University of Southern Indiana

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework in educational leadership and organisation with intensive research methods training and an independent dissertation. Core study areas include leadership theory and organisational change, school law and finance, curriculum development and supervision, and policy analysis. You will also take advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, program evaluation, and data-driven decision making to prepare for empirical research.

• Core themes: educational leadership, supervision, policy and law, finance, curriculum and instruction.
• Research and methods: advanced statistics, multivariate analysis, qualitative inquiry, mixed methods, programme evaluation and measurement.
• Applied components: practicum or residency experiences in district or school leadership, leadership seminars, and collaborative research with local partners.
• Dissertation: an original research project supervised by departmental faculty that contributes to the scholarly literature and to practice in educational administration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised master’s degree in education or a closely related field and to demonstrate substantial professional experience in educational settings, typically in school or district leadership, supervision or policy work. Academic transcripts showing strong graduate-level performance, a current CV, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees are required. Candidates may also be asked to participate in an interview with programme faculty. Some applicants may be expected to provide evidence of quantitative coursework or research experience prior to admission.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for senior leadership and research roles across education. Typical career paths include district-level administration (assistant superintendent, superintendent), building-level leadership (principal, principal supervisor), curriculum and instruction directors, state and local education agency leadership, policy analyst roles, and positions in non-profit and private education organisations. The PhD also equips graduates for faculty and research positions in universities, where they teach, secure research grants and supervise graduate students.

Why study at University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers doctoral candidates close mentorship from faculty with expertise in leadership, policy and applied research, and strong partnerships with regional school districts that support practicum placements and collaborative studies. The College of Education and Health Professions emphasises practitioner-research integration, preparing graduates to address challenges facing rural and midwestern schools as well as urban systems. Facilities, research support, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration make the programme suitable for candidates seeking a balance of rigorous research training and applied leadership development.