Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- as little as 3 years
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting August 2027
- Apply before Dec 2026
Language
English
TOEFL iBT: 80
Credits
90 SCH
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- University Park, United States
Disciplines
- Educational Leadership
Overview
This degree is for anyone who wants a career as an advanced educational leader in primary and secondary education, which includes leadership roles such as superintendent, assistant superintendent, chief academic officer, and principal, along with various leadership positions in school districts and other educational organizations.
Mission
The mission of the Educational Leadership Program at Pennsylvania State University is to positively impact educational systems through high-quality scholarship, rigorous instructional practice, and equitable partnerships. We prepare action-oriented and transformative leaders, policymakers, and researchers who are committed to equity, antiracism, and social justice in education.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Teacher Leadership
- Leadership for Equity and Diversity
- Data Informed Leadership
- Coaching for Leadership Capacity and Systems Change
- Constructing Educational Case Studies for Peer Professional Development
- Planned Change for School Improvement
- Principles of Instructional Leadership
- Human Resources Leadership in Education
- The Principalship for Aspiring School Leaders
- Money and Schools: Perspectives, Finance Policies, and Leadership
- Law and Education for Educational Leaders
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
- GPA: 3.5
- GRE: Required
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 80
Other requirements
General requirements
The Educational Leadership program requires all graduate program applicants to submit:
- three letters of recommendation,
- official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended,
- a statement of purpose,
- a writing sample, and
- a current resume or curriculum vita.
Applicants must present evidence of at least a 3.0 grade-point average in the last two years of undergraduate work. A grade-point average of 3.50 in prior graduate work is required of those desiring admission to enter a doctoral program.
Applicants are required to submit a writing sample. Applicants should submit a writing sample that reviews and critiques an academic article related to education leadership or education policy that affects education leaders.
Official scores from the GRE, the Miller Analogy Test, or the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) from within the last 5 years are required.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 44,150 AUD / year (≈ 31,440 USD / year)
- Out-of-State: 44,150 AUD / year (≈ 31,440 USD / year)
- Domestic (In-State): 44,150 AUD / year (≈ 31,440 USD / year)
Living costs
University Park, United States
1,404-2,106 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Educational Leadership.
