort & Community

As an EPA student, you will be joining a community bound by a shared passion for improving education outcomes, opportunities, and systems through policy. The EPA cohort is comprised of learners from diverse professional backgrounds and levels of experience; from P–16 educators and leaders to policymakers and business executives; from the U.S. and diverse countries abroad; and from early childhood through postsecondary and adult education. Our community engages in shared learning inside and outside the classroom, including informal policy debates with faculty during brown bag lunches, panels with senior policy analysts who share advice on career pathways, and cohort-wide opportunities to learn about and from your peers.

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Education Policy and Analysis experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

HGSE Honors Master's Students with Intellectual Contribution Award

HGSE Students Tackle Pandemic-Related Issues in Education

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College of Education and Psychology

Be an architect of human potential .

Take the first step toward making a positive impact in your community. At The University of Texas Tyler’s College of Education and Psychology, we give you the tools to become a caring, service-oriented professional in education, psychology or counseling.

Hands-on coursework teaches you the best practices for a clinic, classroom or other educational setting. Through our small class sizes, our renowned faculty support and mentor you throughout your studies. Round out your education through research opportunities, internships and practicums. By the time you graduate, you are ready to take your field’s respective licensure exam and embark on a career that enriches the lives of East Texans.

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Whether you are a first-year college student discovering your vocation or a seasoned professional wanting to deepen your knowledge, our programs train you to better serve and uplift individuals in communities and schools across East Texas.

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Hands-on training and academic enrichment.

Improving Lives Through Science

One of our main goals is to help the residents of East Texas meet their full potential. Research is an essential part of that mission, and some of our major areas of focus include STEM education, literacy and understanding cognitive impairment in older adults. Through our partnerships with local nonprofits, schools and educational institutions, we actively apply our knowledge and experience to make effective changes today.

Participate in faculty-led research projects as early as your freshman year. As a graduate student, you can help discover solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the field through our five research centers.

Discover How to Maximize Others’ Potential

East Texas Center for School-Based Research and Instruction

Ingenuity Center

Memory Assessment Research Center

K-16 Literacy Center

Education Beyond the Classroom

Gain practical experience through fieldwork, clinical teaching, internships and practicums. We have multiple partnerships around East Texas where you can fulfill the requirements needed for teaching and clinical certifications, as well as opportunities on campus. For those looking to make an impact beyond our borders, take advantage of UT Tyler’s partnership with Belize to access study abroad, professional development and research opportunities.

Put Your Newfound Skills Into Practice Before You Even Graduate

Our Mission

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With You, Every Step of the Way

Embrace your calling in our collaborative, nurturing community that understands the role of support in achieving your goals. Our team of advisors guides you through all program requirements and helps you create a personalized plan of study.

We Help You Become the Professional You Know You Can Be

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College of Education and Psychology by the Numbers

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Assistant Professor of Psychology

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College of education & psychology.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:   (903) 565-5996

BEP 223 3900 University Blvd. Tyler, TX 75799

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PhD in Educational Leadership Future Faculty Founders: Shape Tomorrow

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Grow Your Teaching and Researching Skills with Liberty’s PhD in Educational Leadership

A successful education system requires outstanding leadership and guidance from the top of the organization. With advanced training in educational leadership and research, Liberty University’s 100% online PhD in Educational Leadership degree program will help you gain valuable communication and problem-solving skills based on empirical research to lead your students, faculty, and staff to success.

Our PhD in Educational Leadership online can provide you with the tools and skills you need to lead an educational administration as well as develop research materials and publications to contribute to the body of knowledge in your field. Through this educational leadership doctorate, you can develop the research-based critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to lead at any level of an educational organization.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s PhD in Educational Leadership?

Liberty’s online PhD in Educational Leadership can help you build upon your teaching experience and graduate education by developing an in-depth dissertation research topic. You can learn to thoroughly examine literature, design and conduct research, and disseminate said research to other researchers in educational leadership, practitioners, and policymakers.

Furthermore, your educational leadership doctorate is 100% online, which means you are not required to attend courses on campus throughout your degree. We are committed to helping you obtain your degree in a way that is most convenient for you. You will also receive training and instruction from professors who are grounded in their Christian faith and ready to equip you to be a Champion for Christ in the education field.

What Will You Study in Liberty’s PhD in Educational Leadership?

Liberty University’s educational leadership courses integrate theoretical knowledge with the practical skills necessary for effective educational leadership. As you begin our PhD in Educational Leadership degree online, you can learn how to apply organizational theories and models to create and lead higher education organizations and implement best practices. You will also cover issues of effective communication and how to develop productive relationships both inside and outside the school.

Our educational leadership courses teach you how to analyze and evaluate rational and irrational decision-making as it relates to educational leadership and policy formulation. It is important to understand the current issues and trends in educational leadership so you can learn to handle conflict efficiently and effectively.

In addition, you will conduct research and develop your dissertation to contribute to the field of educational leadership. These courses are intense so that you can effectively design and conduct research for your dissertation. This will allow you to take what you’ve gained in your professional degree and apply it to a more focused research doctorate.

Potential Career Opportunities

• College or university administrator
• College or university professor and/or researcher
• District administrator
• Educational change agent
• Educational consultant for an education organization or government agency
• Leadership researcher
• Performance improvement officer
• Principal or assistant principal*

*This will require outside licensure

Featured Courses

• EDUC 701 – Advanced Learning Theory and Research
• EDUC 741 – Theories of Educational Leadership
• EDUC 745 – Organizational Analysis and Problem Solving
• EDUC 840 – Issues and Trends in Educational Leadership

Degree Information

• This program falls under our School of Education .
• View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required) .
• This is a non-licensure program.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online PhD in Educational Leadership

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• An acceptable official college transcript must be issued directly from the institution in a sealed envelope with a signature across the back. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. You may also complete the Transcript Request Form to allow Liberty to attempt to request your transcripts on your behalf.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many educational research courses are required in the online phd program.

Our online PhD program requires 18 hours in educational research courses. Completing your PhD gives you a terminal educational credential that shows employers you have reached the academic pinnacle of your field’s achievement.

Inner Navigation

• Why Choose Liberty?
• What Will You Study?
• Admission Information

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