Ph.D. in Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership – Gifted Education Administration

Through coursework, research and engagement with the Center for Gifted Education, doctoral students gain the knowledge and experience needed to influence practice and policy at the local, state, national and international levels. Courses focus on program development for gifted learners with an emphasis on evaluation, developmental perspectives over the lifespan — including cognitive, psychosocial and physiological perspectives — and administration and policy issues.

Alumni from our program are leaders in the field of gifted education. They have held the highest positions in national organizations and in K-12 state and district gifted education departments. Some have their own businesses encompassing a variety of endeavors: developing programs for K-12 gifted learners; creating research and development institutes for developing talent; and providing consultation for local, state and international entities about giftedness and gifted education.

Application materials include your unofficial transcript(s), a personal statement, a resume/CV, and three recommendations. This program also requires applicants to submit a research paper to demonstrate their preparedness for doctoral-level study.

We encourage prospective students to begin an application, as the portal provides a clear overview of all application requirements, including the personal statement prompt. The application opens on August 1 annually. 

Students may apply for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA. If you have questions about your financial aid package, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@wm.edu.

We are pleased to offer a highly competitive graduate assistantship opportunity for full-time* students in the Gifted Education doctoral program. Research assistantships may be available in the Center for Gifted Education. To be considered, applicants should complete the Graduate Assistantship Interest section of the application, including relevant skills and a current resume or CV.

All applicants are also automatically considered for any scholarships for which they are eligible. Students who receive scholarship awards will be notified directly.

*Full-time status is defined as enrollment in at least 9 credit hours per semester.