Educational Leadership, Ph.D.

The Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership is designed to prepare students to be scholars, professors and/or organizational leaders. Students enter the 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 and courses that complement students’ professional goals.

Curriculum Overview

The degree requires the completion of 30-36 credits of coursework, 12 credits of dissertation research, a comprehensive examination, an oral examination/proposal defense and a public defense of the dissertation.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

The program includes site-based activities aligned with coursework as well as the 3-credit internship. Internship is required for superintendent certification. 

Careers

The educational leadership degree program will prepare students to fill a variety of leadership roles including: superintendent, assistant superintendent, executive director, principal, assistant principal and curriculum/teacher leader. Additionally, some doctoral students design a special individualized program to prepare for a leadership role in a nonprofit, medical, Catholic, or business organization.

Admission Requirements

Begin your application for this program at www.slu.edu/apply. 

• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE or other applicable graduate entry exam scores
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States 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.

Please note that application deadlines for this program differ for international students.

Application Deadlines

Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by July 1, for the spring semester by November 1 and for the summer semester by April 1. International students should apply by May 1 for the fall semester, Oct. 1 for the spring semester and February 1 for the summer semester.

Review Process

A committee reviews each application wholly.

Apply Now

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by February 1. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.  

Accreditation 

The School of Education at Saint Louis University is accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). To contact CAEP:

1140 19th St NW #400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 223-0077

1. Graduates will be able to explain the leadership concepts of mission, vision and goals as they are related to desired organizational outcomes.

2. Graduates will be able to describe organization or district-level organizational theories.

3. Graduates will be able to analyze strategies to assess district or organization practices, effectiveness, and performance outcomes.

4. Graduates will be able to describe organizational policy and procedures and the leadership and management practices associated with them.

5. Graduates will be able to describe organization or district-level management and evaluation.

6. Graduates will be able to explain how political, legal, and business practices influence their systems.

7. Graduates will be able describe organizational culture and its influence practice and outcomes.

8. Graduates will be able to describe the importance and use of human resources including: assessment of effectiveness, professional development, personnel evaluation and capacity of human resources to produce expected outcomes.

9. Graduates will be able to describe how to lead community and stakeholder relationships including: development of the community, identifying community resources, enhancing communication, monitoring progress and strategies, and assessing effectiveness.

Ph.D. students design a program plan with their advisor. Students complete 42 credit hours, including research courses, leadership courses, and individually selected courses. 

If students seek a superintendent certificate upon graduation, specific courses from the list below are required.  

Introductory Research Courses

Students must complete master’s level graduate research coursework as prerequisites for advanced research courses. Students are required to successfully complete the following three research courses.  Up to 6 credits maybe waived based on students' prior coursework.  

Advanced Research Courses

Select either a Quantitative or Qualitative option:

Non-Course Requirements

• Students must pass comprehensive written examination,
• Students must pass an oral examination/proposal defense, and
• Students must complete a public presentation and defense of their dissertation.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
SLU School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu