Point Park University

What you'll study

This doctoral programme emphasises research, leadership theory and the practical skills needed to administer and supervise educational organisations. Core study areas typically include advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, educational leadership theory, organisational behaviour in schools, curriculum and instruction leadership, supervision and evaluation of teaching, education policy analysis, and ethics in educational leadership.

Students progress from foundation seminars in theory and methodology through advanced coursework and applied practica, culminating in an independent dissertation that contributes original research to the field. Typical modules and seminar topics include:

• Advanced Research Methods and Statistics — multivariate analysis, mixed methods design, and research design for large-scale and programme evaluation studies.
• Leadership Theory and Organisational Change — contemporary leadership models, change management, and strategic planning in educational contexts.
• Supervision, Evaluation and Professional Development — instructional supervision techniques, teacher assessment, and designing staff development systems.
• Curriculum Leadership and Instructional Improvement — curriculum policy, standards implementation, and data-driven instruction.
• Education Policy and Law — policy analysis, governance structures, finance and legal issues affecting schools and districts.
• Dissertation Seminar and Research Practicum — proposal development, comprehensive exams, pilot studies and dissertation research under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree in education, educational leadership or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Competitive candidates typically present evidence of professional leadership experience in educational settings, a strong academic record at master's level, and a clear statement of research interests aligned with faculty expertise.

Application materials commonly include transcripts, a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, a personal statement describing leadership and research goals, and a writing sample. Some applicants may be invited for an interview. Where relevant, the programme may require or recommend current certification or licensure in educational administration for those seeking school leadership roles.

Career prospects

Graduates from this field pursue a range of leadership and scholarly roles across K–12 and higher education, public agencies and the non-profit sector. Typical career paths include:

• District-level leadership such as superintendent, deputy superintendent or director of curriculum and instruction.
• School leadership roles including principals and assistant principals with responsibilities for instructional improvement and staff development.
• Higher education positions such as faculty in education departments, researcher or director of school-university partnerships.
• Policy and administrative roles in local, state or national education agencies and non-profit organisations focused on education reform.
• Consultancy and leadership in programme evaluation, professional development design and educational research firms.

Why study at Point Park University

Point Park University provides a practice-oriented environment with close faculty mentoring and opportunities to engage with Pittsburgh-area school districts and education organisations. The programme emphasises applied research that addresses real organisational challenges, enabling doctoral candidates to build research profiles while remaining connected to practice.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes that support collaborative learning, personalised supervision for dissertation research, and access to urban schooling contexts for practicum and field-based studies. The university’s focus on career-ready leadership prepares graduates to move into senior administrative and academic roles, or to influence education policy and practice through research and consultancy.