Doctoral Programs


The department offers two doctoral degree programs:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education Policy
The study of policy necessarily includes an understanding of (1) the numerous factors, including social perceptions, value tensions, and ethical dilemmas, that give rise to policy issues, (2) the organizational forces, environmental influences, power relationships, and individual decisions that impinge on policy and operate to augment or limit its impact, and (3) the manner in which these dimensions of policy can and should inform and improve practice. This emphasis on the study of policy within the context of social traditions, cultural values and conflicts, economic conditions, social and political interests, and institutional structures and procedures, is the distinguishing characteristic of the University of Maryland doctoral program in Education Policy. The curriculum also emphasizes the role of leadership in education policy.

This program prepares highly-skilled education leaders and advanced-level policy specialists who are broadly conversant with cultural, historical, ethical, political, economic, and other perspectives on education policy. The program qualifies Maryland graduates for leadership positions in a variety of settings, including schools, government, non-government, educational, and international organizations, and academia. Regardless of the policy role Maryland graduates assume, they will possess the ability to improve educational opportunities for all citizens and to improve the condition of education its many social contexts. In all specializations individual student programs are developed with and approved by a faculty advisor and a program committee.

Students choose from six areas of specialization:

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Education Leadership and Policy Studies

Please note:

  • The general Ed.D. is currently being revised and will NOT be admitting new students until further notice
  • The Ed.D. with MSDE Superintendent Certification is only admitting new students in cohorts. The next cohort admission date: to be announced

This program has a dual focus on leadership and policy. An understanding of education policy is seen as an essential component of leadership preparation. Education leaders must know how to work effectively with policy makers in a variety of settings, in order to shape policy development and implementation. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad, multi-disciplinary perspective on what education policy actually means, what purposes and ends it serves, and what possibilities and limitations it might have on the formulation and outcomes of education purposes and practices. To help accomplish this, the program will prepare individuals to be broadly conversant with cultural, historical, ethical, political, economic, and other perspectives on education and education policy.

Graduates of this program will contribute to policy and program development in a variety of education or education-related organizations, such as schools, school systems, colleges, universities, foundations, professional organizations, and government agencies. The program has a specialization in Organizational Leadership and Policy Studies (with option for MSDE superintendent certification).

Link to Degree Requirements for all Doctoral Programs

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Questions, comments, and suggestions can be sent to edpagrad@deans.umd.edu.

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Last modified Friday, 15-Sep-2006 13:18:18 EDT