Policy and Organizational Studies PhD

Deepen your understanding of how to manage the change process within educational, community, or other types of organizational systems while specializing in a subject that inspires you. Earn the interdisciplinary Policy and Organizational Studies PhD, which includes concentrations in Adult and Organizational Development, Higher Education, and Urban Education, from Temple’s College of Education and Human Development.

Immerse yourself in a program that embraces social justice-oriented, and community-connected scholarship as you gain a firm foundational understanding of social science and policy analysis. Refine your research skills by completing multiple courses in research methods, including qualitative and quantitative research.

Build upon your fundamental education knowledge and concentrate on a specialization of your choice while taking advantage of Temple’s location in the midst of Philadelphia’s highly diverse communities. Apply your knowledge through research and teaching apprenticeships in real-world settings within the city’s dense network of educational districts and institutions. For full course and curriculum information, look to your specific concentration.

Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

Higher Education
Prepare for senior leadership positions in colleges and universities by developing the doctorate-level expertise to construct new ways to improve institutional effectiveness, college access and success, or student affairs leadership.

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Adult and Organizational Development
Develop the theoretical knowledge and research methodology to discover or create new protocols or support systems that help adults, teams, and organizations develop constructive processes for addressing conflict and adapting to change.

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Urban Education
Position yourself to break new ground in urban school reform policy and practice by developing deep theoretical understanding of such schools’ social context and the precise research methodology needed to uncover new insights.

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Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,148.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,577.00 per credit

View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Adult and Organizational Development Program Contact

Armando X Estrada, professor, is the faculty program coordinator of the Policy and Organizational Studies PhD with a concentration in Adult and Organizational Development.
Phone: 215-204-1739
Email: armando.x.estrada@temple.edu

Higher Education Program Contact

James Earl Davis, professor and the Bernard C. Watson Endowed Chair in Urban Education, is the lead professor for the Policy and Organizational Studies PhD with a concentration in Higher Education.
Phone: 215-204-8068
Email: [click-for-email]

Urban Education Program Contact

Maia Cucchiara, associate professor, is the faculty contact for the Policy and Organizational Studies PhD with a concentration in Urban Education.
Phone: 215-204-8184
Email: [click-for-email]

Questions

For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission, and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.

Enrollment Management
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: [click-for-email]

Temple University

Policy and Organizational Studies PhD