Lesley University

Earn a PhD in Education from Lesley University

You’ll drive cutting-edge research and create meaningful change in your field.

Lesley University’s PhD in Educational Studies is a rigorous and streamlined 45-credit program. It’s low-residency, designed to fit your busy life and budget concerns. With two tracks—Educational Leadership and Individually Designed—there’s a perfect fit for you. If you’ve been considering whether or when to pursue your PhD:

Now’s the time. And Lesley’s the place.

One Program, Two Areas of Focus

Educational Leadership

Best for aspiring community leaders and school or district administrators

Engage in research and grow as a leader in the field

Individually Designed

Work closely with faculty to design a learning program with elective courses and options tailored to your specific goals and research focus

Why a PhD in Educational Studies?

As an advanced education practitioner, you understand the complex issues that schools and communities face. A PhD gives you the credibility, status, and skills you need to drive change. You’ll expand your knowledge base, develop and refine your research skills to make a scholarly contribution to your field, and build a cohort of peers that you can rely on and network with. Plus, there’s the added perk of widening your career potential and increasing your salary.

Why Lesley?

Our expert-led, research-centered program features the deep faculty mentorship and student community you’d expect from a premier PhD offering, with the flexibility and convenience that sets Lesley apart.

Because our unique, low-residency program provides students with high levels of support throughout the entire year, it is possible for students to focus on their individual research after three summer residencies and earn a PhD with 45 credits.

Beginning with an in-person summer residency, the cohort model allows students to build supportive relationships with peers alongside outstanding faculty mentorship. Lesley doctoral programs are led by world-recognized faculty who partner with you to design the programs that will benefit you the most, whether you’re looking to advance to the next phase of your career in education or engage in research in an area of your choice.

Lifelong Support

Long after you earn your PhD, Lesley provides resources to support your career and research development. You’ll benefit from continuous education, Communities of Scholars and Practitioners for networking and peer learning, and alumni cohorts that keep you connected.

Lesley taught me that rigorous research is more than the pursuit of evidence—it is the discipline of asking courageous questions, listening deeply, and transforming knowledge into meaningful action. Those lessons shaped not only the scholar I became but also the legacy I hope my work will leave.

- Dr. Darnell Thigpen Williams

Lesley Alumni