Doctoral Program
The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program is distinctive and unique because it:
- Combines different fields of study and disciplines.
- Draws on highly qualified, interdisciplinary faculty and staff.
- Creates the opportunity for stronger partnerships and collaborations.
- Blends theory and and calls for the development of innovative pedagogies.
- Enables deeper reflection about educational achievement in environments that are dynamic, diverse, democratic and socially just.
Program Requirements
Most students graduate from our program in 4 years. You can request a 2-year extension if necessary. Extensions are considered on a case by case basis.
Successful completion requires:
- Completing 82 credits of study (includes courses, colloquia, seminars and thesis)
- Maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Passing the written and oral comprehensive examination
- Successfully defending a final Dissertation
Transfer Credit
- Up to 6 post-masters graduate credits from other universities may be accepted.
- No transfers will be made for the advanced doctoral electives.
- Courses are subject to approval.
- Only courses for which students earned a grade of 3.00 or better will be considered for transfer.
- Transfer credit from research projects or field experiences will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Minimum Criteria
- 3.0 or higher Grade Point Average (GPA) must be maintained
- Students whose GPA drops below 3.0 will enter a probationary period and will have one year to recover their cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher.
- Failure to recover the cumulative GPA to 3.0 or higher will result in dismissal from the program.
Dissertation Expectations
- At the end of their second year, students will take a written comprehensive examination. An oral examination will also be held, so students can defend arguments and positions expressed in their written exams.
- The EdD and PhD paths differ in content and focus during the third and fourth year.
- The EdD path is directed more towards educational practice and the application of theory and research.
- The PhD path is more research and theory oriented.
- Students enroll in a minimum of four dissertation seminars and are assigned advisors to assist in structuring and completing the dissertation.