Cost & earnings at Benedictine University What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Education graduates earn a median $33,993 Across 412 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The PhD in Educational Administration and Supervision at Benedictine University is a research-intensive programme designed for experienced educators seeking senior leadership, district-level administration, policy influence or academic careers in education. It suits practitioners who want advanced preparation in organisational leadership, supervision, policy analysis and original research that addresses real problems in PK–12 and higher education settings.
This doctoral programme blends advanced coursework in educational leadership with rigorous research preparation and a sustained dissertation project. Core themes include leadership theory and ethics, school and district administration, curriculum and instruction, organisational change, supervision and evaluation, education law and finance, and equity and policy analysis. Students also complete intensive research methods and statistics sequences covering qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches, plus coursework in measurement, program evaluation and data-driven decision making.
Programme structure typically combines seminar-style core courses, specialised electives aligned to the student’s research focus, practicum or internship experiences in leadership settings, comprehensive examinations, and a multi-chapter dissertation that contributes original knowledge to the field. Seminars emphasise applied problems of practice and often draw on case studies, practitioner research, and partnerships with local school districts.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree (for example in education, educational leadership or a related field) from an accredited institution and to demonstrate a strong academic record. Typical applicants have professional experience in teaching, school leadership or educational administration.
Required application materials usually include a current CV or résumé, a personal statement or statement of research interests that outlines leadership goals and a prospective dissertation topic area, letters of recommendation (often including at least one academic reference), and academic transcripts. A writing sample that demonstrates scholarly analysis is also commonly requested.
Standardised tests such as the GRE may be optional or considered on a case-by-case basis; international applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Some supervisory or district-level practicum experience is beneficial, and applicants should be prepared to discuss how their professional background informs their research and leadership goals.
Graduates of this PhD programme go on to roles that combine leadership, research and policy work across PK–12 and higher education. Common career paths include district superintendent or central-office administrator, school principal or vice-principal, director of curriculum and instruction, director of professional development, and special programmes director. Graduates also pursue careers in educational research, policy analysis, assessment and accountability agencies, non-profit organisations focused on education, and faculty positions in teacher education and educational leadership programmes.
The degree is intended to prepare professionals to lead complex organisations, design and evaluate improvement initiatives, influence education policy, and conduct original scholarship that informs practice.
Benedictine University emphasises a practitioner-oriented doctoral experience grounded in ethical leadership and a collaborative learning community. The programme typically features small cohorts that enable close mentoring by faculty with experience in district leadership, policy research and teacher education. Students benefit from partnerships with local school districts and opportunities to engage in applied research that addresses pressing regional education issues.
The university supports doctoral candidates with access to research resources, faculty supervision through all dissertation stages, and flexible scheduling options that accommodate working professionals. Benedictine’s focus on forming reflective, community-minded leaders makes the programme well suited to educators seeking leadership roles that balance administrative expertise, research capacity and commitments to equity and student success.
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