Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Educational Administration with an emphasis in PK-12 Educational Leadership
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Educational Administration prepares candidates for culturally-responsive leadership and the skills needed to teach, conduct research, and provide leadership in faculty, researcher, and/or policy analyst positions at the university level.
This program is designed for those individuals who intend to build an academic career focused on conducting research in the multidisciplinary field of educational leadership.
The curriculum will prepare individuals for careers in:
- Research universities,
- Teaching colleges, and
- Private, non-profit, state or federal educational agencies.
Individual students will work alongside highly-regarded faculty with expertise in areas including:
- School accountability,
- Educational law and leadership,
- Organizational theory,
- Policy and politics of education,
- School finance and economics,
- Social foundations of schooling, and
- Education reform.
This program is not built on a cohort model, since there is diversity in candidates’ programs of study.
Collaborative Degree Program (CDP) with the Bush School
The PK-12 Education Administrative Ph.D. program offers a collaborative master’s level degree in Public Service and Administration (MPSA) with the Bush School. This collaborative degree program (CDP) is designed for those individuals who intend to build an academic career focused on conducting research in the multidisciplinary field of education policy.
CDP students have opportunities to work alongside Texas A&M’s highly regarded education policy scholars from both the Bush School and School of Education and Human Development. These faculty members have expertise in areas including:
- Economics of education,
- Educational leadership,
- Politics of education,
- School accountability, finance, choice, and improvement strategies, and
- Social foundations of schooling.
As part of this specialized program of study, students will attain knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct high quality research, present papers at scholarly conferences, and submit peer-reviewed research articles for publication. Ultimately, students who successfully complete all CDP requirements will receive both a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and a Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) degree.
CDP Admission Requirements
Bush School Students who are interested in the CDP and wish to enroll in the Department of Educational Administration’s K-12 Ph.D. courses should email Dr. Daniel Bowen, stating their interest in the CDP and desire to enroll in these courses, prior to the upcoming semester’s course registration.
Bush School students who wish to then enroll in the Ph.D. program should apply, using the application link below, by 12/1 of their second year in the MPSA program.
Admissions
Admissions Deadline: December 1
To be admitted to a graduate program, you must apply to the EAHR department and Texas A&M University.
How to applyProgram Details
Degree: Ph.D. in Educational Administration
Emphasis: PK-12 Educational Leadership
Degrees Offered: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Credit Hours: 67
Select School of Education and update credit hours
Degree Plan
The Ph.D. degree plan includes quality course work and research experiences, preparing students to be involved in research.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I strengthen my application?
Prospective Ph.D. students are highly encouraged to meet with program faculty members prior to applying. These meetings allow prospective students to ask questions about the program and ensure that it will help meet their goals. These meetings can also serve as opportunities for prospective students to find out what type of candidates the program is looking for.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, especially if they are wanting to be considered for awards, such as fellowships and assistantships.
Are GRE scores required for admission?
GRE scores are not required for admission to the Ph.D. program.
How soon can I apply?
Applications for the Ph.D. program are accepted August 2-December 1, for the following Fall semester.
It is recommended that applicants submit all application materials in advance of the deadline to ensure a complete application when reviews begin.
How do I apply?
Completed Application
- A completed Texas A&M University GraduateCAS application.
- The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport.
- Application fee: A non-refundable $89 application fee for domestic applicants and $114 application fee for international applicants. The application fee may be paid by check, money order or approved credit card. Applicants who wish to pay by credit card may do so as part of the online application. If you are unable to pay the fee online, you may call the Graduate Admissions Office at 979-845-1060.
- Official transcripts and records: Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
Note: You do not need to submit an official transcript from Texas A&M University. Learn more about submitting official transcripts.
How to Apply:
What types of funding are available to Ph.D. students?
Full-time PhD students are eligible to apply for Graduate Assistantships. These assistantships pay for nine hours of tuition, as well as a monthly stipend. These assistantships range from assisting with courses, teaching undergraduate courses, or assisting with research.
Full-time students are also eligible to be nominated by faculty for a fellowship. These fellowships are competitive, so prospective students are encouraged to have their admission applications submitted early. They are also encouraged to meet with faculty members in the program to discuss their interest in the program, as well as being considered for an award.
Students who are not full-time can contact the Student Financial Aid office for other funding opportunities available to graduate students.
Graduate Advisors
Kerri Smith
Director of Academic Advising
Faculty
Daniel Bowen
Program Chair
Beverly Irby
Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Jean Madsen
Associate Department Head
Gwendolyn Webb-Hasan
Associate Professor / Administration Program Coordinator
Carl Fahrenwald
Assistant Clinical Professor
Susan Holley
Associate Clinical Professor/Director, Administrative Leadership Institute
Abe Saavedra
Professor of Practice
Brian Holzman
Assistant Professor
