Doctoral Program in Education Policy & Leadership

The doctoral program in Education Policy & Leadership provides for the in-depth study of leadership and policy in education with a focus on theory, research, and practice. This focus on the relationships between policy and leadership involves study of the major paradigms and theories of education; equity and excellence; governance and management; organizational theory, analysis and behavior; and theories of systemic and organizational change. Supporting such study are related fields of inquiry including methods of research and evaluation and current theory and practice of assessment. The concentration provides opportunities for students to specialize in policy and leadership in the contexts of higher education, international education, and K-12 educational administration. Although doctoral candidates typically specialize in one of these contexts, they may design programs of study that represent cross-cutting interests.

Many of our doctoral candidates are experienced practitioners who return to graduate study to engage in systematic reflection about their practice and to develop further knowledge and skills for careers as leaders, administrators, planners, program designers, evaluators and the like in school systems, colleges and universities, non-formal settings, government agencies and non-governmental organizations in domestic and international contexts. The concentration offers a stimulating environment with opportunities for candidates with a wide array of academic interests.

Admissions

For admission to the doctoral concentration, an applicant should have completed a Master's degree in a relevant area. Admissions decisions are based on the applicant's prior academic record as well as her/his substantive interests, experience, contributions to the diversity of the student population, potential to successfully complete the program of study, and potential for contribution to their chosen work.

Opportunities for Specialization

While a student may develop a program of study with cross-cutting interests, she/he typically specializes in one of three areas that provide specific contexts and career paths for educational professionals: K-12 educational administration, higher education, and international education. A specialization implies a level of engagement with the subject matter typically achieved through taking at least six or seven courses specifically focusing on that context. As part of the admissions process, applicants indicate their areas of specialization within Policy & Leadership. Furthermore, as part of the process of developing a program of study during phase one, a student plans a combination of courses appropriate to her/his learning goals and the offerings and requirements of the chosen specialization. Specializations may require foundational and/or capstone courses that complement the required core areas in the concentration.

Higher Education

The specialization in Higher Education is designed for those who wish to pursue careers in colleges or universities or state or national agencies concerned with higher or postsecondary education. Course offerings cover such subjects as policy and leadership in higher education and closely related subjects of history, philosophy, management, organizational analysis, governance, assessment, the academic profession, diversity in higher education, teaching and learning, and student development. While much of the material focuses on issues, patterns and practices in the United States, students with international interests are welcome and can put together an appropriate program by combining work in higher education with work in international education. The Higher Education specialization works on the cohort model. All students in the specialization take a two­-semester foundational course: Introduction to Doctoral Studies in Higher Education during their first year of study; a capstone Integrative Seminar at the end of their course work; and a number of other courses that relate to their learning goals and the field of Higher Education. The capstone Integrative Seminar provides an opportunity for the cohort to work together and help each other in the preparation of the comprehensive examination. Because Higher Education as a field of study draws upon a variety of disciplines, students also take at least one course in a substantive area related to the dissertation that is offered by faculty outside of the School of Education.

International Education

The specialization in International Education provides educators with the opportunity to study the role of education in the context of Asia, Africa, and Latin America and other developing areas. The specialization places an emphasis on nonformal, popular education, but accommodates those with a focus on formal education as well. Courses and co-curricular activities also bring an international dimension to education in the United States. Degree students can develop focuses in adult and community education, teacher education, adult literacy, and gender issues in development. All students are expected to become aware of social justice issues in education and to understand participatory and popular education approaches to education. Graduates are expected to have developed an in-depth awareness of cultural differences; the ability to apply critical theory and pedagogy in both schools and communities in domestic and international settings; and practical skills in training, project development, research, and evaluation. The combination of academic courses, a participatory community structure, and active involvement in applied projects and research activities combine to provide the curriculum of the specialization. For more information, see www.umass.edu/cie.

K-12 Educational Administration

The specialization in Educational Administration is intended primarily for students pursuing careers as administrators in K-12 schools or school districts, notably as principals. (A program leading to administrative certification may be pursued in conjunction with the doctoral specialization.) Preparation for careers as policy analysts, researchers and university faculty in the field of K-12 educational administration is also available. The following topics are available in courses taught in this area: organizational analysis, educational change and reform, school law, public school finance, curriculum design and evaluation for administrators, school personnel administration, and educational policy. Field-based experiences are provided in a number of courses as well as in the practicum or internship.