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Education (PhD)
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The doctoral degree program of study is designed to prepare leaders who will advance educational theory, practice, and policy through scholarship and disciplined inquiry. Graduates assume leadership roles in university, educational agency, and PK-12 settings. Within the framework of the College requirements and with the advice and approval of a doctoral guidance committee, candidates plan a program of study commensurate with their academic needs and professional goals. CIP Code: 13.0101
Concentrations
Children, Families & Schools | Educational Leadership | Higher Education | International Education | Language, Literacy, & Culture | Math, Science & Learning Technology | Research, Educational Measurements & Psychometrics | School Psychology | Social Justice Education | Special Education | Teacher Education & School Improvement
Possible Career Paths
Education Teachers, Postsecondary
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. With more than 28,000 students and over 200 distinct academic programs – including highly ranked programs in business, computer science, health care and the social sciences – UMass Amherst is one of the most comprehensive institutions in the Northeast.
Doctoral Degrees in Education
The School of Education doctoral degree programs prepare professional leaders to identify challenges and reinvent education for the next generation.
Which Program Is Right for You?
The UMass Lowell School of Education offers two doctoral programs. Each program offers two options.
The Ed.D. program is intended for PK-12 practitioners and is designed to enhance a candidate's skills both as a researcher and as an instructional leader of PK-12 programs. Choose from two options:
- Leadership option
- STEM option
The Ph.D. program prepares candidates to pursue positions as faculty members in higher education or policy and research roles in the public or private sector. The doctoral degrees are designed for the development of competency in educational scholarship and research. Choose from two options:
- Leadership in Education option
- Research and Evaluation in Education option
Information Session
Ph.d. in education: leadership and research and evaluation in education pathways.
- Watch The Leadership and Research and Evaluation in Education Pathways Webinar
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PhD in Education degree programs
Phd in research, educational measurement & psychometrics.
Ideal for students seeking to understand the fundamental underpinnings of educational assessment and research.
PhD in School Psychology
Our PhD program in school psychology is aligned with the Standards of Accreditation for Health Service Psychology approved by the APA.
PhD in Social Justice Education
The PhD in social justice education is 52 credits. All candidates are expected to have a master’s degree prior to starting the PhD.
PhD in Special Education
In the special education PhD program you'll develop foundational knowledge in special education while exploring an individual program of research.
PhD in Teacher Education & School Improvement
The TESI doctoral concentration prepares reflective, informed, and research-oriented scholars and practitioners.
PhD in Children, Families & Schools
Children, family & schools doctoral students build a firm grounding in the philosophical, historical, and cultural foundations of learning and development.
PhD in Educational Leadership
The educational leadership PhD gives current and aspiring leaders, policy analysts, and scholars the opportunity to critically examine and synthesize research.
PhD in Higher Education
Our emphasis on scholarly practice helps graduates support student success through evidence-based policies and interventions.
PhD in International Education
This program provides educators with the opportunity to study the role of education in the context of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other developing areas.
PhD in Language, Literacy & Culture
Students in our doctoral program undertake research that transforms schools, communities, and the broader society.
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PhD in Educational Studies
Degree details, degree type.
- Doctoral Programs
Minimum Requirements
Availability.
- Fall Start Only
The PhD in Educational Studies at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is for students who wish to contribute to the field’s understanding of teaching and learning through research. The program will prepare you to drive innovation through research, scholarship, and professional development. You’ll gain a strong foundation in research methods and in the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of current educational research.
As a student in the PhD in Educational Studies program, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue one of four specializations: educational policy studies , language & literacy education , mathematics & science education , or special education . Students in the language & literacy education specialization may choose to focus on ASL & Deaf studies, language education, or literacy education. Learn more about the four specializations .
You’ll engage in coursework, research, and teaching throughout the program, and you will work with faculty across BU Wheelock, leveraging their expertise across disciplines. You will also have the opportunity to work with one of the many partnerships that BU Wheelock has with local school districts, education agencies, local and state policymakers, foundations, and others.
Boston University’s PhD in Educational Studies is typically a full-time program that can be completed in five years. This flexible program offers the option to take some courses online.
Dates & Deadlines
Aug 15, 2024.
Application Open
Dec 1, 2024
Application Deadline
Career Outcomes
No matter which specialization you choose, Boston University’s PhD in Educational Studies, program will expand and deepen your ability to pursue teaching, research, and policy-making positions in public or private institutions of higher education.
- Postdoctoral fellow
- University faculty
- Educational researcher
- College-level teacher
More Information about the PhD in Educational Studies
Specializations.
As a student in the PhD in Educational Studies, you will choose one of four specializations: Educational policy studies, language & literacy education, math & science education, or special education
Graduate Admissions
Start your application or learn more about applying to Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, including application deadlines, requirements, and more.
Financing Your Education
There are several flexible options for financing your graduate education at Boston University. Learn more about financial assistance at BU Wheelock, including scholarships and more.
About the PhD in Educational Studies
For questions about Boston University’s PhD in Educational Studies program, contact Program Director Amy Lieberman. All other questions about the application and admissions process, contact Graduate Admissions .
Amy M. Lieberman
Director, Doctoral Studies Associate Professor
Area of Study
- Counseling & Human Services ,
- Higher Education, Research & Education Policy ,
- Teaching & Learning
- Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development ,
- Educational Leadership & Policy Studies ,
- Language & Literacy Education ,
Educational Studies
IMAGES
COMMENTS
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest public research university in New England. With more than 28,000 students and over 200 distinct academic programs – including highly ranked programs in business, computer science, health care and the social sciences – UMass Amherst is one of the most comprehensive institutions in the Northeast.
Earning a PhD in Higher Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst helps prepare graduates for careers as administrators, policymakers, researchers, and faculty members. Most importantly, our emphasis on scholarly practice helps graduates to support student success via evidence-based policies and interventions as well as rigorous ...
The UMass Lowell School of Education offers two doctoral programs. Each program offers two options. The Ed.D. program is intended for PK-12 practitioners and is designed to enhance a candidate's skills both as a researcher and as an instructional leader of PK-12 programs.
Our graduates work within public and private schools, social service agencies, after-school programs, nonprofits, and shape public policy. Our curriculum is both global and local in scale, preparing graduates to take on vital roles as educators in Massachusetts and around the world. Explore our programs
In the research-based MSLT doctoral program, students specialize in mathematics education, science education, or learning technologies. PhD in Research, Educational Measurement & Psychometrics Ideal for students seeking to understand the fundamental underpinnings of educational assessment and research.
As a student in the PhD in Educational Studies program, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue one of four specializations: educational policy studies, language & literacy education, mathematics & science education, or special education. Students in the language & literacy education specialization may choose to focus on ASL & Deaf studies ...