Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership program at Saint Louis University prepares students for leadership roles in education and related fields. The program offers a flexible curriculum with core courses in educational leadership and research, allowing students to tailor their coursework to their goals. The program is designed to be rigorous and challenging, and students are expected to be highly motivated and committed to their studies. Graduates hold positions in academia, research, education leadership, and other organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership at Saint Louis University's School of Education prepares students to be scholars, professors and/or organizational leaders. Students enter the SLU program with a master's in education, leadership or a related field. The curriculum is based on a selection of core courses in educational leadership, leadership, and courses that complement students’ professional goals.
Objectives:
- Graduates will apply evidence-based literature to leadership practices.
- Graduates will articulate the use of evidence-based leadership practices within organizations, aspects of running an organization, and leadership theories to analyze issues related to executive-level leadership.
- Graduates will apply leadership concepts in their doctoral research and in the production of their dissertation.
- Graduates will present and discuss the philosophy and ethical foundations of their research study in their oral exams and public defense.
Outline:
The degree requires the completion of 30-36 credits of coursework, 12 credits of dissertation research, a written comprehensive examination, an oral examination/proposal defense and a public defense of the dissertation.
Coursework:
- Select 18 credits of the following:
- EDL 5100 Foundations of Ed Admin
- EDL 5914 Internship: Superintendent Internship
- EDL 6110 School District Administration
- EDL 6190 School, Community, and Politics
- EDL 6200 Ethics of Ed Leadership
- EDL 6300 Advanced School Law
- EDL 6390 Gateway Leadership Institute
- EDL 6400 Sem: Human Resources Admin
- EDL 6450 Managing the District Level Curriculum
- EDL 6470 School Facilities
- EDL 6690 School Business Administration
- EDL 6730 District Level Professional Development and Teacher Evaluation
- EDL 6810 Leading Change in the 21st Century
- EDL 6840 Investigating Managerial Leadership Excellence
- Research Courses:
- Introductory Research Courses (3-9 credits):
- EDR 5000 General Research Methods for Education
- EDR 5100 Intro to Inferential Stats: Ed
- EDR 5400 Qualitative Research in Education
- Advanced Research Courses (6 credits):
- Qualitative Research Focus:
- EDR 5500 Evaluation of Education Programs
- EDR 6400 Advanced Qual Research for Ed
- EDR 6700 Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks in Education Research
- EDI 5800 Talking and Learning in Classrooms
- Quantitative Research Focus:
- EDR 6060 Research Design and Analysis
- EDR 6100 Intermediate Applied Statistics for Education
- EDR 6500 Multilevel Regression Models
- EDR 6600 Designing Mixed Methods Research
- Dissertation Research (12 credits):
- EDR 6990 Dissertation Research
Course Schedule:
The program is designed for full-time enrollment and can be completed in four years. The program includes site-based activities aligned with coursework as well as the three-credit-hour internship if superintendent certification is desired.
Assessment:
- Non-Course Requirements:
- Students must pass a comprehensive written examination.
- Students must pass an oral examination/proposal defense.
Careers:
Possible career paths for graduates with advanced degrees in educational leadership/leadership include faculty positions in colleges and universities, positions in research institutes and organizations, educational leader (superintendent/principal), teacher leader, or leaders within organizations. Additionally, some doctoral students design a special individualized program to prepare for a leadership role in a non-profit, medical, Catholic or business organization.
Other:
- The program includes a fieldwork component.
- The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of settings.
- The program is offered in both Saint Louis and Cyprus.
- The program is designed to be flexible and allow students to tailor their coursework to their individual needs and goals.
- The program is designed to be rigorous and challenging, and students are expected to be highly motivated and committed to their studies.
Saint Louis University
Overview:
Saint Louis University (SLU) is a Jesuit Catholic university with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, student-centered approach, and research-driven environment. SLU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and sciences, business, education, health sciences, law, medicine, nursing, and more.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
SLU provides a vibrant and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on student involvement. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including athletics, service learning, and cultural events. The university also offers resources for student well-being, such as counseling services and wellness programs.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
SLU is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and dedicated faculty.Experiential Learning:
The university emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.Supportive Community:
SLU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment where students can connect with peers, faculty, and staff.Billiken Promise:
This program offers admitted undergraduate students a range of benefits, including virtual internships, guaranteed study abroad opportunities, and flexible scholarships.Academic Programs:
SLU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
94 bachelor's degree programsGraduate:
88 master's degree programsProfessional:
Programs in law, medicine, and other fieldsThe university is particularly known for its strengths in the following areas:
Health Sciences:
Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and other related fieldsBusiness:
Finance, Marketing, Management, and EntrepreneurshipLaw:
Legal studies and practiceArts and Sciences:
Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural SciencesOther:
SLU has a beautiful residential campus located in Midtown St. Louis, Missouri. The university also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, offering study abroad opportunities for students.
Entry Requirements:
- Master's degree: Applicants must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions are required.
- Letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required.
- Résumé: A current résumé outlining relevant work and academic experience is required.
- Professional goal statement: A statement outlining the applicant's professional goals and how the program aligns with those goals is required.
For International Students:
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Proof of Financial Support: International students must provide proof of financial support, including:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University.
- Academic Records: Academic records, in English translation, for postsecondary studies outside the United States are required. These must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
- Application Deadlines: International students have different application deadlines than domestic students.