Cost & earnings at Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis University is a research-focused doctoral programme that prepares experienced educators and administrators for leadership, policy and scholarly roles in K–12 and higher education. It suits candidates who want to combine advanced research skills with practical leadership expertise, emphasising ethical decision-making and equity in educational settings.
This doctoral programme combines advanced coursework in educational leadership with rigorous training in research methods and an intensive dissertation project. Early-stage coursework typically covers topics such as organisational theory and leadership in education, curriculum and instruction leadership, school finance and resource allocation, education law and policy, and supervision and personnel development.
Research training is a major component, with sustained study in quantitative methods, qualitative inquiry, mixed-methods approaches, and program evaluation. Students also engage in seminars on research design, statistics for the social sciences, advanced qualitative methods, and data analysis using contemporary software.
Programme structure normally includes a sequence of core seminars, elective modules that allow specialisation (for example in district leadership, policy analysis, instructional coaching, or higher education administration), comprehensive or qualifying examinations, and a supervised dissertation that contributes original research to the field. Practical experiences such as leadership internships, practicum placements in school districts, and collaborative research with local educational partners are integrated to link scholarship with practice.
Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in education, educational leadership, administration, curriculum studies or a closely related field) from an accredited institution. Successful candidates typically have substantial professional experience in education or educational leadership—such as classroom teaching, school or district administration, or leadership in educational organisations.
Typical application components include academic transcripts, a statement of research interests or purpose outlining proposed doctoral study, a curriculum vitae or résumé documenting professional experience, and letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional referees. Candidates should demonstrate readiness for doctoral-level research; programmes may require evidence of prior coursework in research methods or statistics, or completion of preparatory work if needed. Selection is based on the strength of the research fit with faculty expertise and programme capacity.
Graduates of the PhD in Educational Administration and Supervision pursue leadership and scholarly roles across K–12 systems, higher education and the broader education sector. Common career destinations include district-level leadership positions (such as superintendent or central office administrator), school principalship at large or complex schools, policy analyst roles in government or non-profit organisations, and leadership positions in educational NGOs and consulting firms.
Many graduates move into academia as faculty members in schools of education, where they teach courses in leadership, supervision, curriculum and research methods and lead research projects. Others work as researchers or evaluators for research centres, think tanks, or state and local education agencies, shaping policy and practice through evidence-based studies. The degree also prepares graduates for roles in teacher development, accreditation and organisational change within educational institutions.
Saint Louis University offers this doctoral programme within a Jesuit educational tradition that emphasises ethical leadership, social justice and service to the community. The university’s School of Education has faculty with active research agendas in leadership, policy, equity and school improvement, providing supervision and mentoring for doctoral research.
Students benefit from partnerships with local school districts and educational organisations in the St. Louis region, which support practicum placements, applied research projects and opportunities to test leadership approaches in real-world settings. The university’s interdisciplinary resources—across education, public policy, psychology and health sciences—support cross-cutting research topics. Doctoral students also have access to research centres, library collections and opportunities for external funding and conference dissemination to advance their scholarly careers.
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