Learning Outcomes
Specialized Content Knowledge
The department expects students to acquire and display mastery of a broad and deep knowledge of disciplines associated with one’s specialization (educational leadership; or higher education and student affairs) covering content that contributes to the historical, current, philosophical, and applied dimensions of the field.
Critical Thinking and Analytical Writing
Students will acquire capacities for theoretical and evidentiary based analysis to critique and synthesize disparate and interdisciplinary perspectives within their specialization.
Empirical Skills
Students will develop skills for conducting assessment, evaluation, and research on phenomena associated with individuals and organizations associated with educational organizations, educationally aligned sectors, and individuals affiliated with or impacted by education.
Impact and Practical Application
Students will acquire skills for engaging in the higher education professional communities by participating in research and/or practitioner organizations focused on translation and application.
Leadership and Collaboration
Students will be able to analyze, articulate, and respond to complex problems using theory, evidence, and cooperation with those affected by the issues.
Ethical, Inclusive, and Equitable Practice
Students will gain skills in identifying and responding to educational inequities at the individual, organizational, and institutional level. Specifically, students will apply their skills to advance educational inclusion and facilitate organizational change and reform.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in educational policy and leadership studies with an educational leadership subprogram requires a minimum of 90 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must earn a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 in major coursework.
The program prepares scholarly professionals for leadership positions in a wide range of educational and public sector settings. Students acquire strong backgrounds in leadership, policy, and research. They equip themselves to discover, integrate, and apply knowledge as transformational leaders.
The PhD in educational policy and leadership studies with an educational leadership subprogram requires the following work.
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Common Courses | 12 |
| Cognate Courses | 9 |
| Electives | 29 |
| Concentration Area Courses | 12 |
| Research Courses | 18 |
| Dissertation | 10 |
Students also complete the comprehensive examination and a dissertation, described below.
Many educational leadership courses are offered by distance education; see MyUI for information about courses offered during current semesters.
For more detailed coursework information, see Educational Leadership on the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies website.
Research Courses
All educational leadership PhD students must complete EPLS:6206 Research Process and Design during the first year of their PhD program. They also must complete a minimum of 15 s.h. in qualitative and quantitative coursework, with at least 9 s.h. from one area (qualitative or quantitative) and at least 6 s.h. from the other. Students select from courses listed under PhD Research Requirements on the college's Graduate Student Life website.
Comprehensive Examination
Students must satisfactorily complete a written take-home comprehensive examination consisting of three parts. The first part covers a student's major area of study, and the second covers two additional concentration areas. The third is on the student's outside area of study and is prepared by faculty members outside the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies. The written exams are followed by an oral examination.
Dissertation
Students must write a dissertation based on an original research project in an area of educational leadership. Students must earn 10 s.h. of credit for dissertation research. The doctoral program culminates with a final oral defense of the dissertation. Students must be registered at the University of Iowa during the session in which they graduate.
Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College and of the educational leadership program. They also must satisfy the residency requirement of two full-time (at least 9 s.h.) registrations. Required application materials include transcripts, official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of career goals. Admission is based on grade-point average and GRE scores (however, the GRE requirement has been suspended for the 2022–23 admissions cycle), promise for scholarly and professional growth, and recommendations. Complete applications are reviewed as they are received.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official test scores to verify English proficiency. Applicants can verify English proficiency by submitting official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For specific score requirements, see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in educational policy and leadership studies with a higher education and student affairs subprogram requires a minimum of 90 s.h. of graduate credit. At least 39 s.h. must be earned while registered in the Graduate College at the University of Iowa, and after formal program admission. Students must earn a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 in major coursework.
The doctoral program prepares individuals to be leaders in student affairs and academic administration, graduate faculty at research universities, leaders in conducting research about college students and higher education, policy analysts in postsecondary institutions and public or private agencies, and teachers and academic leaders at two-year and four-year colleges. The higher education and student affairs program integrates academic experience with the cocurricular learning experiences of students and studies the outcomes of both.
The PhD in educational policy and leadership studies with a higher education and student affairs subprogram requires the following coursework.
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Substantive Core Courses | 18 |
| Research Methods Courses | 18-21 |
| Concentration Area Courses | 18 |
| Graduate Electives | 24 |
| Dissertation | 12 |
Substantive Core
The substantive core provides foundational understanding of higher education and general knowledge that all students must master, regardless of their career goals and interests. All courses in the core (18 s.h.) must be completed at the University of Iowa.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| EPLS:6216 | Finance in Higher Education | 3 |
| EPLS:6220 | History of Higher Education | 3 |
| EPLS:6224 | Organizational Theory and Administrative Behavior | 3 |
| EPLS:6273 | College Students | 3 |
| EPLS:6275 | Diversity and Equity in Higher Education | 3 |
| EPLS:6311 | Seminar: Research Topic in Education | 3 |
Research Methods
Research methods courses (at least 18 s.h.) assure that students achieve scholarly autonomy and initiative.
Basic Research Methods
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these (6 s.h.): | ||
| EPLS:6206 | Research Process and Design | 3 |
| EPLS:7373 | Qualitative Research Design and Methods (or approved substitute) | 3 |
Statistics/Linear Regression
These courses (6–7 s.h.) must be taken in this order.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| PSQF:6243 | Intermediate Statistical Methods | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| EPLS:6370 | Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PSQF:6244 | Correlation and Regression | 4 |
Advanced/Specialized Research Methods
Students consult with their advisor to choose two courses (at least 6 s.h.) from either list appropriate to their dissertation design and intended learning outcomes.
Qualitative Methods
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EPLS:5240 | Topics in Education (when topic is introduction to historical methodology or critical qualitative inquiry) | 3 |
| EPLS:7392 | Mixed Methods Research | 3 |
| EDTL:7071 | Critical Discourse Analysis in Educational Research | 3 |
| EDTL:7072 | Advanced Methods of Literacy Research: Qualitative Data Analysis and Reporting | 3 |
| EDTL:7073 | Ethnographic Methods, Theories, and Texts | 3 |
| Another comparable research methods course approved by advisor | ||
Quantitative Methods
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EPLS:5240 | Topics in Education (when topic is multilevel modeling) | 3 |
| EPLS:6209 | Survey Research and Design | 3 |
| POLI:7003 | Advanced Methodology | 4 |
| PSQF:6246 | Design of Experiments | 3 |
| SOC:7170 | Advanced Statistical Modeling of Data | 3 |
| SOC:7180 | Structural Equation Modeling | 3 |
| Another comparable research methods course approved by advisor | ||
Concentration Area
The concentration area (18 s.h.) gives students the opportunity to develop expertise in one area. Students consult with their advisor to develop the concentration curriculum.
Graduate Electives
Students choose 24 s.h. of elective graduate coursework in consultation with their advisors. A student and their advisor may determine that some of the graduate elective work may be drawn from appropriate previous graduate coursework that complements other aspects of the student's doctoral program.
Comprehensive Examination
The PhD comprehensive examination consists of a question written by the student in consultation with their advisor, and formally approved by the higher education and student affairs faculty. Students are expected to construct a well-supported argument informed by knowledge of the theory, research, and practice that constitutes the field of higher education based on the substantive core and the student's concentration. The written examination is followed by an oral examination.
Dissertation
The dissertation is a major research study planned in collaboration with the student's advisor. Students must write a formal dissertation proposal and submit it for approval, first to their advisor and then to the members of their doctoral committee. Students and their advisors determine when the proposal is complete. Students must earn 12 s.h. of dissertation research credit. The doctoral program culminates with a final oral defense of the dissertation.
Students must be registered at the University of Iowa each fall and spring semester from the semester in which they complete their comprehensive examination through the semester in which they defend their dissertation and graduate.
Admission
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College. Transcripts, a résumé or curriculum vita, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement are required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is optional. The statement of purpose (one to three pages) should include professional and/or research interests, whether the applicant plans to enroll full- or part-time, and how the applicant's goals and experiences are consistent with the higher education and student affairs program's mission and values.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official test scores to verify English proficiency. Applicants can verify English proficiency by submitting official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For specific score requirements, see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
The early action application deadline is Dec. 1; the regular decision application deadline is April 15 for admission the following fall.
For more information on higher education and student affairs programs, see the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Studies website.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, PhD
Educational Leadership Subprogram
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 90 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Distribute the following graduate elective hours between years 1-4 with advisor approval: b | ||
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 2 | |
| Hours | 29 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EPLS:6217 | Theory and Practice of Leadership | 3 |
| EPLS:6224 | Organizational Theory and Administrative Behavior | 3 |
| EPLS:6226 | Educational Management | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| EPLS:6311 | Seminar: Research Topic in Education | 3 |
| Research course c | 3 | |
| Research course c | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Concentration Area course d | 3 | |
| Research course c | 3 | |
| Research course c | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Concentration Area course d | 3 | |
| Research course c | 3 | |
| Research course c | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Any Semester | ||
| Comprehensive Exam e, f | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| Fall | ||
| Concentration Area course d | 3 | |
| Cognate course g | 3 | |
| Cognate course g | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Concentration Area course d | 3 | |
| Cognate course g | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| EPLS:7493 | PhD Thesis h | 5 |
| Hours | 5 | |
| Spring | ||
| EPLS:7493 | PhD Thesis h | 5 |
| Final Exam (Dissertation Defense) i, j | ||
| Hours | 5 | |
| Total Hours | 90 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Complete a total of 29 s.h. in a related field; work with academic advisor for approval of graduate transfer credit and/or to select electives. Students are encouraged to present their MA degree as the related field, where appropriate.
- c
- Complete at least 18 s.h. of graduate courses in research design, quantitative, and qualitative required methods appropriate for doctoral-level research in Educational Leadership. Work with academic advisor to select appropriate courses approved by the College of Education.
- d
- Complete at least 12 s.h. in a concentration area; work with academic advisor to select appropriate graduate level courses. See the General Catalog and the College of Education website for specifics.
- e
- Typically taken after most required coursework is completed; work with academic advisor to complete the exam.
- f
- Required written and oral examination covering three areas: major area of study, other concentration area, and the student's chosen outside area of study.
- g
- Students must complete a 9 s.h. cognate outside of the Educational Policy and Leadership Studies department. Work with academic advisor to determine appropriate graduate courses and sequence.
- h
- Maximum total of 10 s.h. of thesis credit allowed.
- i
- An original research project is to be developed, presented and defended in an area of Educational Leadership.
- j
- Must be completed within five years of Comprehensive Exam.
Higher Education and Student Affairs Subprogram
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 90 s.h. of graduate level coursework must be completed; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Distribute between years 1-4 with advisor approval; work with academic advisor to determine sequence. | ||
| EPLS:6216 | Finance in Higher Education b | 3 |
| EPLS:6220 | History of Higher Education b | 3 |
| EPLS:6224 | Organizational Theory and Administrative Behavior b | 3 |
| EPLS:6273 | College Students b | 3 |
| EPLS:6275 | Diversity and Equity in Higher Education b | 3 |
| EPLS:6311 | Seminar: Research Topic in Education b | 3 |
| EPLS:6206 | Research Process and Design c | 3 |
| EPLS:7373 | Qualitative Research Design and Methods c | 3 |
| PSQF:6243 | Intermediate Statistical Methods d | 3 |
| PSQF:6244 or EPLS:6370 |
Correlation and Regression d or Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis |
3 - 4 |
| Advanced/Specialized Research Methods course e, f | 3 - 4 | |
| Advanced/Specialized Research Methods course e, f | 3 - 4 | |
| Concentration Area course g | 3 | |
| Concentration Area course g | 3 | |
| Concentration Area course g | 3 | |
| Concentration Area course g | 3 | |
| Concentration Area course g | 3 | |
| Concentration Area course g | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective h | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective h | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective h | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective h | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective h | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective h | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective h | 3 | |
| Graduate Elective h | 3 | |
| Hours | 78-81 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Any Semester | ||
| Comprehensive Exam i | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Any Semester | ||
| Final Exam (Dissertation Defense) j | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| Fall | ||
| EPLS:7493 | PhD Thesis k | 6 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| EPLS:7493 | PhD Thesis k | 6 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 90-93 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Substantive Core course.
- c
- Basic Research Methods course.
- d
- Statistics/Linear Regression course.
- e
- Work with academic advisor to select either Qualitative or Quantitative Advanced/Specialized Research Methods coursework appropriate to dissertation design.
- f
- 6 s.h. from Qualitative courses EPLS:5240, EPLS:7392, EDTL:7071, EDTL:7072, EDTL:7073, or 6-8 s.h. from Quantitative courses EPLS:5240, EPLS:6209, POLI:7003, PSQF:6246, SOC:7170, SOC:7180
- g
- Work with academic advisor to select appropriate graduate level coursework in the specialization area. See the General Catalog and the College of Education website for specifics.
- h
- Work with academic advisor for approval to select electives in related field, including graduate transfer credits.
- i
- Typically taken after most required coursework is completed; work with advisor to complete the exam.
- j
- Must be completed within 5 years of Comprehensive Exam.
- k
- Maximum total of 12 s.h. of thesis credit allowed.