| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-08-04 | - |
| 2024-04-01 | - |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Strategic Leadership in Education (SLE) Ph.D. program equips senior-level practitioners with advanced leadership and management skills for roles in education-oriented organizations. Combining research and practice, the hybrid program prepares graduates to address complex educational challenges and lead change through innovative practices. Students complete core courses, research methodology, an area of concentration, and a dissertation under faculty guidance.
Program Outline
This Strategic Leadership in Education (SLE) Ph.D. program equips senior-level practitioner-scholars from diverse backgrounds for advanced leadership and management roles in PreK-12 schools and districts, adult and higher education institutions, education-oriented foundations, non-profit and faith-based organizations, and government.
Objectives:
- Provide the skills needed to change the trajectory of education through research and innovative practices.
- Equip graduates for success as both senior leaders in education-oriented organizations and as scholars in the field of Educational Leadership.
- Combine research and practice to address complex educational issues.
Program Description:
- This research-based, leadership-focused Ph.D. program is designed for aspiring leaders in education, business, and faith-based organizations.
- The program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online classes and on-campus sessions.
- Students will complete 60 credit hours within four years.
- The curriculum includes core courses in educational leadership theory, research methods, and areas of concentration.
- Students will complete a dissertation under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Outline:
Core Courses (24 Credits):
- EDL 6010N: Leadership: Theory to Practice
- EDL 6020N: Emotional Intelligence and Servant Leadership
- ETP 6510: The Entrepreneurial Mindset
- EDL 6100: Equity and Social Justice
- EDL 6120: Strategic Planning in Educational Organizations
- EDL 6200: Leadership for Change and Innovation
- BSA 6820: Predictive Analytics
Research Methodology (12 Credits):
- EDL 6710: Qualitative Methods
- EDL 6750: Applied Research in Education
Areas of Concentration (15 Credits):
Educational Leadership Concentration:
- EDL 6010E: Educational Policy and Advocacy
Faith and Justice Leadership Concentration:
- CTM 6401: Faith and Civic Engagement
Management/Entrepreneurship Concentration:
- MGT 6900: Human Resource Management
Dissertation (9 Credits):
- Completion of a research-based dissertation under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Assessment:
- Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including coursework, research projects, and a dissertation.
- The dissertation will be reviewed by a committee of faculty members.
Teaching:
- The program features a diverse faculty with extensive experience in education and research.
- The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and case studies.
- The program also offers opportunities for students to engage in research and collaboration with faculty members.
Careers:
- Graduates of the program are prepared for leadership roles in education-oriented organizations, including:
- PreK-12 schools and districts
- Adult and higher education institutions
- Education-oriented foundations
- Non-profit and faith-based organizations
- Government
Other:
- The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- The program is offered in a hybrid format, which allows students to balance their studies with their professional and personal commitments.
- The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals.
Academics:
- A completed Belmont graduate application, specifically selecting the Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership in Education as the program of study.
- Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate post-secondary institutions attended.
- Minimum three to five years of professional experience.
- Evidence of academic achievement, which may optionally include graduate standardized test scores.
- Three professional references, including individuals who can attest to your professional experience and one who can comment on your previous academic performance and suitability for doctoral studies.
- A roughly 1,000-word writing sample discussing your career aspirations, how the program relates to those goals, and your desired new knowledge and skills from the program.
Interview:
- An interview with the program director or program faculty is required.
Additional requirements:
Summary:
Belmont University's Ph.D. program in Strategic Leadership in Education emphasizes identifying and nurturing emerging and established leader-scholars with the vision to "Change the World" through their roles in education. Admission is based on various criteria, ranging from academic achievement and professional experience to writing samples and interviews.
