Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, PhD

Learning Outcomes

Specialized Content Knowledge

The department expects students to acquire and display mastery of a broad and deep knowledge of disciplines associated with one’s specialization (educational leadership; or higher education and student affairs) covering content that contributes to the historical, current, philosophical, and applied dimensions of the field.

Critical Thinking and Analytical Writing

Students will acquire capacities for theoretical and evidentiary based analysis to critique and synthesize disparate and interdisciplinary perspectives within their specialization.

Empirical Skills

Students will develop skills for conducting assessment, evaluation, and research on phenomena associated with individuals and organizations associated with educational organizations, educationally aligned sectors, and individuals affiliated with or impacted by education.

Impact and Practical Application

Students will acquire skills for engaging in the higher education professional communities by participating in research and/or practitioner organizations focused on translation and application.

Leadership and Collaboration

Students will be able to analyze, articulate, and respond to complex problems using theory, evidence, and cooperation with those affected by the issues.

Ethical, Inclusive, and Equitable Practice

Students will gain skills in identifying and responding to educational inequities at the individual, organizational, and institutional level. Specifically, students will apply their skills to advance educational inclusion and facilitate organizational change and reform.