Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Ph.D.

Program Overview

The University of Vermont's Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is a multidisciplinary full-time program (4-5 years) examining complex educational and social problems through the integration of multiple theoretical, methodological, and disciplinary lenses.

We prepare candidates with a high level of scholarly competence and capacity to contribute knowledge in their field. Our scholars analyze and inform the development of educational systems and public policies that will positively impact the lives of our children and youth, and address broad societal issues.

The Ph.D. program is for scholars who wish to pursue research and teaching careers in universities and/or research and policy positions in government agencies, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and other public and private sector organizations.

As a scholar in our program, you will:

• focus on research training that uses advanced quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches to add to theoretical knowledge;
• emphasize publication of research findings to enhance knowledge in education and social services; and
• develop areas of interdisciplinary specialization.

"The strength of the department’s faculty and researchers as well as the infrastructure to support high-quality research drew me to apply to this program. Four years later, I can honestly say that the program surpassed all my expectations. I am truly happy to be a Catamount.” – Hans Cabra, Ph.D. 

Faculty

Visit our doctoral faculty profiles to learn about their internationally recognized teaching, research and service collaborations. 

Assistantships, Funding and Scholarships

• Funding and scholarships for doctoral students
• Research travel grants
• Academic Assistantships

Information Sessions

Meet our faculty and learn more about the program:

Sign up to attend an online information session.

How to Apply

The Admissions section/tab of this page provides specific guidance on the application process.

Contact Us

• Email: cessphd@uvm.edu
• Phone: (802) 656-2936
• Submit the inquiry form below.

You are also welcome to reach out to our Office of Graduate Student and Program Services for help.

Curriculum

Degree Requirements

The course work and experiences for each student's program are organized around four major themes, which provide the framework of the program:

• critical theoretical perspectives
• organizational theory, change, and leadership
• policy studies and political processes
• process of inquiry/applied research and utilization of knowledge

Concentrations

The concentration areas reflect the discipline-based expertise areas that students develop:

• educational leadership and policy studies
• curriculum and instructional leadership
• higher education leadership
• social policy

Schedule of Coursework

The program requires a minimum of 75 semester credit hours comprised of:

• coursework divided into 21 core credits, 18 research credits, and 15 focus area electives.
• an additional 21 credits of dissertation research

Cohort (Year 1 & 2)

During the first two years, students participate in the learning community known as the cohort, comprised of both research and core coursework. The content of these courses includes critical perspectives and theory, emerging views of leadership, organizational development and change, and policy and politics.

Program of Study

• In the first year, students consult their advisor start to think about a concentration focus, and to start to develop an individually designed plan of study.
• In the second or third year, students should start to think about forming a program committee of three faculty members from CESS whose expertise can support their research interests.

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive exam is both oral and written. The individualized exam is prepared in consultation with the student’s program committee with the goal of producing a draft publication during or after the final semester of completing coursework requirements (not including the dissertation writing seminar). The draft paper is to be presented at a CESS Research Colloquium either in the spring or fall semester but before the student can defend their dissertation proposal.

Dissertation

Journal article format with a focus on original research illustrating mastery of competing theories with the goal of informing knowledge (per Graduate College guidelines). This format requires that the candidate will complete 3 journal articles with the goal of manuscript submissions for publication in a refereed journal.

Admissions

Application and Admissions Information

Application Deadline: January 15.

Online Application

Application Requirements:

• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study
• Statement of purpose
• Writing sample
• Three letters of reference that speak to academic excellence and the potential for undertaking doctoral study

Expected Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related field such as educational leadership, educational studies, higher education, public administration, counseling, social work, or curriculum and instruction characterized by a distinguished academic record
• Demonstrated commitment in letters of application and references to social change and justice with experience in inquiry at a level that will predict successful research and college teaching
• Research interests compatible with those of CESS faculty
• Strong inquiry and writing skills