Educational Leadership & Policy (Ph.D.) Program Curriculum & Admission Requirements

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Coursework

Students must take a major concentration of 36 hours described as follows: 12 hours of departmental core, 12 hours in ELPS , and 9 hours outside of ELPS. Students must also take 1 course in addition to the 12-credit research requirement, thus fulfilling a minimum of 15 hours of research methods. Research courses must include at least one qualitative and one quantitative course.

Comprehensive examination

Upon completion of all coursework, the student is eligible for the comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination consists of both a written and oral part and test the student's knowledge of the areas of the coursework; ability to reason, evaluate and draw supportable conclusions within the context of the subject area; and knowledge of current issues and trends within the field. A portion of the exam will be devoted to the student's elective minor and research methods.

Dissertation

The purpose of the dissertation is to study a significant education problem in a theoretically and methodologically sophisticated way. The student is expected to generate original knowledge in a specialized field and contribute to resolving important problems of questions within the field of educational leadership and policy.

Teaching requirement

A college teaching experience is not required but is highly recommended for students who are not GTAs but who are interested in pursuing a faculty position.

Residency requirements

Students must complete the SOEHS PhD residency requirements during which time they are engaged in full-time academic study.

View residency requirements

Program Curriculum

The program’s curriculum reflects the needs and aspirations of each student, and prepares researchers, teachers and educational leaders for a variety of settings. The student will work closely with an advisor to determine a plan of study. The curriculum requirements outlined below are the minimum required for the degree. To be adequately prepared for an intended career, the student’s advisor may encourage additional coursework or opportunities which may include presenting and/or publishing scholarly papers.

Core Requirements

ELPS Proseminar Class
ELPS class on Equity & Access in Educational Systems
ELPS class on Education in World Historical Perspectives

Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling.

Additional requirements

ELPS core courses: 12 cr. hours
ELPS elective courses: 12 – 15 cr. hours
Non-ELPS Elective courses: 9 cr. hours
Research methods courses: 1 course in addition to the 12-credit research requirement, thus fulfilling a minimum of 15 hours of research methods

Graduate Admission

Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent with at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. International applicants are strongly encourage to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines, in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants are strongly advised to contact one (or more) of the faculty members in the department prior to applying for the doctoral program.

Application Deadlines

Mar. 3, 2025

Fall semester priority* deadline

Apr. 1, 2025

Fall semester final deadline

Application Checklist

Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

Online application
Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions
Transcripts
One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended
English translation of transcripts
Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation
GRE exam scores (optional)
Official copy of scores no older than five years
CV or Resume
Please include at a minimum

• Post-high school education.
• Relevant professional and/or scholarly experience.
• Research experience and other pertinent experience.
• Honors, other recognitions received.
• Conference presentations, publications, reports.
Statement of purpose
Please submit a succinct statement of purpose, no more than five pages in length. Click the link above for details.

Writing samples
These can include professional works (not necessarily academic papers), formal reports, and other pertinent work. The writing sample(s) should demonstrate your ability to think critically and/or analytically about an issue or a task. We are looking for documents of substantive quality and length, tough there is no official minimum or maximum page limit.
Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendations from three individuals who can speak directly to the applicant’s academic skills and potential for rigorous, independent doctoral level work. Preferably the letters will be from current or former professors but can also include a letter from an immediate supervisor.
Phone or Video Conference Interview
After initial screening, ELPS faculty may invite you for an interview to address remaining questions about your objectives and fit for the program. The interview may also involve an interactive evaluation of your scholarly skills and potential.
Proof of English proficiency
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency
Application fee
$65 for U.S. residents, $85 for international applicants.

Admission & Curriculum Resources

The online application is designed to give applicants the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.

Apply Online request info

Related Info:

Program Faculty

Lena Batt

Assistant Professor

Jennifer Bessolo

Professor of the Practice, Masters of Educational Administration Program Coordinator, Educational Doctorate Program Coordinator for K-12 Administration