Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Executive Cohort
PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
Take on the biggest challenge in American education: closing achievement gaps in student performance. The Wisconsin Idea Executive PhD Cohort in K-12 Leadership program’s flexible schedule allows you to attend weekend classes during the academic year and study full time in the summer.
Is this program right for you?
The Wisconsin Idea Executive PhD Cohort in K-12 Leadership program prepares you to take on one of the most vexing problems in American education: closing achievement gaps in student performance.
You will interact with nationally recognized faculty and leading practitioners as you gain sophisticated strategies for using data to address district inequities, provide strong instructional leadership, and evaluate program effectiveness. You will also learn to use the most recent research-based practices to improve student achievement across a district.
The Wisconsin Idea Executive PhD Cohort in K-12 Leadership program is rigorous but designed to allow students to work full time while pursuing the degree. Classes meet on weekends during the fall and spring semesters, and students attend classes full-time in the summer. You can defend your dissertation within three or four years.
Along with attaining a PhD, depending on your needs and interests, you will be eligible for endorsement for licensure for superintendent, director of special education and pupil services, or director of curriculum and instruction.
Is this program right for you?
The Wisconsin Idea Executive PhD Cohort in K-12 Leadership program prepares you to take on one of the most vexing problems in American education: closing achievement gaps in student performance.
You will interact with nationally recognized faculty and leading practitioners as you gain sophisticated strategies for using data to address district inequities, provide strong instructional leadership, and evaluate program effectiveness. You will also learn to use the most recent research-based practices to improve student achievement across a district.
The Wisconsin Idea Executive PhD Cohort in K-12 Leadership program is rigorous but designed to allow students to work full time while pursuing the degree. Classes meet on weekends during the fall and spring semesters, and students attend classes full-time in the summer. You can defend your dissertation within three or four years.
Along with attaining a PhD, depending on your needs and interests, you will be eligible for endorsement for licensure for superintendent, director of special education and pupil services, or director of curriculum and instruction.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.*
- Hold or be eligible for an administrative license.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
*The admissions committee may consider an applicant that does not meet these requirements. Supporting factors include documentation of potential for leadership and relevant experiences that affect your ability to serve in leadership roles.”
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Essay
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
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Program highlights
- Along with attaining a PhD, depending on your needs and interests, you will receive licensure for the superintendent, director of special education and pupil services, or director of curriculum and instruction.
- Interact with nationally recognized faculty and leading practitioners as you gain a sophisticated set of strategies for using data to address district inequities, provide strong instructional leadership, and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Individuals will be equipped with necessary skills to participate in the nationwide discussion on how to eliminate achievement gaps in student performance which are overwhelmingly apparent in the current American education system.
The UW–Madison School of Education was ranked third in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Education Graduate Schools rankings — marking the 10th straight year it has been rated among the top five.
How you'll learn
- On-campus classes held on weekends during the fall and spring semesters, and full time during the summer.
- Online learning components for many classes.
- Work individually and in teams to complete class assignments.
- Research, complete, and defend a doctoral dissertation.
Sample curriculum
Semester 1
- Doctoral Inquiry in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
- Critical Epistemologies & Organizational Theory in Education
Research or Thesis
Semester 2
- The Politics of Education
- Introduction to Quantitative Inquiry in Education
- Research or Thesis
Semester 3
- Seminar in Educational Law
- Field Research Designs & Methodologies in Educational Administration
- Special Topics Seminar in Educational Leadership
Semester 4
- Surveys and Other Quantitative Data Collection Strategies
- Theory & Practice of Educational Planning
- Research or Thesis
Semester 5
- Advanced Quantitative Methods OR Advanced Qualitative Methods
- Urban Education Leadership
- Research or Thesis
Semester 6
- Seminar in Educational Finance
Leadership for Inclusive Schooling - Cities, Schools, and the Urban Crisis
Semester 7
- Seminar in Authentic Pedagogy & Achievement
- The School Superintendency
- Research or Thesis
Semester 8
- Complete the dissertation and defend (continuous enrollment in three graduate credits necessary each term until dissertation is completed)
Job outlook
- Associate Deans
- Department Chairs
- Principals
- Program Directors
- Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs
- Superintendents
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Public administration
Source: Lightcast™ 2022.
Ready to learn more about Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Executive Cohort?
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Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.
Read more about ErinThey blended research and theory with what’s practical. It helped bridge the two worlds. I continue to reach out to professors and people I’ve met that are also alumni of UW-Madison. I absolutely love being a part of the Badger nation.
Erin Kuehn-Schettler, K-12 Administrator
