Academic Programs Catalog

College of Education

Department of Educational Administration

Graduate Study
Education Policy - Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education Policy is designed for persons who show promise of becoming scholars and leaders in state, national, and international policy communities. The program prepares scholars and leaders to understand, evaluate, and implement education policy analysis in universities, research organizations, government agencies, philanthropies and other institutions in the public and private sectors. Students will have opportunities to develop analytical perspectives on current issues in educational policy and to investigate how these issues shape organizations, practice and learning. Students will acquire an understanding of different contexts for educational-policy formation. They will master the skills essential for policy research and analysis.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Persons who hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees from a variety of disciplines may apply for admission to this doctoral program. Applicants with limited backgrounds in education or the underlying policy disciplines of political science, sociology, history, and economics, may be required to complete collateral work that will not count toward the degree requirements.

The review of applications focuses on previous study and experience, compatibility between academic and professional goals and this doctoral program, and demonstration of potential for successful advanced degree work.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Education Policy

Students must complete the requirements specified below:

1. Education Policy Core. All of the following courses (12 credits):
EAD 942 Economics of Education 3
EAD 943 Politics of Education 3
EAD 944 Social Context of Education 3
EAD 947 Comparative International Education Policy 3
2. Education Inquiry and Research.
a. All of the following courses (10 to 12 credits):
CEP 930 Educational Inquiry 3
EAD 946A Regression Analysis for Education Policy 3
EAD 946B Econometric Analysis for Education Policy 3
EAD 995 Research Practicum in Educational Administration 1 to 3
b. One 3-credit qualitative research methods course.
c. One 3-credit advanced research methods course.
3. Concentration in Education Policy (12 credits):
Four courses in disciplinary or policy studies selected to provide the student with competence in a specialized area of research, including at least 3 credits of EAD 949 Advanced Seminar in Education Policy.
4. Dissertation
Successful completion of 24 credits of Doctoral Dissertation Research. Students may not earn more than 30 credits in Doctoral Dissertation Research.