Through these programs, the Department seeks to prepare practitioners who will become leaders in their own practice settings and within their profession, applying knowledge to improve education for all students and enrich the lives of clients. Immersion in subject matter, research, theory, and field-based experience provides a base for our graduates to make well-reasoned judgments in complex situations, render informed decisions, model exemplary practice, and take initiative for planned change. Students learn to establish caring environments which celebrate individual differences and backgrounds while fostering cooperation and educational improvement. We stress reflective critical inquiry as a mode of study and community-building as a means for promoting change. We value and support both our students' local practice and their broader leadership within the profession. Practical experience in leadership positions, quality teaching, varied research agendas, and a commitment to serving educational institutions characterize the faculty. The varied interests and strengths of the faculty have formed the basis for guiding and assisting their doctoral students in completing research on such topics as school finance, collective bargaining, the politics of leadership, retention rates in higher education, public school accreditation, alternative teacher compensation systems, the impact of high stakes testing, and the college president and the technology leader. The inquiry area of Leadership & Policy Studies provides many opportunities for doctoral students to study vital issues effecting educational institutions.

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes. Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted. Prospective international students are strongly encouraged to complete our international pre-application process and are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. Please note that English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language.