Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education and Policy

Prepare to lead educational research and policy focused on urban schools and communities with the Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education and Policy in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University. This doctoral program—a reflection of the College of Education and Human Development’s longstanding commitment to urban education—includes a required introductory seminar that provides professional development and coaching; courses focused on policy, history and the urban context; and intensive training in social science research methods. Students work closely with faculty to develop individualized courses of study as they plan for careers in higher education, research, policy or advocacy.

Why study urban education and policy in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple? 

• Location in Philadelphia: The Urban Education and Policy PhD emphasizes research, experiential knowledge and practice in community-engaged research that is rooted in the urban context of Philadelphia. You will benefit from the program’s rich and long-lasting connections with local civic, educational and political leaders in the city. 

• Proseminar course: Completed in the second semester, this seminar-style course prepares you for success in graduate school and beyond by focusing on scholarly research, teaching in higher education and career development.

• Program structure: The Urban Education and Policy PhD is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in theory, methods and empirical research in urban education while also giving you the flexibility to tailor your program to your career goals and broader career opportunities in the field.  

• Faculty expertise: Faculty in the College of Education and Human Development are experts in their fields who will provide you with ongoing mentoring and coaching throughout your time in the program. 

Urban Education and Policy Learning Outcomes 

As a graduate of the PhD program, you will be ready to  

• demonstrate an understanding of the context of urban education, especially the social, economic, political and historical factors that shape city classrooms, schools and communities;

• use theory to critically analyze educational issues and policies in urban educational contexts;

• be skilled researchers, able to conceive, design and conduct research using research methods appropriate to your questions and to critically analyze scholarship in education and other relevant fields;

• engage in policy-relevant research that recognizes and builds upon the knowledge, perspectives and contributions of students, families, community members and educators in urban areas; and

• demonstrate awareness of your own positionality with respect to race, gender/ethnicity, social class and more, and how this shapes your work in urban education. 

Program Format & Curriculum

The 48-credit Urban Education and Policy PhD comprises core courses, advanced
methods courses and one elective, and six credits of culminating course.

Core courses include the following.

• Introduction to Research Design and Methods 
• Introduction to Qualitative Research 
• Introduction to Program Evaluation 
• Policy Analysis 
• Race, Class, and Space in Urban Contexts 
• School-Community Partnerships in Urban Settings 
• Social Theory 
• Urban Education and Policy Doctoral Seminar 
• Urban School Reform: Policies, Politics, and Practice 
• The Origins of Urban Education
• Quantitative Analysis

The program culminating courses are

• Dissertation Proposal Design and
• Doctor of Education Dissertation.

Related Graduate Degrees

• Education PhD

• Educational Leadership EdD

• Policy and Organizational Studies PhD

Related Graduate Certificates

• College Access and Success

• Urban Education

Urban Education and Policy Career Opportunities 

Possible careers include related positions in academia, state education agencies, school districts, think tanks, community-based educational organizations, consulting, research institutes and more. Learn about career and professional opportunities for students in the Urban Education and Policy PhD.

Alumni of the College of Education and Human Development have obtained positions including 

• faculty in urban education at Rutgers University—Newark,

• associate professor and program director in urban educational leadership at Morgan State University,

• associate professor in the urban educational leadership program at the University of Chicago-Illinois,

• vice president of program design at Teach for America, and

• multiple senior administrative roles in the School District of Philadelphia.