FAQs
Leadership in Urban Schools Ed.D. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Admissions
1. May I arrange a meeting with the Program Director or faculty to discuss the program?
We welcome communication from applicants by phone, email, or face-to-face meetings. Prospective applicants may schedule meetings with any faculty during regular office hours, or email questions to the Program Director at Joseph.Check@umb.edu
2. What are the requirements for admission to the Leadership program?
A personal statement, graduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and resume are required. The admissions committee will not consider incomplete files. Please follow the application instructions provided by the Graduate Admissions Office.
3. What are the main criteria for admission?
Applicants must have at least three years experience working in an urban education setting and a Masters degree. Additionally, the admissions committee places great importance on a candidate's personal statement, resume and transcripts. They should show that the applicant has the desire and capability of succeeding in the LIUS doctoral program. Applicants should demonstrate a sustained interest in the culture, structure, and operation of educational institutions, in new approaches to administration and policy development, and in the nature and purpose of learning and teaching. The personal statement must also demonstrate that the candidate would fit in well with the program's strengths and has the capacity to apply analytic writing and research skills to various debates and controversies around urban schooling. The program seeks candidates with demonstrated commmitment to urban education and urban populations. The resume should outline the candidate's accomplishments and work/leadership experience. Candidates should have a proven track record or demostrated potential in leadership, whether as a teacher-leader, administrator, community leader or equivalent role, in keeping with the title of our program. The candidate's graduate record and the letters of recommendation are also very important in determining admission.
4. How long should the personal statement be?
A personal statement of no more than 4 pages should be sufficient to explain the applicant’s academic background, motivation and research interests.
5. Who should write the recommendation letter?
The admissions committee prefers letters from those in a position to assess the applicant’s experience in education and leadership as well as likelihood of academic success in graduate school.
6. Will the department consider incomplete applications?
No.
7. Should the application be submitted to the department?
No. The complete application is to be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office. (http://www.umb.edu/admissions/graduate/)
8. How and when will applicants receive notification of the decision?
Admitted students are typically notified by mail by the end of May.
9. How much time is allowed to consider an offer of admission?
Approximately 4 weeks from the receipt date of the decision letter is a reasonable time. We appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible, since your slot may then become available to another applicant.
10. Will I have a chance to talk to someone before I decide to accept an offer of admission?
Yes, we encourage visits, so that an informed decision can be made.
11. Can I defer my offer of admission?
In certain circumstances, it may be deferred.
12. When will I receive information about registration?
New Student Orientation is held in the beginning of June. Information about registration will be provided then.
13. How much does the program cost, and is there financial aid available?
For a description of costs, please visit the university bursar's website at http://umb.edu/administration_finance/bursar/index.html. We do not handle financial aid at the department level. Please visit the Financial Aid office website at http://www.umb.edu/students/financial_aid/ for more information about financial aid. We do provide a limited number of part-time graduate assistantships that you may apply for if you are admitted to the program.
The Program
13. What is the student body makeup in LIUS?
The diverse student body includes teachers, coaches, principals, councilors, district administrators, consultants and state policy-makers from many nationalities and backgrounds. Students come from public and private schools, district offices, education partners, and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
14. How much contact do graduate students have with professors?
The relatively small department prides itself on the quality and extent of interaction between faculty and students.
15. Are there any particular areas around which students' interests revolve?
Students' interests vary, and we encourage students to pursue topics that they are passionate about and are relevant to their professional interests. While students work closely with faculty, it is uncommon for students to pursue the same research as faculty members.
16. How long does it typically take to complete the LIUS Doctoral Program?
The program is designed to be completed in four years; however, depending upon the student and his/her dissertation research, it may take longer. Most students graduate within 4-6 years.
17. Can I get K-12 Leadership certification while enrolled in the LIUS Doctoral Program?
Yes. Students may use LIUS courses to fulfill many of the requirements for certification as a principal, supervisor-director, or special education administrator. For more information, please see the student handbook and the Educational Administration website http://www.umb.edu/academics/cehd/leadership/grad/educational_administration_cags.
18. I already have a Master's degree. Will this reduce my time to the EdD degree?
No. All students are required to have a Master's degree upon entering the program. Students who enter with graduate credits beyond the Master's level must still complete all program components. However, we will accept 6 transfer credits from graduate level courses taken beyond the Master's degree. Please view our student handbook for more about our transfer credit policy.
