Ph.D. in Education and Social Change
Designed for Changemakers Ready to Make a Bigger Impact
Program Overview
At Bellarmine, our Ph.D. in Education and Social Change focuses on the development of highly skilled professionals who will act as change agents in improving the education of children and adults coming from difficult situations. Our degree prepares graduates to work as leaders in a wide range of education-related vocations including not-for-profit agencies, family advocacy, higher education, learning and teaching research, social policy, and leadership in public/private school venues or environments.
Our Ph.D. in Education and Social Change helps graduates attain advanced knowledge in areas such as quantitative and qualitative research practices, assets and challenges of individuals coming from difficult situations, 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.
Cohort Model Built for Working Professionals
This cohort-based, 60-credit-hour Ph.D. program is designed for working professionals and delivered primarily online through asynchronous coursework. The program concludes with one on-campus intensive weekend that provides opportunities for collaboration, discussion, and engagement.
Research-Driven Leadership for Social Change
Students work in teams alongside top scholars to seek, replicate, develop, and explore research-based innovations for improving learning for the underprivileged. Concentration options include Literacy Education, Educational Leadership, Superintendent Focus, and Higher Education Administration.
60
Credit Hours
Cohort
Weekend-Based Model
4 Years
Typical Completion
Program Highlights
The Ph.D. in Education and Social Change is an affordable 60-hour, cohort-based program attracting students because of its focus on individual dignity rooted in the Catholic tradition and research-driven structure. We deliver our courses over a three-year period on selected weekends (Friday evening and all day Saturday).
In the course of study, students work in teams alongside top scholars to seek, replicate, develop, and explore research-based innovations for improving learning for the underprivileged. Most candidates complete their dissertation and graduate within a four-year timeframe.
For those serving in education-related fields outside of P-12 schools, the ideal candidate will usually hold the equivalent of an undergraduate and graduate degree in their field, and while a more broadly based background related to the education enterprise and social programs (for example, communications, nonprofit leadership, education policy, and similar fields) is preferred, it is not required.
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
- Earned baccalaureate and master’s degree in any discipline
- Advanced degrees in other fields (for example, JD, MBA) are accepted
- Minimum 3.5 GPA in all graduate coursework completed at the time of application
- For the full list of requirements, visit the admission page
Curriculum and Resources
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 do classes meet?
For the first three program years, classes will meet on Friday from 5-10 p.m. and
Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for six weekends per semester. The fourth program year
will be the dissertation year. Higher Education Administration courses may meet one
evening a week. All other concentration courses will be offered in the weekend format
only.
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.
For more frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQ page.
Faculty
Here is a quick snapshot of a few of our faculty members. Read profiles of all of our distinguished faculty.
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Smith, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Research Design and Statistics | gsmith@bellarmine.edu |
| Will Wells, Ed.D. | Assistant Professor of Instructional Leadership and School Administration | wwells@bellarmine.edu |
Contact
Admissions
admissions@bellarmine.edu
(502) 272-7100
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