Policy and Organizational Studies PhD

Deepen your understanding of how to manage the change process within educational, community, or other types of organizational systems while specializing in a subject that inspires you. Earn the interdisciplinary Policy and Organizational Studies PhD, which includes concentrations in Adult and Organizational Development, Higher Education, and Urban Education, from Temple’s College of Education and Human Development.

Immerse yourself in a program that embraces social justice-oriented, and community-connected scholarship as you gain a firm foundational understanding of social science and policy analysis. Refine your research skills by completing multiple courses in research methods, including qualitative and quantitative research.

Build upon your fundamental education knowledge and concentrate on a specialization of your choice while taking advantage of Temple’s location in the midst of Philadelphia’s highly diverse communities. Apply your knowledge through research and teaching apprenticeships in real-world settings within the city’s dense network of educational districts and institutions. For full course and curriculum information, look to your specific concentration.

Concentrations

Choose to focus on one of the following concentrations as you pursue the Policy and Organizational Studies PhD.

  • Adult and Organizational Development

    Develop the theoretical knowledge and research methodology to discover or create new protocols or support systems that help adults, teams, and organizations develop constructive processes for addressing conflict and adapting to change.
     

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  • Higher Education

    Prepare for senior leadership positions in colleges and universities by developing the doctorate-level expertise to construct new ways to improve institutional effectiveness, college access and success, or student affairs leadership.
     

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  • Urban Education

    Position yourself to break new ground in urban school reform policy and practice by developing deep theoretical understanding of such schools’ social context and the precise research methodology needed to uncover new insights.
     

    View Concentration Details

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,105.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,518.00 per credit

View the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Find peer support and leadership opportunities while tackling the challenges of your program by joining organizations such as the ones below.

  • The Graduate Student Organization of the College of Education and Human Development runs community-based events like school supply drives as well as professional development workshops and activities. The organization upholds a strong commitment to social justice, regularly organizing political events and engaging in projects with community partners.
  • The Temple University Graduate Students Association, a student employee union, maintains positive working lives and conditions for graduate student assistants.

Questions

For more information about this program, the College of Education and Human Development, how to apply for admission, and your application status, contact Enrollment Management.

Enrollment Management
Phone: 215-204-8011
Email: educate@temple.edu

ED-POS-PHD

Additional Program Information