The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs is to prepare students for careers in the professoriate or to pursue work as a policy analyst, researcher, consultant, or school practitioner. The Ph.D. degree in Educational Leadership requires extensive contact with and immersion in the university culture.
The program requires 15 hours of research course work, extensive interaction with faculty on research projects and an expectation to present at research conferences or publish in research outlets.
Both the doctoral programs emphasize the development of theoretical thinking and knowledge development in the field of educational leadership. Distinctions between the Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees should be noted by prospective applicants. Toward this end, students who apply to the Ph.D. degree should provide a written rationale as to why they wish to pursue this degree, how its focus and purposes are consistent with their career goals, and how they plan to meet the on-campus residency requirement.

