Miami University

The Doctor of Philosophy has two majors, Educational Administration and Curriculum; both address elementary and secondary educational leadership as a practice situated in the cultural, political, and ethical context of schooling. A strong focus in all course work is relating educational theory to practice: three doctoral level core seminars introduce theoretical foundations for both administration and curriculum majors.

Problems of school practice provide the basis for much of the course work in the majors, drawing on case studies, simulations, problem-based seminars, and peer group learning. All students take foundation courses in both quantitative and qualitative analyses and select the remaining six to nine hours in research based on their career goals. The program attempts to meet the intellectual depth, theoretical grounding, and technical skills that leaders will need as they help professional organizations move toward greater collaboration and shared decision making.

Elective courses are also available that will satisfy students' unique needs and interests, including the licensure in Curriculum and Instruction and Professional Development, principal’s license and superintendent’s license.

 

 

How to apply

Admission deadlines:

Applications are reviewed bi-annually during the fall and spring semesters. For consideration during one of these admission periods, please submit all application materials by the respective deadline:

• Fall Admission Period - October 15
• Spring Admission Period - January 31

 

Application process:

Candidates must apply and be accepted by both the Graduate School and the Department of Educational Leadership. The Graduate School requires an applicant to have a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 (or 3.0 in the last 60 hours).

 

1. Submit a Graduate School Application form, a $35 non-refundable application fee, and two* official transcripts from the school you obtained your undergraduate degree from and any other college or university you have done graduate work at to:

The Graduate School
102 Roudebush Hall
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056

Detailed admission information, including an application, can be found here or contact the EDL office at:

304 McGuffey Hall
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
513-529-6825

*Miami graduates do not need to supply Miami transcripts.

 

2. Submit an autobiographical statement and professional vita to:

Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Educational Leadership
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056

The autobiographical statement is intended to provide the admissions committee with information about your professional background and aspirations. Please type and double space your paper. Your statement should include the following:

• Describe your professional experience since receiving your baccalaureate degree
• Describe you interest in leaderships roles in education and give some examples of your leadership accomplishments
• Describe your professional goals and explain how our doctoral program can help you achieve your goals
• Explain how you satisfy your intellectual curiosity

In addition to the information provided in your autobiographical statement, the admissions committee requires a professional vita. It should include:

• Educational background
• Professional experience in education and other professional experiences
• Leadership roles
• Presentations and publications

 

3. The Miller Analogies Test (preferred) or Graduate Record Examination General Test score is required for admission to ELP doctoral programs. You may take the MAT at a college or university testing center near you. If you prefer, you may take the MAT at the Miami University Student Counseling Service. Call 513-529-4634 to schedule a test date. Additional information about the MAT can be found here. 

Information on the Graduate Record Examination can be obtained from: Educational Testing Service, Graduate Record Examination CN 6000, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6010; telephone 609-771-7670.

Wherever you take the MAT or Graduate Record Examination General Test, you must request that your score be sent to:

Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Educational Leadership
304 McGuffey Hall
Oxford, Ohio 45056.

 

4. Submit three references to:

Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Educational Leadership
304 McGuffey Hall
Oxford, Ohio 45056

Submit references from colleagues, teachers, or peers who can attest to your professional work, potential for successful graduate study, and potential for making a positive contribution as a school leader.

 

5. The Graduate School will evaluate your application to determine whether you meet the minimum university requirements. If you meet these standards, your application is forwarded to the Department of Educational Leadership (EDL) for further consideration. Minimum academic grades for admission to the Graduate School are 2.75 g.p.a. for the baccalaureate degree and 3.00 g.p.a. for the masters degree. The Department of Educational Leadership requires a higher g.p.a. for admission to the doctoral program.

 

6. The EDL Admissions Committee reviews the application, grades, letters of reference, test score, and autobiographical statement. Students who do not meet department standards are denied admission at this stage. Applicants who exhibit potential for academic success and who appear to have a good "fit'' between their goals and the department's program are invited to a campus interview with the EDL Admissions Committee.

 

You will be notified as soon as possible after the interview of the decision on your application.

Applicants who are completing the application process are not eligible to register for courses until they are admitted to the program. No admission decisions will be made during the summer terms.

 

Assistantships:

There are a limited number of graduate and teaching assistantships available for students in the Ph.D. program. If you are interested in a GA or TA, contact the EDL chair, Dr. Kate Rousmaniere, 529-6825, rousmak@muohio.edu

Financial aid

• TEAM Scholarship for Ohio educators. The TEAM Scholarship at Miami provides a 50 percent tuition and fee scholarship to professional educators for graduate course work. Go here for more information.
• A limited number of other scholarships are available to EDL graduate students. For more information, go to the Financial Aid / Team Scholarship section of this site.

 

Program Requirements

• Residency program. All Ph.D doctoral students must enroll full time for at least two consecutive semesters at some point during their doctoral program. The requirement is based on our belief that a good doctoral program is more than a set of courses; it is an immersion in the culture of the academy and a thoughtful sequence of academic courses.
• Course selection. Students are assigned a temporary advisor upon admission to the doctoral program. Students work with those advisors to determine their course of study, following required guidelines, recommended sequences, and student interests. Full time students register for 10-12 hours per semester. Part time students register for 3-6 hours per semester.

 

Admission Resources

• The Miami University Graduate School
• Graduate School admission information
• Graduate student life
• Graduate fees
• Graduate School Handbook
• Campus map
• Oxford and Beyond
• Theses from former EDL graduate students
• Miller Analogies website
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) website

 

 

Contact Us

Dr. Denise Taliaferro Baszile
Director of Graduate Studies
taliafda@muohio.edu

Department of Educational Leadership
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
513-529-6825