Hybrid
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Studies
Courses
Courses
The course structure is NOT the same as the master’s/Building Level Administrator/Principal’s license. Courses run the traditional 16 weeks, with an accompanying 1 credit internship.
Students spend an average of 15 hours a week on homework. Most courses are hybrid and 16 weeks long requiring one trip to campus per semester.
The PhD program requires a minimum of 90 credits (with 30 credits from a Master’s degree counted toward the 90 credits), preliminary examinations, and a dissertation. Applicants are expected to have earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and/or hold a Building Level Administrator/Principal license. Courses in the cohort program are aligned with Indiana District Level Administrator (superintendent license). The program consists of a set of seven core courses in educational leadership, six with an accompanying one credit internship. The program is designed so students will complete cohort doctoral core coursework in two and a half years, with an additional year or year and a half to complete the dissertation. Students are expected to attend all cohort courses in sequence throughout the program.
- EDST 51300 – Educational Facilities Planning (3 credits)
Systems approach as a basis for planning, construction, and utilization of school facilities. Emphasis on providing facilities to enhance teaching /learning processes in meeting educational needs of diverse learners. - EDST 59100 Research in Educational Leadership (3 credits)
- EDST 60800 – Business Management in Education (3 credits)
Vision and ethics as components of transformational leadership. Understanding and developing the characteristics associated with transformational leadership. - EDST 61200 – Transformational Leadership (3 credits)
An analysis of current research and theory related to selected topics in educational administration and curriculum. - EDST 61300 – Learning Environments (3 credits)
Management of teaching and learning systems; diagnostic processes and evaluation. - EDST 61400 – Leadership for Community Collaboration and Development (3 credits)
Place of the school district in the larger community. Emphases on building community relationships, communication to diverse audiences, and community development. - EDST 61500 – Educational Policy and Decision Making (3 credits)
Legal, political, and economic relationships to education; policy issues and analysis. - EDST 61600 – Analytical Techniques in Educational Management (3 credits)
Management functions and processes, including applications of technology; organizational change and development. - EDST 69500 – Internship – District Administrator (6 credits)
The “practicum” in which theoretical and research-based work in the core courses is integrated with field-based work of the administrator by working with administrative mentors. A one-hour internship accompanies six of the core courses, for a total of 6 hours. - EDCI 61500 Qualitative Research Methods in Education (3 credits)
- EDPS 55600 Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis I (3 credits)
- EDPS 55700 Introduction to Quantitative Data Analysis II (3 credits)
- EDPS 63000 Research Procedures in Education (3 credits)
The program contains a sequence of the core courses, 6 credits of related area courses, and 15 credits in dissertation research hours. Students will schedule on a case-by-case basis additional electives and courses that may be required to complete the degree and license.
Careers
Create a Flexible Career in Education
A degree in educational leadership can lead to many careers. Professionals can find jobs working predominantly with students or pursue roles where they interact primarily with staff members and teachers. Educational leaders can find employment at elementary schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, in addition to some non-school settings.
School leadership is difficult. With budget cuts, evaluations based on standardized assessments, and the developing social structure of today’s education. School leaders need to be creative and empathetic to find solutions to complex and sensitive issues in our schools.
School leaders can foster relationships with students, staff and parents that will last a lifetime. They help create a more engaging learning environment, and they get to work in one of the best professions. That is why educators become school leaders.
It is important to check with your states department of education office to find out what is needed for school administrator licensing. Additional requirements may be needed for leadership positions in schools
Job Titles
- Superintendent
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- District Administrator
- Building Administrator
- Instructional Coordinator
- Education Consultant
- Education Researcher
Admissions
Admissions
The program admits new students in fall only. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by faculty.
For more information, please see the Application Roadmap.
If you already possess a PhD and would like to learn more about the non-degree licensure only program District Administrator: Superintendent program, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies.
Prior to admission to this program, applicants must:
- Hold a completed master’s degree in educational leadership and/or hold a Building Level Administrator/Principal’s license
- Hold a valid Indiana Instructional license
- Complete a Purdue Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR)
- Complete a Purdue Graduate Application
If you hold an instructional license in a state other than Indiana, please contact The Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before applying.
To qualify for Indiana licensure, applicants to this program must
- Complete all degree requirements for this PhD degree at the time of licensure application,
- Meet all requirements outlined in the TECR, including successfully passing the approved District Level Administrator content exam, and
- Must have two years of verifiable teaching experience in an accredited school while holding said Indiana Instructional license at the time of license application.
Please contact the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before applying for this program to verify licensure status and eligibility.
Please see our webpage on Graduate Application Helpful Tips. If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please reach out to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR) Steps:
- Carefully read the Application Roadmap to learn more about how to submit your TECR request.
- In the Area of Interest, Under the Administrative License Programs (Online or Hybrid) select the following: District Level Administrator – (Superintendent)
- There is a $35.00 TECR fee for this program, and processing takes about two weeks for your TECR letter to be uploaded with your graduate application and emailed to you.
- If you do not have a license in the state of Indiana, please contact the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before continuing with the TECR and graduate application.
Graduate Application Steps
- Create an application account and log in to start your graduate application.
- Select the following options for the PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with District Level Licensure program:
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
- Select your proposed graduate major: Educational Studies
- First Choice Program Details Tab:
- Please select an Area of Interest: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
- Please select a degree objective: Doctor of Philosophy
- Primary Course Delivery: Hybrid
- Campus and Program Tab:
- Some sections of the application that are NOT required include the following:
- Test Scores
- In the Additional Information section, faculty selections may be made, but are not required. Faculty advisors are assigned by the program area.
- Submit 3 Recommendations
- Upload the required materials, listed below. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about these requirements.
- Resume
- Personal History Statement
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- International applicants who are eligible for an Indiana licensure program must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Purdue Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars. For information about Indiana licensure program requirements, international applicants may visit the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure webpage.
- Follow the instructions in the Application Roadmap for submitting your official transcripts.
- Once you are ready to submit your graduate application, please complete all sections, submit the application, and pay the nonrefundable application fee by credit card.
- The application must be fully submitted (and the application fee paid) in order for your application to be reviewed and considered for admission.
- Check the status of your submitted application by logging into the application portal.
- Once your application is complete, you will receive an email from edgrad@purdue.edu indicating that your application is complete and will be submitted for review.
This program is subject to our Licensure Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to publicly disclose to prospective and currently enrolled students whether certain programs meet the education requirements for licensure or certification in the state or territory in which they reside. “Programs Leading to Professional Licensure” is defined as programs represented to prepare students for an occupation for which, at completion of the program, a local, state or federal license, or nongovernmental certification is required (i) as a precondition for employment, (ii) to perform certain functions, or (iii) to meet additional conditions that are generally needed to secure employment.
The Purdue University Teacher Education Program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the State of Indiana. However, not all undergraduate and graduate programs lead to an educator licensure in the State of Indiana. If your Teacher Education program includes field experience(s) and a student teaching or internship component, it may lead to an educator license in the State of Indiana, if you meet the licensure requirements. Contact your academic/faculty advisor and/or the Office of Teacher and Licensure to verify your program enrollment and whether or not it leads to a license in the State of Indiana.
The State of Indiana has reciprocity agreements with other states, the District of Columbia, and territories. For licensing information contact information for individual state departments of education or visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) or email a Purdue University licensing officer/advisor.
Start Your Giant Leap with One Small Step
Cost
Cost
The PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program is affordable and competitive in cost.
| Tuition | Indiana Resident | Non-Indiana Resident* |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Credit Hour | $450 | $563 |
| Credit Hours | 90 | 90 |
| Estimated Tuition Costs** | $40,500 | $50,670 |
Additional Information
*The program is billed per credit hour; depending on the number of credit hours will determine your per semester cost. Total Estimated Tuition Cost is based on the total required credit hours. Tuition costs are subject to increase based on approval by the Purdue University Trustees.
*Textbooks and course materials are not included
*Faculty and staff fee remissions are not valid with this program.
^International Student Fee is assessed each term. Current rates are available on the Bursar website.
**The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Licensure
Licensure Information
This program leads to an Indiana District Level Administrator Superintendent License which requires applicants to first possess a valid Indiana Instructional License. Non-Indiana applicants are not guaranteed licensure in Indiana or any other state. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before continuing with the program application if you have questions about licensure.
testimonial
The Purdue Educational Leadership PhD program provides an excellent opportunity for educators to be challenged intellectually and learn together in a cohort model that allows for meaningful collaboration and dialogue.
SEAN GALIHER
Principal
program FACULTY
Learn From the Experts
Our faculty are nationally recognized and have the ability to work personally with students to individualize their plan of study to meet personal career interests and goals. These faculty will oversee the intensive coursework required.
Faculty Advisory Board
Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Advisory Board was formed to contribute to the currency and quality of the academic program, facilitate the placement of graduates and enhance the reputation of the program.
Dr. Todd Bess
Executive Director, Indiana Association of School Principals
Dr. Jeff Butts
Superintendent, M.S.D. Wayne Township
Dr. Scott Deetz
Superintendent, Madison-Grant United School Corporation
Dr. Phil Downs
Superintendent, M.S.D. Southwest Allen County
Dr. Daniel Hile
Superintendent, Noblesville Schools
Margaret “Maggie” Hoernemann
Retired (Superintendent), Avon Community School Corporation
Dr. Steven Hope
Superintendent, Goshen Schools
Rocky Killion
Superintendent, West Lafayette Community School Corporation
Dr. Pascal Losambe
Speaker and Consultant in Education, Organizational Culture, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Synergy Consulting Company
Karie Mize
Elementary Principal, Avon Community School Corporation
Dr. Dennisha Murff
Curriculum Coordinator, Language Assistance Program, Education
Dr. Beth Niedermeyer
Superintendent, Noblesville Schools
Dr. Michael Parsons
Principal, Clifty Creek Elementary School
Michael Pinto
Principal, Tippecanoe School Corporation
Laurie Rinehart
Assistant Director of Curriculum, Lafayette School Corporation
Dr. Terry Sargent
Vice President, Lancer + Beebe, LLC, Architecture
Dr. Stacey Schmidt
Superintendent, Porter Township School Corporation
Dr. Jerry Thacker
Superintendent of Schools, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
Dr. Nikki C. Woodson
Superintendent of Schools, Metropolitan School District of Washington Township
Frequently asked questions
90 credits (with 30 credits from a master’s degree counting toward the 90 credits)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Studies with a concentration of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. This information will be listed on the transcript, and the diploma states the degree objective.
Most courses are 16-week courses. The hybrid model includes Saturday campus meetings two times per semester
Just the delivery method. The hybrid courses consist of the same content of the Purdue courses and are taught by the same faculty as traditional on-campus programs.
Plan on devoting 15 hours a week on coursework, depending on the course requirements and your study habits.
Interested in this program?
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