Our society, schools, and communities need educational leaders, scholars, and advocates who understand the complex strengths, opportunities, and challenges that shape urban education.

These leaders must recognize and build upon the knowledge, experiences, and assets of students, families, educators, and communities. They must also be prepared to identify and address inequities, remove barriers to educational opportunity, and create learning environments in which all individuals can thrive. The Urban Education Studies (UES) doctoral program provides students with the critical knowledge, research skills, and practical preparation needed to advance this work.

Cohort model

Using a cohort model, the UES doctoral program offers an in-depth examination of urban education and the social, cultural, institutional, and policy factors that influence educational experiences and outcomes. Faculty engage students through collaborative discussions, critical inquiry, scholarly writing, presentations, and the study of research methodologies, theories, articles, and books. Students also explore educational advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. Together, these experiences support the development of scholar-practitioners who are prepared to connect research, policy, and practice.

Collaborate within your community

The program provides a dynamic and collaborative learning environment enriched by a wide range of professional, academic, cultural, and personal perspectives. Students learn with and from faculty and peers whose varied experiences contribute to thoughtful dialogue, innovative research, and a deeper understanding of urban education.

Graduates of the UES doctoral program pursue careers as school and district leaders, university professors, researchers, higher education administrators, leaders of research and intervention centers, nonprofit executives, policy professionals, and educational advocates, among many other possibilities.