PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

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University of Denver - Morgridge College of Education PhD Program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Lead the Future of Education with a PhD in Educational Leadership
The ELPS PhD at the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education is a rigorous educational doctoral program designed for individuals committed to advancing educational systems through research, leadership, and policy. The curriculum emphasizes the development of expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, educational leadership, organizational theory, systems theory, and policy analysis

A Transformative Journey Toward Leadership Excellence
With a focus on equity-driven leadership and innovative solutions, the PhD program empowers you to become a leader, scholar, and advocate for meaningful change. Engage in research that shapes educational policy and practice, collaborate with expert faculty, and build the knowledge and skills to influence systems on a local, national, and global scale.

Build Expertise in Educational Leadership and Research
To develop a deep understanding of educational leadership, research, and policy, students customize their coursework in the third year. This includes selecting cognate courses aligned with their research interests and advanced research methods. Completion of the program is marked by the successful defense of a dissertation, with most students finishing the Ph.D. in approximately 4.5 to 5 years

Why Choose ELPS for Your PhD?

Research with Impact: Conduct original research that addresses critical issues in education.
Equity-Focused Curriculum: Gain tools to foster inclusion and equity in diverse educational environments.
Collaborative Community: Join a vibrant network of scholars, practitioners, and educators who are passionate about transforming education.

Take the next step in your career and become a leader equipped to create systemic change. Explore how the PhD in Educational Leadership at Morgridge College of Education can help you achieve your goals.

Start Dates: Summer, Fall

Curriculum: 90 Credit Hours

Program Length: 4 Years

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100% Percentage of graduates employed full-time within 6 months of graduation Morgridge Class of 2022

3 Research focus paths in the third year

100% Percentage of admitted students who receive some form of tuition assistance from the Morgridge College of Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

How our curriculum prepares you for your career in educational leadership

Advance your career at universities, nonprofits or policy agencies

If you're looking to become a trailblazing educational researcher, the ELPS PhD program is tailor-made for you. Here, you'll craft groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of theory, shapes policy decisions, challenges inequitable practices and drives progress in the education sector.
Use research for evidence-informed practice and policy leadership

You will design, conduct and use research for evidence-informed practice and policy leadership.
Become a leader with a future-focus on education

Required coursework in research and leadership is geared towards helping you forge crucial connections among practice, research and theory. In the ELPS program, we set ourselves apart from conventional doctoral programs in education because we firmly believe that the leaders of tomorrow should be forward-thinking, critically conscious, analytical and catalysts for change.
Choose a PhD route to pursue an area of interest or specialized research

After the initial two years of coursework, you will continue with another year in a cognate area of interest and specialized research methodology.
Expand your career within the field of education

ELPS doesn't just react to existing systems—it empowers you to shape the future as a leader. Here, you'll be equipped to revolutionize research, policy and practice in the dynamic and evolving landscape of education.

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Application Information

Admission Steps

Tuition

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Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a master’s degree with GPA of 3.0 higher.

Financial Aid:

100% of admitted students receive some form of tuition assistance from the Morgridge College of Education.
Morgridge College of Education tuition assistance may be in the form of Dean Scholarship and/or a GRA/GTA/GSA tuition waiver.
Eligible students may also qualify for federal and/or state financial aid through FAFSA.
Please contact MCE.finaid@du.edu for more information.

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Advance your career with a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

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Courses for the PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Year 1 and 2 - Foundation Requirements - 55 Credit Hours

RMS 4940 - Structural Foundations of Research in Social Sciences
ADMN 4827 - Foundations of Educational History and Philosophy
RMS 4910 - Introductory Statistics
ADMN 4819 - Organization Theory and Behavior
RMS 4941 - Introduction to Qualitative Research
ADMN 4823 - Equitable and Socially Just Educational Policy Making in the United States
ADMN 4900 - Advanced Inquiry and Analysis
ADMN 4821 - Leading Design Improvement for Equity
ADMN 4820 - Educational Program Evaluation
ADMN 4835 - Leading Teaching and Learning
ADMN 4812 - Perspectives in District Leadership
ADMN 4844 - Critical Policy Analysis for Educational Systems
ADMN 4836 - Improving Organizational Culture
ADMN 4822 - Action Research and Systems Leadership

Third Year of Study - Student Designs With Advisor (see list below for potential options)