Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework, applied leadership experiences and an original research dissertation. Core study areas include educational leadership theory, organisational behaviour in schools, supervision and evaluation of instruction, curriculum and instructional design, and education policy and finance. Research training emphasises both quantitative and qualitative methods, including advanced statistics, programme evaluation, and qualitative inquiry.

• Research methods and statistics: advanced quantitative analysis, qualitative methods, mixed-methods designs, and programme evaluation.
• Leadership and organisational theory: leadership models, change management, strategic planning, and ethics in educational leadership.
• Supervision and instructional improvement: teacher evaluation systems, coaching, professional learning communities, and curriculum supervision.
• Policy, law and finance: education policy analysis, school law, budgeting and finance for educational organisations.
• Dissertation seminars and independent research: proposal development, comprehensive exam preparation, dissertation research and defence.

Programme structure typically begins with a sequence of required doctoral seminars and research courses, followed by elective seminars that allow specialisation (for example in urban education, higher education administration, or special education leadership). The latter stages focus on comprehensive examinations and completion of a supervised dissertation grounded in original empirical research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a master’s degree in education or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Typical application materials include official transcripts, a current CV or résumé, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career objectives, and academic or professional letters of recommendation. Some applicants will be asked to submit a writing sample demonstrating analytic and scholarly ability.

While specific prerequisites can vary, competitive candidates usually have substantial professional experience in education or educational administration and demonstrate potential for doctoral-level research. International applicants must meet the university’s English proficiency requirements. The department may require an interview as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Educational Administration and Supervision pursue leadership and research-focused careers across K–12 systems, higher education, government and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• District superintendent or senior district administrator
• School principal or school system leader responsible for curriculum and instruction
• Director of curriculum and instruction or director of professional development
• Higher education faculty (tenure-track and lecturer roles) and academic researchers
• Education policy analyst, researcher or consultant for government agencies and non-profit organisations
• Leaders in educational assessment, accreditation or programme evaluation

The programme’s emphasis on both applied leadership and rigorous research equips graduates to influence practice and policy, lead large-scale improvement initiatives, and contribute to scholarly literature in education.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers doctoral candidates personalised mentorship from faculty who combine scholarly expertise with practitioner experience in schools and districts. The university’s size and structure support small cohort models and close faculty-student engagement during coursework and dissertation supervision.

FDU provides access to regional school systems and educational organisations for applied research and partnership projects, along with flexible delivery options that accommodate working professionals. As an accredited university with established teacher education programmes, Fairleigh Dickinson supports doctoral students with research resources, library access and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across its campuses.

Overall, the programme is oriented to professionals aiming to advance to senior leadership, produce research that informs practice, and play a central role in shaping educational systems.