Eastern Washington University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in leadership theory, organisational behaviour in educational settings, and policy analysis with rigorous training in research methods and statistics. Typical core topics include qualitative and quantitative research methods, program evaluation, advanced educational leadership, curriculum and instruction leadership, legal and ethical issues in education, and finance and resource management for schools.

Study is organised around sequential coursework, comprehensive examinations, and a research dissertation. Early semesters emphasise substantive foundations and research design; middle semesters focus on specialised electives and independent study; the latter stage is devoted to dissertation proposal development, data collection and analysis, and dissertation defence. Students may choose electives or concentrations that reflect interests such as K–12 administration, higher education leadership, policy studies or applied research.

Typical module examples (indicative) include:

• Advanced Research Methods in Education (qualitative and quantitative)
• Statistics for Educational Research
• Organisational Theory and Leadership in Education
• Educational Policy Analysis and Governance
• Curriculum Leadership and Instructional Improvement
• Program Evaluation and Assessment
• Ethics, Law and Finance in Educational Administration
• Dissertation Seminar and Independent Research

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised master’s degree in education or a closely related field and to demonstrate substantial professional experience in educational settings. Typical requirements include a satisfactory graduate GPA, official transcripts, a current curriculum vitae or résumé, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, and several professional or academic references.

Additional materials often requested include a writing sample or representative scholarly work and evidence of fit with faculty research interests. Some applicants may be asked to participate in an interview. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) may be considered on a programme-by-programme basis or waived depending on prior academic and professional preparation.

Because the programme is research-intensive, prospective students should identify potential faculty mentors whose expertise aligns with their proposed dissertation topic before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Educational Administration and Supervision pursue leadership and scholarly roles across K–12 and postsecondary sectors. Common career paths include district-level administration (such as superintendents and assistant superintendents), school principals and central-office directors, curriculum and instructional leadership positions, and leadership roles in educational policy organisations and non-profits.

Graduates also enter academia as faculty members or researchers, working in teacher education, educational leadership programmes, and applied research centres. The programme prepares professionals to lead system-level improvement initiatives, conduct rigorous evaluations, inform policy, and contribute to the evidence base on teaching, learning and organisational change.

Why study at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers a practitioner-oriented doctoral experience with an emphasis on applied research and regional educational improvement. The College of Education provides opportunities to work closely with experienced faculty and engage with local school districts and community partners, enabling research that addresses real-world problems of practice.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, personalised mentorship, and a curriculum designed to balance theory, research methods and leadership practice. The programme’s regional connections and commitment to serving diverse communities make it particularly suited to candidates who want to enact change in public education systems while building strong research credentials for academic or policy careers.