Ph.D. in Education and Social Change

Program Objectives

• Examine education issues associated with poverty within a perspective of individual dignity
• Evaluate change theories and practices aimed at improving education access and outcomes for all people
• Evaluate secondary research and formulate an original argument; then design, implement, analyze, and disseminate an empirical research study
• Develop and implement interventions informed by theory and empirical evidence for the purpose of promoting positive change

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.

Curriculum and Resources

• Course Descriptions
• Curriculum
• Tuition and Fees
• School of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How would this program benefit me in the workplace?
The mission of the Bellarmine Ph.D. in Education and Social Change, consistent with Catholic teachings, is to prepare “change agents” who improve education for children and other citizens experiencing difficult circumstances. The principles of change management can be applied to any environment. Whether you are employed in the public or private P-12 school system, a nonprofit or higher education institution, the Ph.D. in Education and Social Change will teach you how to lead and initiate change in your organization for children and adults in high poverty circumstances.

Q. When does the program start?
The cohort typically begins in August.

Q. When and how do classes meet?
Most coursework is completed asynchronously. Each course meets virtually via Microsoft Teams for one hour during the first week of the term and for three two-hour sessions throughout the semester. In addition, students attend a four-day, on-campus intensive each summer.

Q. How much time would I need to spend outside of class to be prepared for class?
On average, we recommend three hours outside of class time to prepare for each hour of instruction. However, this will vary with the content of the course or courses you are taking each semester.

Q. Would I be eligible for any financial assistance?
Yes. You will want to file the FAFSA and apply for federal loans at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Graduate students are eligible for loans in the amount of $20,500 each academic year while enrolled.

Q. Are there any graduate assistantship or fellowship opportunities available?
No. Bellarmine University does not currently offer graduate assistantship/fellowship opportunities.

Faculty

Name	Title	Email
James Archibald	Chair of Higher Education Leadership, Professor of Higher Education	jarchibald@bellarmine.edu
Jung Colen	Associate Professor of Mathematics Education	jcolen@bellarmine.edu
Elizabeth Dinkins	Dean, School of Education	edinkins@bellarmine.edu
Grant Smith	Professor of Statistics	gsmith@bellarmine.edu
Jess Smith	Chair of Doctoral Programs in Education, Assistant Professor of Literacy Education	jsmith89@bellarmine.edu
Will Wells	Assistant Professor	wwells@bellarmine.edu
Winn Wheeler	Chair of Initial Certification Programs, Associate Professor of Literacy Education