Degree Category: Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis

↳ Doctoral

The graduate programs in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis are designed to meet the specific educational needs of the student in a particular area of emphasis. Graduates find employment in a wide range of settings including colleges and universities, public schools, policy agencies, professional associations, government and business and industry.

The PhD Program in ELPA requires a minimum of 60 hours beyond the master’s degree. The goal of the PhD program is the preparation of professional researchers and scholars who have high levels of competence in conducting research that adds to the knowledge base.

The program also has a goal of meeting the student’s individual career goals and interests through the development of an appropriate plan of study. Each emphasis area has slightly different requirements and areas of focus; however, all 3 emphasis areas require a department-wide core; emphasis area coursework; electives; a research core; and the completion of a minimum of 6 hours for the dissertation.

The EdD Program in Educational Leadership is designed to enhance the knowledge and competencies of educational leaders so they provide optimal leadership in organizations that educate a wide range of learners from youth to adult. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare leaders who are inquiring, reflective practitioners who are competent in defining and solving complex problems in education.

The Educational Specialist (EdSp) Program is designed to enhance the knowledge and competencies of PK-12 educational administrators and to lead to advanced principal certification and/or superintendent certification. The program has a thematic, integrated, problem-based curriculum intended to prepare school and district leaders who are inquiring, reflective practitioners. The curriculum is aligned with state standards for certification.

The department’s master’s programs are intended to provide initial preparation for leaders in a variety of educational contexts, including higher education and PK-12 schools. Programs vary according to emphasis area and are designed to meet student’s individual career goals and interests — e.g., student affairs administration, initial principal certification, and general higher education administration.

Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, Doctor of Education

Doctoral | 100% Online

Admission Criteria

Fall deadline: March 1*

*Note: Applications will be due March 1, with coursework beginning in the Fall semester of that same year.

A master’s degree from an accredited institution.
Relevant organizational or educational leadership experience.
- We recommend candidates have a minimum of 3 years of full-time professional experience prior to the start of the cohort for which they are applying.
- Also, we define leadership experience broadly so please be sure to share any and all such experiences in your application (e.g., building administrator, team leader, program director, chairing a committee, creating a new program/initiative).
Evidence of consistency between candidate’s goals and the mission and goals of the EdD program and the ELPA department.
Evidence of strong communication skills (verbal, written).
Potential for success in a doctoral program.
GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in graduate studies (master’s degree) from an accredited institution.
For non-native English speakers, minimum scores accepted by the MU Graduate School for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Cambridge C1 Advanced exams, or Duolingo English Test.

Minimum Language Requirements

Click here to view the minimum English language proficiency test scores

Required Application Materials

For the Graduate School

Completed Graduate School online application
Unofficial Transcripts- As part of the application submission process, all applicants are required to upload unofficial copies of all post-secondary transcripts to the online application. Official transcripts are only required if accepted by the academic program.
Official Results of English Proficiency Exams (International applicants only)

For the Educational Leadership Program

Unofficial transcripts (see the Graduate School’s discussion of the Application Process for more information; you will be asked to submit official transcripts if admitted)
Résumé or CV (be sure to account for all relevant organizational and educational leadership experiences)
Personal statement that addresses your reasons for seeking entrance into the educational leadership EdD program and identifies your professional goals. In other words, why do you want to do this program and how will this degree help move you toward your personal or professional goals in the future?
Short video answer: Please video and upload your answers to the questions below.
- Describe your leadership philosophy. In other words, what principles, values and beliefs do you use to lead in your current organization?
- Tell us about your primary leadership experiences, and how these have influenced your definition of leadership over time.
Essay response: For the educational leadership doctor of education program, please upload an essay addressing the following:
- In your work as an educational leader, you are likely faced with issues that need further attention or investigation. These issues may be ideal topics for your dissertation in practice*. For this essay, begin by describing an idea for a dissertation in practice* that you would be interested in studying (limit to one paragraph). Then, in 500 words or less, respond to the following questions:
  - How is your dissertation in practice* idea responsive to creating more equitable and inclusive educational spaces and support systems for all stakeholders?
  - How might the results of your study be beneficial to you as a leader and to your organization (or current context)?

*A dissertation in practice refers to a specialized form of academic research and scholarly work that is typically associated with professional doctoral programs, such as a doctor of education (Ed.D.). Unlike traditional dissertations that primarily contribute to theoretical knowledge, a dissertation in practice emphasizes applying scholarly research to address real-world challenges and issues within a specific professional field or context.

Three recommendations from individuals who can comment on your potential for success in a doctoral program.
- At least two letters should be from faculty who have taught or advised you. (If this is not possible, there will be a place on the application form for you to explain.)
- At least one letter should address your leadership experience/potential.

Jude Sommerjones

Departmental Contact

573-884-2163

303 Townsend Hall

elpagrad@missouri.edu

Emily Crawford-Rossi

Director of Graduate Study

573-884-9554

303P Townsend Hall

crawforder@missouri.edu

Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral | On Campus

The program offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis with emphasis areas in Educational Administration, Educational Policy Studies, and Higher Education.