The PhD in Education Program is individualized, interdisciplinary, and experiential. The specific coursework in the education leadership (EDLE) concentration prepares graduates for careers in leadership at the local, state, national, and international levels. Students may also incorporate EDLE coursework within a self-defined interdisciplinary program of study.
Have questions? Attend an information session or contact the specialization representative, Regina Biggs.
The Educational Leadership (EDLE) Concentration within the Ph.D. in Education program prepares working professionals with the advanced academic foundation needed to become research-informed leaders capable of navigating complex educational challenges, implementing evidence-based practices, and driving excellence at organizational and policy levels.
This fully online program prepares scholar-practitioners to assume transformational leadership roles in PK-12 educational settings through rigorous academic scholarship combined with practical application, developing the advanced research skills, theoretical knowledge, and leadership expertise necessary to drive meaningful change in educational systems.
What Will You Learn?
Strategic Leadership
- Organizational vision development and implementation
- Change management and innovation leadership
- Leadership and decision-making
- Stakeholder engagement and community relations
- Resource management and strategic planning
Research and Data Analysis
- Advanced statistical analysis and interpretation
- Qualitative research design and implementation
- Program evaluation and assessment
- Evidence-based decision making
Educational Access and Excellence
- Culturally responsive leadership practices
- Inclusive organizational development
- Community engagement and advocacy
- Policy analysis and development
Systems Thinking
- Understanding of complex educational ecosystems
- Multi-level leadership and influence
- Policy implementation and evaluation
- Interorganizational collaboration
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the EDLE Ph.D. Concentration are prepared for high-impact leadership positions, including:
- Superintendent - Leading school districts with strategic vision and research-informed decision-making
- Assistant/Associate Superintendent - Supporting district-wide initiatives and organizational development
- Building Level/Central Office Administrator - Leading schools and district departments with instructional focus and operational excellence
- Educational Policy Advisor - Influencing policy development at state and federal levels
- Academic Scholar - Contributing to educational leadership research and theory
- Consultant - Providing expertise in organizational change and leadership development
- Executive Director - Leading educational nonprofits and advocacy organizations
Program Features
Fully Online Delivery
- Part-Time Study: A prescribed sequence of synchronous classes that accommodates professional responsibilities
- Cohort Model: Structured learning communities that provide peer support and networking opportunities
- Interactive Learning Environment: Engaging online platforms that foster collaboration and peer interaction
- Accessibility: No geographic limitations, allowing access to high-quality doctoral education regardless of location
Research-Intensive Curriculum
- Advanced Research Methods: Comprehensive training in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research
- Dissertation Support: Structured guidance throughout the dissertation process with dedicated faculty mentorship
- Applied Research Focus: Emphasis on research that addresses authentic problems of practice
Scholar-Practitioner Model
- Theory-Practice Integration: Coursework that connects leadership theories with practical application
- Case Study Analysis: Real-world scenarios that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Field-Based Coursework: Opportunities for conducting your own research or an administrative internship
- Peer Learning: Collaboration with experienced administrative leaders from diverse contexts
Distinguished Faculty
Our faculty brings extensive experience in:
- PK-12 educational leadership and administration
- International and Independent School Leadership
- Educational policy analysis and development
- Organizational change and development
- Research methodology and statistical analysis
- Technology integration and innovation
"Being a student at Mason with such a diverse community has enriched my experiences and prepared me to be a reflective leader in education. The faculty here has always fostered my commitment to personal development and motivation to make change." ~ Moonhee Doan, current student
“My experience at Mason instilled an appreciation for critical inquiry and empirical research that I’ve found to be useful both professionally and personally.”~ Adam McGeehan, 2020 graduate
"My experience at Mason has allowed me to learn from great education leaders and educators in the field. My passion for education has been cultivated into concrete goals that I can see myself accomplishing as an education scholar. I am able to identify and assess the lens with which I view the world and be propelled forward as a learner and future scholar."~ Fardousa Wardere, current student
Julia Renberg, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: District Implementation of Instructional Coaching and Its Impact on Academic Achievement of Students with Disabilities in Reading and Mathematics
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Peggy King-Sears
- Employment on Graduation: Supervisor of Science and Family Life Education, Prince William County Public Schools
Jared Stanley, PhD 2022
- Dissertation Title: Merging the Silos to Support Students: Education Leadership, Special Education, and Applied Behavior Analysis
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Regina Biggs
- Employment on Graduation: Administrator, Hope Horizon Center (FL)
Adam Mcgeehan, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: Putting Fit Together: How School Leaders Conceptualize “Fit” and Operationalize the Hiring Process to Attain It
- Dissertation Chairs: Dr. Seth Hunter & Dr. Samantha Viano
- Employment on Graduation: Central Office, Fairfax County Public Schools
Jennifer Rowan, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: Attitudes and Perceptions of Principals in Ubiquitous Learning Environments Using a Mixed Method Approach
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Roberto Pamas
- Employment on Graduation: Director of Technology, Jefferson County Schools (WV)
Michael Humphreys, PhD 2020
- Dissertation Title: Elementary School Leaders' Perspectives on Providing Movement Opportunities to the Students They Serve
- Dissertation Chairs: Dr. Robert Smith & Dr. Dominique Banville
- Employment on Graduation: District-wide Curriculum Planner for Alexandria City Public Schools
Buti Mubarak, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: The Perceptions of Elementary School Principals in Bahrain on the Principal Evaluation System and Its Impact on Instructional Behaviors
- Dissertation Chairs: Dr. Seth Hunter & Dr. Robert Smith
- Employment on Graduation: Cultural and Educational Counselor, Embassy of Kingdom of Bahrain
Anthony Keith, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: Mastering Conditions in Education through Hip-Hop and Spoken Words
- Dissertation Chairs: Dr. Robert Smith & Dr. Regina Biggs
- Employment on Graduation: Chief Executive Officer, Ed Emcee Academy
Amanda Wagner, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: The Contributing Factors to Teacher Retention and Attrition and the Impact of Principals on Those Decisions
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Robert Smith
- Employment on Graduation: Director, K-12 Research & Professional Services at Hanover Research
Tharon Washington, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: The Impact of African-American Male Principals on African-American Male Students in Two All-Male Urban Schools
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Alvin Crawley
- Employment on Graduation: Educational Program Assistant, US Department of Education
Steven Nagy, PhD 2019
- Dissertation Title: Sense of Belonging, School Climate, and Teacher-Student Relationships through Sustainable Leadership: An International Case Study
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Robert Smith
- Employment on Graduation: Principal, Barranquilla, Columbia
Nick Humbert, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Adequacy of Decision-Making for Virginia Public High School Assistant Principals and an Examination of Job Satisfaction and Job Efficacy
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Robert Smith
- Employment on Graduation: Education Specialist, Food and Drug Administration
David Landeryou II, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Value Added Model of Teacher Evaluation: An Examination of Administrators’ Leadership
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Robert Smith
- Employment on Graduation: Principal, Francis Scott Key Elementary School, Washington D.C.
Meredith Mitchell, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Instructional Leadership for a 21st Century Learning Initiative: How Principals and Teacher Leaders Facilitate Organizational Learning
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Robert Smith
- Employment on Graduation: Assistant Principal, Fairfax County Public Schools
Patrick Mitchell, PhD 2018
- Dissertation Title: Should I Stay or Should I Go: Teacher Working Conditions and Commitment
- Dissertation Chair: Dr. Roberto Pamas
- Employment on Graduation: Theater Arts Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools
Regina Biggs
Seth Hunter
Maureen Marshall
Roberto Pamas
Farnoosh Shahrokhi
Anthony Terrell
Samantha Viano