Sarah R. Daniel, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies
sdaniel@su.edu

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership program is designed to serve full-time working professionals with career goals in a wide range of organizations such as preK-12, higher education, and other research-based institutions (e.g., policy centers, think tanks, government, education associations, and more). Learners work closely with faculty and peers to think deeply, examine critically, and understand theoretically the opportunities and challenges facing educational organizations and related institutions.

The program relies on a cohort-based model, in which learners take most of their classes in the first three years of coursework together, allowing for a supportive, collaborative learning experience. There are also opportunities for interactions among learners across cohort years and those in the dissertation phase. 

A minimum of 62 credits beyond a master’s degree is required in this program of study.  The program is organized around a core of leadership and research competencies (both theoretical and applied), complemented by the learner’s concentration within the field.

The program offers three concentration options: Initial Administrative Licensure (PreK-12), Leadership in Education, and Higher Education Leadership. The Initial Administrative Licensure concentration provides the foundational coursework needed for licensure in Virginia PreK-12 settings. The Leadership in Education concentration allows learners to focus on a specific area of interest. The Higher Education Leadership concentration provides specialized preparation for leaders navigating the complex challenges of higher education institutions.

Applications for the Ph.D. are accepted for Fall semester admissions.

• Applicants must have a Master’s degree
• Applicants must complete a graduate application for admission.
• Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA in their master’s degree.
• Applicants must submit all graduate transcripts.
• Applicants must submit an essay addressing their motivation and goals while in the Ph.D. program. (Please limit this essay to no more than three double-spaced pages.)
• Applicants must submit a one-page resume.
• Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation: one from an immediate supervisor, one from someone able to address the candidate’s academic abilities, and one from a professional who knows the candidate’s ability in the chosen profession.
• Applicants must contact and schedule an interview with the head of the Ph.D. program.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership is a 62-credit degree. Up to 15 transfer credits are permitted. Transfer credits are approved in consultation with the PhD program head and academic advisor. Students may only use graduate courses taken at a regionally accredited institution as possible transfer credit. Only grades of “A” or “B” are transferable. With approval from the PhD program head, students may substitute graduate courses for courses in the doctoral program. However, additional courses may be required to create a viable degree program.