The program requires completion of a five-chapter research dissertation that is expected to be based on theory, generate new knowledge and prepare you for a career in one of the more research intensive fields. The program requires 42 credit hours of coursework (15 hours in leadership; 15 hours in research; 12 hours in a specialty area) and also requires at least 4 credits of dissertation credit (most usually a few more than 4). We expect the program to take a minimum of 4 years, though more typical is 5 to 6 years. We admit cohorts of students in the Fall and the application deadline is generally around February 15th of each year.

The Ph.D. in Education Sciences with a specialization in Educational Leadership Studies program requires successful completion of 42 credit hours of postmaster?s graduate coursework including ten required courses and four elective courses described below.

Upon admission to the program, the student will be assigned an advisory chair. The student must meet with her or his advisory chair during the first semester to develop an individualized Curriculum Contract that will be reviewed annually and updated as needed.