IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Policy
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
7.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 72Minimum credit hours required
- 4-5 yearsTypical program length
- In-personModality
The Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Policy (ELOP) at Iowa State University prepares students to become leading researchers focused on critical issues within P-12 educational systems. The program delves into areas such as accountability, education policy, ethical leadership, instructional leadership, rural education, school reform, and social justice leadership. This doctoral program is designed for individuals aspiring to academic careers in colleges and universities or research positions in public institutions and private organizations. Graduates often become educational researchers or pursue leadership roles in educational agencies and policy centers. Some may also leverage their experience for district or state-level leadership positions.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. program offers a rigorous curriculum in research methodologies alongside the flexibility to tailor coursework to individual research interests and professional goals. A minimum of 72 credits are required. Students work with a major professor and an Academic Plan Committee (APC) to develop a personalized Academic Plan (AP), which can include transfer credits and substitutions with APC approval.
- Year 1-2 (example)
- Foundations of Educational InquiryRESEV 6010
- Basic Educational StatisticsRESEV 5520
- Intermediate Educational StatisticsRESEV 5530
- Foundations of Qualitative Inquiry in EducationRESEV 6030
- Advanced Qualitative Inquiry in EducationRESEV 6040
- History of Public Schooling in the United StatesEDUC 5820
- Education Policy and AnalysisELPS 6300
- Theories of LearningEDUC 5330
- Sociocultural Learning TheoryEDUC 5360X
- Socio-psychological Foundations of Educational TechnologyEDUC 6120
Careers
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia and research, as well as leadership roles within educational organizations.
- University Faculty
- Educational Researcher
- State Educational Agency Professional
- Educational Policy Analyst
- District or State Leadership Positions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the minimum entry requirements for the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Policy?
- Applicants typically need a 4-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students must also meet English proficiency requirements, with scores like TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.5.
- How long does the Ph.D. program typically take to complete?
- The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in approximately 4-5 years. A minimum of 72 credit hours are required.
- What are the tuition fees for international students in this Ph.D. program?
- Tuition rates at Iowa State University vary by residency status, level of study, and program. Specific figures for international Ph.D. students are not detailed on the provided pages, but resources are available through the Office of Student Financial Aid.
- What are the career prospects after completing this Ph.D. program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers as University Faculty, Educational Researchers, State Educational Agency Professionals, Educational Policy Analysts, and leadership positions in districts or states.
- What documents are required for the Ph.D. application?
- Required documents include a Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, a scholarly writing sample, official transcripts from all previous institutions, and three letters of recommendation.
- When is the application deadline for Fall admission?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is January 1. International students should aim to apply at least three months prior to the term start date.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA 4-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent is required for graduate admission.
GPAA minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally required, though programs may have specific alterations to this requirement.
TOEFL iBT100
IELTS7.5
PTE68
Duolingo120
International students must meet English proficiency requirements. Duolingo is temporarily accepted as an alternative to TOEFL/IELTS.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates vary by residency status, level of study, and program. Specific figures for international Ph.D. students are not detailed on the provided pages.
Tuition (home)Tuition rates vary by residency status, level of study, and program. Specific figures for domestic Ph.D. students are not detailed on the provided pages.
LivingEstimated living costs are not detailed on the provided pages.
Iowa State University's Office of Student Financial Aid provides resources for understanding costs. A net price calculator is available.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online Graduate ApplicationAccess the online application portal provided by Iowa State University.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including a Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, a scholarly writing sample, and official transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions.
3. Arrange for Letters of RecommendationSecure three references who will provide letters of support as part of your application.
4. Submit ApplicationSubmit the completed online application along with all supporting materials before the deadline.
Scholarships
General ScholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum entry requirements for the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Policy?
+
Applicants typically need a 4-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent and a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students must also meet English proficiency requirements, with scores like TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS 7.5.
How long does the Ph.D. program typically take to complete?
+
The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in approximately 4-5 years. A minimum of 72 credit hours are required.
What are the tuition fees for international students in this Ph.D. program?
+
Tuition rates at Iowa State University vary by residency status, level of study, and program. Specific figures for international Ph.D. students are not detailed on the provided pages, but resources are available through the Office of Student Financial Aid.
What are the career prospects after completing this Ph.D. program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers as University Faculty, Educational Researchers, State Educational Agency Professionals, Educational Policy Analysts, and leadership positions in districts or states.
What documents are required for the Ph.D. application?
+
Required documents include a Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, a scholarly writing sample, official transcripts from all previous institutions, and three letters of recommendation.
When is the application deadline for Fall admission?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is January 1. International students should aim to apply at least three months prior to the term start date.