The doctoral program in Education Policy and Leadership focuses on education and related systems: blueprints for action, equity and excellence, finance, law, curriculum, decision-making structures, community and national development in formal and non-formal contexts. There are three concentrations in the program:

This model stems from the belief that the study of policy and leadership is ultimately more effective when grounded in a specific context. As well, a core of foundational knowledge in research methods, paradigms of inquiry, policy studies and leadership studies is addressed. One central concern of the program of study is to develop the reflective and analytic skills necessary for more thoughtful, ethical inquiry and practice. Classroom and field-based experiences offer students the opportunity to develop basic skills and understanding in the areas of policy development, analysis, implementation, and evaluation in specific contexts, whether formal or informal, and in relation to various policy issues.

Doctoral Program Admissions requirements:

  • Master's degree in relevant field
  • Relevant experience
  • Demonstrated analytic and communications abilities
  • Indications of a concern for improving the educational experiences of all students
  • An interest in positions as leaders, administrators, and policy and program specialists in educational settings other relevant strengths.
  • Other relevant strengths.


ASSOCIATED FACULTY

Coordinator: Joseph B. Berger (Associate Professor)
Email: jbberger@educ.umass.edu

Benita Barnes, (Assistant Professor), Andrew Effrat (Professor), Jeffrey W. Eiseman (Associate Professor), David R. Evans (Professor), Rebecca Gajda(Assistant Professor), Francis Gougeon (Lecturer), Sangeeta Kamat (Associate Professor),Gary Malaney (Adjunct Associate Professor), Shederick A. McClendon (Instructor), Kathryn A. McDermott (Associate Professor), Matt Militello (Assistant Professor), Jacqueline Mosselson (Assitant Professor), Sharon Rallis (Professor), Gretchen B. Rossman (Professor), David M. Schimmel (Professor), Cristine Smith (Assistant Professor), Mary Deane Sorcinelli (Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Teaching).