Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D). in Education with a Concentration in Educational Policy and Theory
(ISIS code: AT1)

This program offers an interdisciplinary course of study spanning the domains of educational thought, such as the history, sociology, and philosophy of education, and educational policy studies--which is grounded in the disciplines of economics and law, and addresses such topics as the assessment of educational policies and decision procedures, and the policy implications of new research findings and court decisions. The structure of the program permits a wide range of specializations at the dissertation and pre dissertation stages, while providing a suitably broad preparation in the various methods of conceptual-analytic research. The program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis but a minimum of one year of residency is required.

Requirements

I. Entry-level Courses
(Up to 30 credits)

Entry-level or advanced coursework in education or related fields, up to 30 credits can be transferred into the program from previous graduate work.

II. Research Methods Courses
(9 credits)

ED 506 Concepts and Issues in Social Science Research (formerly titled Doctoral Research Methods)
ED 504 Quantitative Research Methods I
ED 507 Qualitative Research Methods

Learn more about Research Methods Experiences for Ph.D. students.

III. Program Core
(Minimum 15 credits)

Choose one course in the area of educational policy; eligible courses include:

EDU413 Contemporary Issues in Education Policy
ED464 State and Federal Education Policy
EDU492 Governance, Policy, and Administration of Higher Education

Choose four additional courses, one each from one of the following key areas:

1. Philosophy - eligible courses include:
   ED428 Ethics and Education
   ED411 Philosophy of Education
   ED517 Schooling and Social Justice
2. Sociology - eligible courses include:
   ED412 Sociology of Education
   EDU405 Organizational Theory and Behavior
3. Law and Governance - eligible courses include:
   ED465 School Governance and the Rights of Students and Teachers
   EDU490 Higher Education Law
4. History - eligible courses include:
   ED410 History of American Education
   ED417 Education of American Women: A Social and Cultural History
   EDU493 History of Higher Education
   EDU419 History of Educational Leadership through Biography
   ED522 Historical Research Methods
5. Economics/Finance - eligible courses include:
   EDU411 Education Finance Issues in K-12 School Systems
   EDU496 Fiscal Policy Issues in Higher Education
6. Politics - eligible courses include:
   ED461 Politics of Education

IV. Electives

Choose other courses with your advisor to help you develop content and research methods expertise to prepare for a dissertation on a topic addressing educational thought and policy.

V. Research Apprenticeship
(Up to 6 credits)

VI. Dissertation Research
(30 credits)

VII. Additional Requirements/Milestones:

• Successful completion of a portfolio within the first two years in the program
• Successful completion of research apprenticeship/second year paper
• Successful completion of comprehensive exams
• Successful defense of the dissertation
• Residency requirement: two successive semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) of full-time study (12 credits a semester or 9 credits a semester if holding an assistantship)

Total Credit Hours: 90

Go to Educational Leadership Department Course Listings.