Education (Educational Administration P-12) PhD

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration is a flexible degree plan that offers students the opportunity to pursue either a building-level or a district-level program option, depending on their current educational certification. The building-level program is designed for those who are not currently certified/licensed as educational administrators. The district-level program is designed for those who are already hold certification/licensure as educational administrators.

Both program options require students to complete a dissertation as well as a one-semester administrative practicum experience. The practicum requires students to identify an appropriate administrative-level mentor who will agree to supervise the student during the practicum experience and evaluate the student’s performance at its conclusion.

This program of study meets Mississippi’s state standards for advanced licensure. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should verify that this program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements. For additional information on professional licensure, see the Professional Licensure page https://www.usm.edu/professional-licensure-certification-disclosures/index.php

Campus: Hattiesburg

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admission Requirements and Procedures , applicants must meet the following requirements and submit the following documents:

1. Official GRE scores or other acceptable standardized graduate-level exam scores
2. Statement of Purpose - In a letter or essay format, describe your professional experiences and goals and how obtaining this degree will help you to realize those goals.
3. CV/Résumé
4. Three Letters of Recommendation
5. Copy of current educator license (with at least three years of teaching experience) 

This program admits new students each fall. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information .

Course Requirements (72 hours)

• EDA 628 - Contextual Dimensions of the Principalship 3 hrs. or
• EDA 755 - The Superintendency 3 hrs.

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• EDA 700 - Public School Finance 3 hrs.
• EDA 702 - Administrative Approaches to Technology 3 hrs.
• EDA 706 - Education Facilities Development and Management 3 hrs.
• EDA 710 - School Law 3 hrs.
• EDA 720 - Advanced Curriculum Development 3 hrs.
• EDA 722 - Introduction to P-12 Education Policy 3 hrs.

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• EDA 736 - Practicum in Educational Administration 3 hrs. or
• EDA 738 - Practicum in Supervision 3 hrs.

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• EDA 740 - Advanced Instructional Supervision 3 hrs.
• EDA 780 - Educational Leadership Seminar 3 hrs.
• EDA 800 - Seminar: Theories in Educational Organization and Administration 3 hrs.
• EDA 898 - Dissertation 12 hrs.
• REF 601 - Educational Research: Interpretation and Applications 3 hrs.
• REF 602 - Introduction to Educational Statistics 3 hrs.
• REF 730 - Qualitative Research in the Social Sciences I 3 hrs.
• REF 736 - Survey Research 3 hrs.
• REF 761 - Quantitative Analysis I 3 hrs.
• REF 791 - Field Problems in Educational Research 1-12 hrs. (6 hrs. required)
• REF 889 - The Dissertation Process 3 hrs.
• Advisor Approved Electives 6 hrs.