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PhD Programs

PhD Programs At-a-Glance

PhD in Educational Leadership

45 Credits

  • 36 Core Credits
  • 9 Dissertation Credits 

PhD in Educational Studies (Individually Designed)

45 Credits

  • 21 Core Credits
  • 24 Elective Credits
  • Dissertation 

For both programs

  • Low residency – students attend three nine-day on-campus summer intensives over the course of the program
  • Term-based program 
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Become a True Leader in Advancing Education

Lesley’s PhD in Education programs are for practitioner scholars looking to deepen their practice and drive meaningful change both inside and outside the classroom. Both our PhD in Educational Leadership and the individually designed PhD in Educational Studies programs are rigorous, top-tier PhD offerings, ​​but require only 45 credits versus the 60 credits required by many other schools. Students choose ​​an individualized study plan and dissertation topic and can ​​conduct research in their current position and workplace. Over the course of ​​three summer experiences, they work alongside a cohort of educators passionate about exploring different facets of education.  

Our graduates leave Lesley with the vision, leadership skills, and deep knowledge that prepares them to make important contributions in a variety of fields and deepen your practice as an educator.   

Flexibility, Rigor, and Community

Our PhD programs feature the deep faculty mentorship and student community you’d expect from a top tier offering, but with the flexibility and convenience that’s unique to Lesley. Our programs allow you to begin your research earlier and complete your coursework over just three summer residencies.  

But while they’re streamlined, there’s no compromise on rigor: as a Lesley PhD candidate, you’ll dig deep - conducting new and consequential research on a topic that’s important to you. You’ll develop rock solid research skills, produce an original dissertation, and make a personal contribution to the field of education research. You’ll graduate prepared to apply your expertise and perspective in a variety of fields, including higher education and human services.  

With You for Life

You’ll find Lesley’s tight-knit alumni network working across every facet of the education ecosystem, and when you become a student here, you join that community for life. ​​Discover all the ways that Lesley supports alumni and working professionals through every stage of their careers and lives.  

​​​Learn More About Our PhD of Education Degree Offerings

Take the next step

Ready to begin your journey with Lesley? ​Share some basic information by filling out one of the forms below so that we can reach out to you with more information about our programs. Or, email admissions@lesley.edu to connect with a member of our admissions team.

Undergraduate Inquiry Form  |  Graduate Inquiry Form  |  Threshold Inquiry Form