EDLPPHD - Educational Leadership and Policy
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The PhD requires a minimum of 63 units with an emphasis on theory and research in the field of educational leadership and policy. Students complete this requirement by taking core courses in educational leadership and policy (12 units), research methods courses (12 units), electives (12 units), courses in a minor area of study (9-12 units), and a dissertation (18 units). Students should consult their doctoral advisor as they develop their plan of study.
Required Core (12 units)
course: Research and Data-Based Decision Making (3) - should be taken during first semester
course: Advanced Foundations of Educational Leadership: Theory, Research & Practice (3)
course: Policy Analysis in Education (3)
Methods Courses (12 units)
course: Qualitative Methods in Education (3) OR course: Qualitative Methods in Higher Education (3)
course: Quantitative Research Methods for Equity-Driven Educational Leader (3) OR course: Statistical Analysis in Higher Education (3)
Select 2 of the following course options:
Dissertation (18 units)
PhD candidates will select electives (12 units) in consultation with their advisors that support research interests or enhance skills and theoretical knowledge. Electives may also be taken in other programs. Please note: If student is taking any of the following courses as part of a minor, they cannot be counted towards major requirements.
course: Leadership and Change in Organizations (3)
course: Foundations of Emancipatory Education (3)
course: Leadership for Educational and Organizational Change (3)
course: Language Policy and Leadership in Bilingual Education (3)
course: Issues in Educational Leadership (3)
course: Topics in Educational Leadership (3)
course: Research in Educational Leadership (3)
course: Independent Study (1-3)
Dissertation (18 units) taken after completing the Comprehensive Exam.
Comprehensive Examination
The Comprehensive Examination is the gateway to doctoral candidacy, the dissertation proposal, the dissertation and graduation. The Comprehensive Examination is completed once all coursework has been concluded (without any incompletes). This examination is based on what you have learned in your course work applied to a current researchable topic of interest and requires using transferable academic skills including but not limited to planning, writing, conduction a literature review, understanding the research process, methods and design, and facility using various theoretical approaches to research and policy. PhD candidates must be enrolled for at least 3 credits in the semester they take their oral examination. Students have 5.5 years to complete their degree after successful completion of the Comprehensive Exam.
The first part of the process includes a written document. With advisor and committee approval of your written comprehensive exam, the oral component of the examination can be scheduled.
When the student has passed the written and oral portions of the Comprehensive Examination, and the Graduate Student Academic Services office has confirmed completion of the required courses on the approved doctoral Plan of Study, the student will advance to doctoral candidacy.
Dissertation Requirements
The dissertation is an independent original research project that is the culmination of your graduate studies. A dissertation research project will add to the body of knowledge in the fields of leadership or policy by expanding on previous foundational research. The dissertation process is carefully scaffolded to guide PhD candidates to completion. Close work with an advisor is essential. Committee members can make significant contributions.
This is coursework (9-12 units) taken outside of the EDLP program that will complement your major and your research interests. Work in this program must be approved by your major and minor advisors.
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.