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Psychology plays a crucial role in shaping policies and interventions that promote well-being and social equity, and the Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology program equips students with diverse perspectives and access to cutting-edge resources. This highly ranked program, through small-group seminars, personalized supervision and proximity to major research institutions, prepares students to be leaders in driving positive change through evidence-based practice and scholarly inquiry in counseling psychology.

The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in School System Leadership is a “Practice Based” doctoral program designed to develop leaders who can create and lead collaborative and inclusive system improvement initiatives. The program enrolls cohorts of students who work together over 36 months to identify, investigate and solve real school system problems. The Ed.D in School System Leadership is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education for Superintendent II certification.

The highly ranked Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–International Education Policy Concentration, Ph.D. program is comprised of a community of faculty, students and development professionals who strive to improve cross-cultural and multicultural understanding and bridge the gap between scholars and practitioners. In a 21st century marked by the rapid pace of global change, international education has become of paramount importance. This program addresses needed improvements in equity, social justice, and the ability to promote sustainable development and international peace at a global level, which requires transforming our educational and social institutions. Connect with a passionate group of faculty, staff, students, and alumni as you work to better yourself and transform education for good.

The highly ranked Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Student Affairs Concentration, Ph.D. program offers a dynamic pathway for aspiring scholar-practitioners to lead transformational change in higher education. With a focus on social justice, diversity and rigorous research, students delve into advanced coursework and engage in mentorship opportunities with experienced faculty. Through personalized concentrations and teaching experiences, graduates emerge equipped to address complex issues in student development, administration and policy, making meaningful contributions to transform education for good.

As a nationally recognized graduate program, the Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Higher Education Concentration, Ph.D. program is designed to address the critical importance of higher education. Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, fostering critical thinking and promoting social mobility. Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience, students delve into the complex issues facing colleges and universities, such as access, equity, diversity, organizational change and leadership. By preparing students for faculty positions, leadership roles in higher education administration, and policy analysis, this program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform education for good. Focus areas include: -Policy and Finance -Diversity and Student Experiences -Leadership and Organization -Academic Professions

The highly ranked Human Development, Ph.D. program focuses on preparing students for research careers in educational psychology and developmental science. Emphasizing the importance of understanding human development across the lifespan, it addresses critical issues such as cognitive and emotional growth, social relationships and educational practices. Students engage in rigorous research, learn diverse methodologies, and participate in professional development seminars. This program is ideal for those passionate about advancing knowledge in human development and education, and who are eager to collaborate with a diverse, scholarly community. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, public policy and related fields.

By focusing on generating and disseminating new knowledge in quantitative methodology, the highly ranked, research-oriented Quantitative Methodology: Measurement and Statistics, Ph.D. program prepares students for impactful careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies and industry, where the ability to analyze and interpret data is in high demand. Through a customizable curriculum and interdisciplinary opportunities, students engage in scholarly research activities, hone teaching skills, and collaborate on diverse projects. Ideal candidates possess strong quantitative abilities and a passion for advancing the field through original research and effective communication of findings.

The highly ranked School Psychology Ph.D. program prepares individuals to tackle the numerous mental health, academic, and social challenges faced by students. Our faculty bring diverse expertise in areas such as emotions in education, bullying prevention and cultural resilience. They mentor students in rigorous research methodologies and evidence-based practices, preparing them to excel in academia, research institutions, and clinical settings dedicated to improving educational outcomes and mental health services for students and schools.

NOTE: This program is not open for admissions. The ISECY in the Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education Department (UMD) offers an EdD in Special Education Leadership to increase the number and capacity of leaders of special education services. This Ed.D. prepares our future leaders in the following areas: (1) Leadership and Management skills in Special Education including professional development and supervision; (2) Oversight and evaluation of evidence-based instruction, to ensure positive learning outcomes; (3) Policy issues in Special Education; (4) Methods to build positive partnerships with families of students with disabilities to ensure high expectations for students; and (5) Data-based evaluations and research skills. This program is offered in two locations: Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland and in Brussels, Germany in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. The Germany cohort is located in Brussels, Germany and consists of special education teachers, related service professionals, principals, and special education administrators employed by the Department of Defense Dependent School System (DoDDS).

The Special Education, Ph.D. is the highest level of mastery UMD offers for those invested in working with learners with disabilities. This program prepares graduates for leadership in the special education field and advances their expertise. Students accepted into the Ph.D. program are prepared to assume faculty positions at research universities or leadership positions in state and local education agencies, policy organizations, or the federal government. This program does include a dissertation.

The Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership - Education Policy and Leadership Specialization, Ph.D. program is designed for people aspiring to lead and influence educational policy and practice. It addresses critical issues in education by integrating diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives from the social sciences and humanities. Students engage in rigorous research and enrichment experiences to develop policies that promote equity and effectiveness in educational institutions. Ideal for aspiring education policy makers, analysts, curriculum specialists, and advocates, the program equips students with the skills to critically analyze and influence education systems.

The Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership - Language, Literacy, and Social Inquiry Specialization, Ph.D. program is focused on the study of language and literacy learning in pre-kindergarten through high school. Our program offers two areas of focus, Applied Linguistics and Language Education, and Literacy Education, that will prepare you for roles as researchers, curriculum specialists, teacher educators and educational leaders. Students have research interests ranging from bi/multilingualism, bilingual/dual language education and code switching to culturally responsive approaches to elementary reading instruction, research comprehension strategies and vocabulary for literacy learning.

With a doctoral degree in Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership with a specialization in Mathematics and Science Education, you will advance your science and math knowledge through theory, research and practice. Our program blends traditional and cutting-edge research that will help you gain knowledge and skills in policy, leadership, law, economics, and research necessary to transform schools and systems for the greater good.

In our Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Professional Development program, you will engage in advanced studies on how teachers learn to teach and develop throughout their careers. Great schools have great teachers, and with the urgent need for highly qualified teachers, initial teacher preparation and ongoing professional development are essential in the education field. Our integrated coursework and research create an academic experience tailored to your interests and needs. You will examine and learn to apply equity- and justice-oriented methodologies, frameworks, and practices to explore questions about diverse classrooms and schools.

The Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, Policy, and Leadership with a specialization in Technology, Learning, and Leadership is a cross-disciplinary program that prepares students to become scholars and leaders in learning technologies. Through a mix of core technology courses and discipline-based electives, they explore the impact of technology on education and innovate in research, teaching, assessment, and design. Students also learn from and collaborate with faculty who are experts in computational thinking, virtual worlds for learning, AI in education, computer science and data science education, digital literacy, design methodologies, learning science and online learning. As they are guided through cutting-edge research, students prepare to excel in universities, learning environments and policy organizations.

The Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership with a specialization in Urban Education will develop you as an equity-minded and culturally responsive researcher and educator. You will gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, historical and political contexts of urban schools and communities. Our courses explore the challenges facing urban school districts and address the complex issues experienced by ethnic, racial, cultural and linguistic minorities in urban schools. You will join a community of faculty, staff and students who are committed to advancing education equity and ensuring student success for all.