Doctor of Philosophy: Education and Social Change

Elizabeth Dinkins, Ph.D., Chair
Nolen C. Allen Hall, 326, Phone: 502.272.7958 edinkins@bellarmine.edu

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education and Social Change is a 60-credit hour program aimed at the development of highly skilled professionals who will act as "change agents" in improving the education of children living in poverty circumstances. The degree prepares graduates to work as leaders in a wide range of education-related vocations including not-for-profit agencies, family advocacy, learning and teaching research, social policy, leadership in public/private school venues or environments, and higher education. This cohort-based Ph.D. program is designed for working professionals, delivered in a hybrid format, and meets on six selected weekends each term (Friday evenings 5:00-9:00pm/Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm). Three weekends of classes are conducted online and three weekends meet in-person. All classes are synchronous. Coursework is accomplished in three years (two courses per term), and the dissertation is typically completed in the fourth year. The Ph.D. in Education and Social Change is not a certification or endorsement program for public school educators, but rather helps graduates attain advanced knowledge in such areas as quantitative and qualitative research practices, assets and challenges of children living in high poverty predicaments, development and diffusion of innovative education solutions, change management, and depth of knowledge in a chosen area of study related to improving learning for all citizens.

Admission Requirements

1. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all graduate coursework completed at the time of application.

2. Candidates must have an earned baccalaureate and master's degree in any discipline. Advanced degrees in fields other than education will be considered to meet this requirement (e.g., JD, MBA, etc.). A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in all graduate coursework completed at the time of application.

3. Provide email addresses in the online form for two references. Recommendations should be from individuals who are former professors or who have supervised the applicant in a school setting. One recommendation must come from the applicant’s current immediate supervisor. All recommendations must be related to the professional environment.

4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are an optional item. In lieu of GRE scores for review, applicants will be reviewed for completion of a graduate-level research course within the past five years with an earned grade of “A.” Other significant academic papers or artifacts may be requested for review.

5. A current résumé

6. Submission of two essays, no more than 1000 words each addressing the following questions:

• What new knowledge and skills do you expect to acquire from the Ph.D. in Education and Social Change program?

• In what ways might you serve as a change agent in your career as a graduate of this program?

7. Final official transcript(s) from each college or university attended should be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admission and should not be marked “Issued to Student.” If any transcript(s) or undergraduate degree(s) is from an international institution, you must provide an official copy to be evaluated by the Bellarmine International Programs Office. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).

8. A successful interview.