Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Hybrid PhD

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Hybrid

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Studies

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Overview
Courses
Careers
Admissions
Cost
Licensure
Testimonial
Faculty
FAQ

OVERVIEW

The P-12 Cohort PhD program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Purdue University develops leaders for the schools of Indiana and the nation. The graduate program at West Lafayette offers preparation in educational leadership for P-12 schools and school districts. The Cohort Doctoral Program concentrates on P-12 superintendent preparation and research in P-12 educational leadership and policy studies. The learning format is a hybrid degree program featuring a combination of virtual class meetings, online content, and internship experiences in your own school or local area.

Purdue quality. Flexible schedule.

Hybrid students benefit from the same rigorous academic programs as on-campus students, but with increased class schedule flexibility. Assignments, discussions, and other coursework are posted each week in the virtual classroom.

For information on admission requirements and license eligibility, please view the Admissions section.

Jun 30

Application Deadline

Jun 15

TECR Request Deadline (Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review)

credit program

week course length

$450

cost per credit hour (Indiana Resident)

$563

cost per credit hour (Non-Indiana Resident)

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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)

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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

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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.

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
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

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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.}

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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

Three teachers standing next to each other in a hallway.

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.

Bryan J. Duarte

Assistant Professor

Alice Johnson

Associate Clinical Professor

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.

Frequently asked questions

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Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

OVERVIEW

Purdue quality. Flexible schedule.