Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership

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Program Link:
https://education.wsu.edu/graduate/edleadership/
Program Handbook:
https://education.wsu.edu/documents/2015/08/ed-leadership-ph-d-handbook.pdf/
Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall September 10

Campus:

  • Pullman

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

  • TOEFL – iBT

Degree Description:

The program for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership is intended to prepare scholars and researchers and focuses on developing and applying theoretical and research knowledge and skills to the field of leadership studies. The Ph.D. program is designed primarily for students who intend to pursue careers in policy, research, or college and university teaching. It may also be appropriate for students who are interested in careers in k-20 education or related fields, though it is more theory and research oriented than the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree.

The Ph.D. dissertation requires the completion of an original, empirical research study that makes a contribution to scholarship in the field of leadership studies. In addition to the traditional dissertation, students may also elect to submit three publishable manuscripts.

Admission Requirements:

Please note restrictions before applying:

  • Students must hold a master’s degree to be considered for admission.
  • There are no assistantships for this program.
  • Degree and certification programs in Educational Leadership do not accept state of Washington tuition waivers.  This includes the following graduate programs: Ed.M., M.A., Ed.D., and  Ph.D., as well as these certification programs: principal, program administrator, and superintendent.

01. WSU Graduate School general application requirements(including application fee). Once in GradCAS search for Washington State University – Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership.

02. Current resume or vitae documenting your educational attainments and highlighting any education related work and/or research experience.

03. Letter of Intent / Statement of Purpose. Please provide a written statement of your scholarly and professional objectives, and how you believe your enrollment in Washington State University’s Ph.D. program will advance these objectives. Your statement should be no more than two pages, single-spaced, and must include the following:

  • A summary of your beliefs and/or values about leadership.
  • A description of leadership or other life experience that relates to graduate study.
  • Your scholarly and/or research interests as an educational leader.
  • The unique contributions you would bring to the graduate degree program and community of research.

04. Academic Writing Sample (i.e., literature review, academic research paper or published article).

05. Three letters of reference. The letters of recommendation should address your

  • scholarship,
  • facility with written, oral, and interpersonal communication,
  • leadership and/or interpersonal skills. (Please do not send placement files.)
  • Two of these letters should be from persons from whom you have taken previous coursework, and one letter should come from an education leader for whom you have worked.
  • If you are unable to contact previous professors, letters should be from individuals qualified to address your ability to be successful academically and professionally.
  • All of the letters should address your qualifications as a potential doctoral student.

06. Complete Educational History and Transcripts from any colleges/universities:

  • Where any degrees have been granted or are expected.
  • That show any graded bachelor’s work and/or graduate-level work (including doctoral) taken after the bachelor’s degree.
  • Unofficial copies may be uploaded with your Graduate School application for application review. If admitted, you will be required to submit official copies to the WSU Graduate School.
  • Official WSU Transcripts are NOT required for coursework taken at WSU.

07. International Students must meet the university’s English proficiency and funding requirements. Please view the current requirements.

08. If applicable, copies of currently held education certificates, front and back.

 

Student Opportunities:

 

Career Opportunities:

K-12 district leadership positions, leadership in public administration or non-profit agencies

Career Placements:

K-12 superintendent, K-12 school district administrator

Contact Information: