Urban Education Studies

Take your place as a scholar leader in urban education

As a distinctive Urban Education Studies Ph.D. program in the United States, we welcome students from all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and communities. Our program is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued and where students develop an in-depth understanding of the strengths, opportunities, and inequities that shape urban education.

As a student in this program, you will deepen your understanding of the many assets found within urban communities, as well as the challenges schools, learners, families, and communities may face. Areas of study include:

  • Recognizing and responding to racial, ethnic, linguistic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other forms of diversity, while examining inequities across formal and informal educational settings
  • Understanding the relationships among schools, educational institutions, families, and the communities they serve
  • Examining the complex policies and environments that influence urban education
  • Centering community knowledge, lived experiences, and collaborative approaches in research, policy, and educational practice

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Program goals

Upon graduation, you will have a critical and comprehensive understanding of the social, cultural, educational, and economic factors that shape urban education. You will be prepared to examine the relationships among educational institutions, communities, urban environments, and the broader society.

You will also develop a strong foundation in research, including diverse methodologies, theoretical perspectives, and ethical approaches to inquiry. These skills will prepare you to become an engaged scholar who contributes thoughtfully and responsibly to research, policy, practice, and community life.

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Preparing engaged scholars and community-centered leaders

Our goal is to support you in developing the knowledge, skills, and commitment needed to advance educational opportunity, belonging, inclusion, and community well-being. You will learn the importance of building respectful, reciprocal relationships with the communities connected to your work and of listening to a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

You will recognize and value the knowledge, strengths, cultures, identities, and contributions present across communities. You will be prepared to work collaboratively to support community priorities, strengthen educational environments, and help preserve and celebrate the assets that make each community distinct.

Why choose the IU School of Education at IU Indianapolis?

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We are located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. This makes us uniquely suited to preparing educational researchers, dedicated scholars, and leaders capable of working in complex urban environments.

Furthermore, our faculty members are deeply committed to fostering fairness, inclusion, and community well-being as central values guiding their research, teaching, and service within the university and the urban community. Many have extensive engagements with various Indianapolis area schools, organizations, and communities.

Career opportunities for graduates

This degree paves the way for a broad range of career choices.

You may choose to become a professor or professional staff member at a university. You could pursue a leadership position within traditional or charter schools. You could even start your own school.

And those are only a few of the possibilities. You could also advocate for change from within a state or federal education agency. You could spend your career as a researcher within the urban education field. You could even take charge of a community organization or the education efforts of a major corporation or a church.

The critical knowledge and skills you'll learn here will stand you in good stead no matter what your career goals are.

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Start your journey toward leadership

Explore the program of study
Find out how to apply