Educational Policy and Evaluation, PhD
Examine the education policies shaping preK-12, higher education and other learning environments through this graduate degree. You'll gain advanced training in policy theory, research methods and evaluation, preparing you to conduct rigorous research that informs real decisions.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Educational Policy and Evaluation PhD degree description
In the Doctor of Philosophy program in educational policy and evaluation, you prepare to conduct rigorous, high-impact and transdisciplinary research on education policies that affect conditions in pre-K-20 and other educational environments.
You engage in systematic analyses of education policies and practices in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, research centers, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
The program emphasizes intensive training in the theory, methods and implementation of education policy, with a focus on research and evaluation. You pursue an area of specialization supported by faculty expertise.
As an educational policy and evaluation student, you work closely with nationally and internationally recognized faculty members on collaborative and independent research projects that advance education, including scholarly articles, policy briefs, reports and engagement in education policy. The program also provides opportunities to influence the field through internships in applied settings and experiences in scholarly publishing.
Why earn your educational policy and evaluation PhD at ASU?
Doctoral programs at MLFC prepare education leaders, scholars and innovators. This educational policy and evaluation Doctor of Philosophy empowers you to create knowledge and insight into important questions about teaching, learning and the impact of education policy.
You'll work closely with nationally and internationally recognized faculty on collaborative and independent research projects, including scholarly articles, policy briefs and reports. This close mentorship lets you specialize in a focus area aligned with faculty expertise and your own research interests.
The program connects your scholarship to practice through internships in applied settings and experiences in scholarly publishing. You'll analyze policies across schools, universities, research centers, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
Additional details
At MLFC, you become part of a community within a community. You'll take part in the traditions and resources available across ASU while also connecting with a more intimate group of students who share your passions and professional interests.
Several student organizations help you build connections, including the Leadership and Innovation Student Advisory Council, the Doctoral Council Teachers College and the Graduate and Professional Student Association. You can also contribute to Current Issues in Education, a student-run academic journal.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (21 credit hours) Electives (45 credit hours) Research (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students who enter the doctoral program with a master's degree in a related discipline may count up to 30 credit hours from the master's degree toward the 84 credit hours. In addition, with program and Graduate College approval, a student may use up to 12 additional credit hours toward the doctorate if documentation is provided showing that those credit hours were not part of the master's degree. Of the 45 credit hours for electives, 15 should be earned in the areas of specialization.
COE 502 Introduction to Data Analysis (3)
COE 503 Introduction to Qualitative Research (3)
EPA 701 Proseminar in Education Policy I (3)
EPA 702 Proseminar in Education Policy II (3)
EPA 704 Proseminar in Evaluation and Evaluation Research (6)
EPA 752 Research Design (3)
Advanced research methods (6)
EPA 799 Dissertation (12) or
DCI 799 Dissertation (12) or
SPE 799 Dissertation (12)
Of the 84 credit hours required for the degree, 54 must be earned at ASU, and 24 of the ASU credit hours must be earned in research and dissertation courses. The coursework includes classes in evaluation, policy analysis, research methods and an area of specialization.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Synthesize theoretical perspectives and literature related to their focus of educational research (learning, literacies, and/or technologies)
- Design an educational research study.
- Implement an educational research study
Synthesize theoretical perspectives and literature related to their focus of educational research (learning, literacies, and/or technologies)
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. Applicants must have earned a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an international equivalent as determined by Graduate Admission Services. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program. The personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree. The academic writing sample should be a substantive piece created for an academic or professional audience.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this educational policy and evaluation PhD degree prepares you for
Graduates gain the knowledge and skills to pursue careers as education researchers who advance the collective understanding of education policy for pre-K-20 and other education environments.
Career examples include:
- policy analyst
- professor
- program evaluator
- researcher
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Division for Advancing Education Policy, Practice
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ED 118
doctoraleducation@asu.edu
480-965-5555
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
