University of Dayton, Ohio

Doctor of Educational Leadership

Welcome to the Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership program!

Mission Statement

The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership Program is designed for educators who are committed to providing leadership at the elementary, secondary and collegiate levels. The program seeks to prepare scholar-practitioners and leaders who:

• Value both speculative and practical knowledge and engage in continuous inquiry on professional concerns.
• Deliberate with colleagues upon organizational purposes and the means for achieving them.
• Work selflessly with others.
• Commit themselves to improving the quality of life within society.

Marianist Philosophy

The administration, faculty, and staff take a Catholic and Marianist approach to education that:

• Maintains an environment of intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional growth.
• Models reflective practitioner behavior.
• Engages students in inquiry on the major issues and challenges confronting the profession.
• Supports foundational research efforts that have implications for social policy.
• Maintains rigorous academic standards.
• Provides quality classroom instruction.
• Provides and maintains a spirit of equity in program conduct.
• Conducts interpersonal interactions with integrity and justice.

We offer two doctoral degree programs!

We share faculty, staff and resources with the University of Dayton's Department of Educational Leadership, which offers a master's degree and a specialist degree, as well as licensure programs for principals and superintendents and in curriculum/instruction/professional development (CIPD).

Download the Doctor in Educational Leadership program brochure (pdf) >>

The Doctor in Educational Leadership program offers a choice of two concentrations:

PK-12 School Administration

The concentration in school administration is designed to prepare educators for the following types of positions: administrative roles in elementary and secondary education, educational researchers, consultants and professors of school administration. Students pursuing this concentration may take additional courses to meet the requirements for a principal's license or a superintendent's license.

Concentration Coordinator: Dr. Theodore Kowalski

Higher Education

This specialization comprises a seven-course sequence probing the important literature, concepts and practices in higher education. Using reflective inquiry to generate right questions, moral inquiry to ground decisions and action inquiry to guide praxis, this program models an ongoing transformative process.

Concentration Coordinator: Dr. Michele Welkener

We over advanced degree coursework as well as residency hours.

Coursework

The Doctor of Educational Leadership Program requires 63 semester hours for completion and offers Ph.D. students a choice between concentrations in PK-12 school administration or higher education administration. Both concentrations require a minimum of 21 semester hours of appropriate courses.

All Ph.D. students must complete a nine-semester hour core program during the first year of enrollment.

Formal coursework in the program is organized around the concepts of research, foundations and organizational behavior. Coursework in an academic field outside of education is also encouraged.

Requirements

• Foundations courses: 6 hours
• Program concentration courses: 21 hours
• Research courses: 12 hours
• Residency and dissertation: 9 hours
• Organizational principles and issues: 6 hours
• Cognate (non-concentration) courses: 9 hours
• Independent study: No more than 6 hours

Residency

Residency is completed during the first three consecutive terms (fall, spring, summer) following admission to the program; a minimum of six semester hours of coursework must be completed in each of these terms.

Comprehensive Examination

In addition to completing coursework and residency requirements, students will successfully complete written examinations based on the content of their coursework and dissertation research topics.

Hear what former graduates have to say!

Rusty Clifford
Superintendent of West Carrollton City Schools

Named 2013 Ohio School Superintendent of the Year by the Buckeye Association of School Administrators

A University of Dayton Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership is a life-changing, career-enhancing opportunity and an experience of a lifetime. It exponentially links scholar and practitioner – leadership and learners – innovation and sustainability. This doctoral program is not for the “light-hearted.” It is rigorous, stimulating, challenging, rewarding, character building, enlightening, relevant, empowering, systematic, energizing, and purposeful. My doctoral experience at U.D. was and has been, without a doubt, the pinnacle of my 41 years in education, and I’m just getting warmed up. The professors are demanding, dedicated, caring, and focused on student success. The support and resources are extensive and accessible. Since 1998, I think, read, write, reason, communicate, process, synthesize, and create in ways I never would have imagined. You will never work harder but never be more satisfied and fulfilled with the outcome – a Ph.D. from the University of Dayton.  

David L. Collins
Interim Senior Vice President and Provost
Sinclair Community College

The Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership at the University of Dayton was challenging and rewarding. I appreciated the rigor of the curriculum, the expertise and dedication of the faculty, and the diverse backgrounds of the classmates in my cohort. The program assisted me in further developing my writing, research and critical thinking skills, which are essential attributes for any leadership position. I credit the Ph.D. program with preparing me to serve in key leadership roles at Kettering College and Sinclair Community College.

Steven Hinshaw
Finance Director, City of Centerville,
Centerville, Ohio

The Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership at the University of Dayton was a positive, life-changing experience for me. The faculty challenged me to think creatively and to think about problems from a perspective of service, justice, and peace. I still use these critical thinking skills today and often reflect on my time at UD – even a decade after graduation. The program is flexible enough to allow students to pursue their individual interests, and I always felt supported and encouraged at every step of the process, from initial application to graduation. If you are looking for a university that educates students to adapt and change in this dynamic world, then this is the place for you.

We have what you need to succeed!

Matrix & Schedules of Courses

• Composite Schedule, Spring 2013 (pdf) >>
• Important Dates, Spring 2013 (pdf) >>
• Course Matrix, 2012-2014 (pdf) >>

Information

• Graduate School Dissertation Guidelines >>
• Doctoral Student Handbook (pdf) >>
• Meet our Ph.D. alumni (pdf) >>

Preparing to Graduate

• Candidate Checksheet (pdf) >>

We offer a variety of opportunities outside of the classroom!

Apply to the Ph.D. Program!

Choosing a university is an important step to your overall academic career. It's important to make sure that the institutions to which you apply have the programs and resources that meet your personal and academic needs.

We believe that the School of Education & Allied Professions offers some of the best academic and student-services programs. Our students are some of the most accomplished and motivated students anywhere. Explore the university for yourself. Use the links below to learn more about what it takes to be a Flyer.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership program must submit the following information in addition to the online application:

• Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities must be submitted directly from the colleges or universities to the University of Dayton Office of Graduate Admission Processing. Hand-carried transcripts, official copies marked "Issued to Student" and unofficial copies are not acceptable.
• Three letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
• Official results from the GRE are required. Results must be submitted directly from the Education Testing Service to the University of Dayton Office of Graduate Admissions Processing. Applicants must achieve a score of 149 or higher on the verbal ability and a 4.0 or higher on the analytical writing sections.
• A two- to three-page essay stating how your personal goals, including your concentration of interest, are congruent with the objectives of the Ph.D. program, as stated in our mission statement. Please title the essay, "Application Essay."
• Applicants for admission to the doctoral program must have attained a 3.25 grade-point average in a master's degree program.