On-Campus Ph.D. Program

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Education Policy is designed for individuals interested in research and/or policy analysis.

Imagine yourself as a faculty member at one of the nation’s leading research institutions or developing progressive education policy alongside leaders in the field. The curriculum in this on-campus Ph.D. program is focused on preparing students for academic or research-based positions by combining concepts from school administration, school finance, and public policy. Graduating students are prepared for research, faculty, and administrative positions through a combination of core, research-based, and elective, coursework.

Students of this program establish an independent research agenda, develop the ability to contribute to the scholarly literature, and form a connection to policy evaluation. Graduates of this program work in a variety of state policy, research, and teaching positions within state education agencies and postsecondary institutions throughout the United States and abroad.

Additional information about the On-campus Ph.D. program can be obtained by contacting Dr. F. Chris Curran.

Tuition and Fees Frequently Asked Questions Email Program Coordinator Application Instructions Apply Now

Prospective Student Admissions Info Session

Join UF Educational Leadership & Policy for a Live Webinar for Prospective Students
February 22nd, 4:00-4:30PM

Meet with Educational Leadership & Policy program faculty. Learn about master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs. Get an overview of the admissions process.
Register for the prospective student webinar.

Program Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a degree deemed equivalent by the University Of Florida Office Of Admission.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate work.
An acceptable graduate grade point average for previous graduate work.
A score submission for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), both the verbal and quantitative sections.

Program Overview

Entry: Fall
Typical course load: Varies
Full-time/Part-time: Full-time/Part-time
Application Deadline: January 31st
Average Class Size: 10-15 Students
Program Completion: ~4 years

Program Course Requirements

Innovative Curriculum

Research Experience Combined with Cutting-Edge Coursework

The UF PhD in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Education Policy grounds students in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies while providing a robust understanding of educational systems, from the policy that governs them to applied practice at the school and classroom level. Courses are taught by some of the nation’s leading education scholars and students are trained in the latest research techniques and skills. Practical opportunities abound to publish and present research, engage with other scholars nationally, and support educational practice both locally and nationwide.

PhD Program Courses

Core Curriculum (30 credits)
EDA6061 Educational Administration
EDA6195 Educational Policy Analysis
EDA6232 Public School Law
EDA6242 Public School Finance
EDA7206 Organizational Leadership in Education
EDA6931 Advanced Educational Law and Finance
EDA Electives

Research Requirements (21 credits)
EDF6400 Quantitative Foundations of Educational Research Overview
EDF6475 Qualitative Foundations of Educational Research

EDG6285 Evaluation in School Programs
College Approved Methods Course
College Approved Methods Course
Regression or Data-Driven Decision Making
Methods Elective

Electives/Transfer (minimum 15 units)

EDH6664 (3 credits) Public Policy in Higher Education
Additional Electives

Dissertation (24 credits)

Supports for Full-Time and Part-Time Students

Pathways that Meet Your Professional Goals

The UF PhD in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Education Policy welcomes both full and part-time students. Whether you are coming directly from undergraduate studies, have been working a few years, or are looking for a mid-career change, our PhD program provides rigorous training in the latest in education research to empower you to provide evidence-based insights for improving educational outcomes.

Fully-Funded Research Assistantships

Join UF Educational Leadership faculty as a research assistant and contribute to policy and practice relevant research that informs the improvement of education. Fully-funded research assistants work alongside faculty for 20 hours per week analyzing data, reviewing research, contributing to publications, and learning in an apprenticeship-style environment. These positions come with full tuition coverage along with a stipend and benefits.

Part-Time Pathways for the Working Professional

In addition to full-time enrollment, the UF Educational Leadership PhD welcomes students who wish to pursue the PhD while continuing in their full-time jobs elsewhere. We cater to teachers, principals, district personnel and others through a variety of evening and blended format courses. Part-time students take the same courses as their full-time counterparts, bringing their practical expertise to enrich the experience of all.

Doctoral Student Profiles

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Keenen Vernon
Research Interests: School safety; School discipline; State and federal education policy

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Pinyi Wang
Research Interests: Education equity and equality; International education; Race and gender equity

Jennifer K. Kent
Research Interests: School safety

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Katharine Harris
Research Interests: Test score disparities; Equity and diversity in schools; Opportunity hoarding

Victoria Dolce
Research Interests: International and comparative education; Teacher professional learning in Haiti

Steven M. Carlo
Research Interests: School safety; Civics education; Equity and empowerment

Mina Je
Research Interests: Educational policy & program evaluation; Poverty & inequality; Long-run effects; Social mobility; Quantitative research

Tiffany Tan
Research Interests: Teacher retention; Teacher preparation

Lelydeyvis Boza
Research Interests: Empowering minority students; Student activism; Social justice through education, School discipline and safety; Latina/o/x students; Immigration; First-generation students

Melissa Curry
Research Interests: Faculty turnover and retention; Organizational commitment; Compensation

Lindsay McElhattan
Research Interests: Facility Animals; Policy; Social Emotional Learning

Program Faculty

Core Research Faculty

Tiffany Aaron, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
tsaaron@ufl.edu

Catherine Atria, Ph.D.
Professor of Educational Practice
catria@coe.ufl.edu

Walter Fernando Balser, Ed.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor; M.Ed. & Ed.S. Program Coordinator
wbalser@coe.ufl.edu

F. Chris Curran, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator
chriscurran@coe.ufl.edu

Linda Eldridge, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
lindaeldridge@ufl.edu

Bruce E. Mousa, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
bmousa@ufl.edu

Christopher Redding, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
c.redding@coe.ufl.edu

Christopher Thomas, J.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
christhomas@coe.ufl.edu

Linda Searby, Ph.D.
Emeritus Clinical Professor
lindasearby@coe.ufl.edu