Ferris State University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework in educational leadership with rigorous research training and a sustained dissertation. Core study areas typically include leadership theory and practice, organisational behaviour in educational settings, educational policy and law, finance and resource management, curriculum and instruction, equity and diversity in education, and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods.

• Core leadership courses: strategic leadership, change management, ethics in educational leadership.
• Administration and supervision: school law, finance and budgeting, human resource management, performance evaluation systems.
• Curriculum and instruction: contemporary curriculum design, instructional supervision, assessment for learning.
• Research methods: advanced statistics, qualitative methods, mixed-methods design, programme evaluation.
• Dissertation and scholarly activity: comprehensive exams or portfolio, dissertation proposal, data collection and analysis, defence and dissemination of original research.
• Practicum and internships: opportunities for applied leadership practicum, district-level projects or partnerships with local schools.

Programme delivery commonly blends seminars, intensive residencies, online modules and mentored research. Students work closely with faculty advisors to formulate research questions that address real-world problems in PK–12 or higher education contexts, culminating in a doctoral dissertation that contributes to the field.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised master’s degree in education or a related field and to demonstrate a record of professional achievement in educational settings. Typical admissions materials include:

• A completed application form and official academic transcripts from all prior tertiary study.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé outlining professional experience, particularly in educational leadership or administration.
• Letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees who can speak to scholarly potential and leadership capacity.
• A personal statement or research statement that outlines academic interests, leadership goals and intended areas of dissertation study.
• Examples of professional or scholarly writing; interviews with faculty or programme faculty may be part of the selection process.

Relevant leadership experience in schools, districts or higher education is strongly preferred. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) and specific grade-point average thresholds vary by programme and admissions cycle; applicants should consult the programme office for current details.

Career prospects

Graduates of a PhD in Educational Administration and Supervision move into a range of senior and scholarly roles across the education sector. Common career paths include:

• District and school leadership: superintendent, deputy superintendent, principal or director-level roles overseeing curriculum, instruction or administration.
• Policy and research: positions with government agencies, education policy centres, think tanks or non-profit organisations focused on school improvement and accountability.
• Higher education: faculty appointments in teacher education, educational leadership programmes, research institutes and academic administration.
• Consultancy and programme evaluation: consultants in school improvement, leadership coaching, professional development design and large-scale programme evaluation.
• Specialist leadership roles: directors of curriculum and instruction, special education leadership, equity and community engagement leadership.

The doctoral credential prepares graduates to lead evidence-informed change, design and evaluate complex educational initiatives, and contribute to scholarship in the field through publication and conference presentation.

Why study at Ferris State University

Ferris State offers a practitioner-oriented approach with a commitment to applied research and community partnerships. The university’s education faculty bring experience from PK–12 leadership, district administration and higher education, providing students with mentorship grounded in current practice. Small cohort sizes promote close mentorship, peer support and collaborative research projects with local school districts and educational agencies.

• Applied focus: emphasis on solving practical problems in schools and districts through research that informs practice.
• Faculty expertise: supervisors and advisors with backgrounds in instructional leadership, policy, finance and research methods.
• Flexible delivery: mixed-mode options that accommodate working professionals, combining on-campus residencies with online coursework and local practicum arrangements.
• Research and professional development support: access to research centres, grant-writing guidance and opportunities to present and publish work stemming from dissertation and practicum projects.
• Regional partnerships: longstanding relationships with area school districts and educational organisations that support internship placements and collaborative studies.

Prospective applicants should contact Ferris State’s College of Education or the programme office to discuss fit with their professional goals and for up-to-date information on admissions procedures and programme structure.