From among the most significant issues in education/organizations today, what specific problem of practice are you interested in investigating during your doctoral study?

Northeastern’s Doctor of Education degree is designed to be completed in three to four years of study, following a fast-paced quarter system rather than the traditional semester schedule. Students begin working on their dissertation in practice at the onset of their coursework by identifying their problem of practice and developing an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of their action research findings.

The Doctor of Education program fosters leaders in professional fields to employ existing research and theory to develop and conduct research in order to investigate, explore, and transform organizational and institutional landscapes. With a deep respect for students’ practical experience and knowledge, we work with students to incorporate practice-based research into their day-to-day professional lives.

Concentration – Organizational Leadership Studies: Learning occurs in both formal educational settings including K-12 and higher education, and workplace settings. Leaders/working professionals must enhance their skills in eliminating the boundary between work and learning. The Organizational Leadership Studies concentration prepares leaders/working professionals to systematically transform corporate and nonprofit firms, government organizations, the sports industry, and formal educational settings. The concentration addresses ways leaders interact, make meaning, and collaborate within their organizations and throughout their local and global networks. Leaders/working professionals develop diagnostic skills for assessing learning, leadership, and organizational systems.

Personal Statement(s) Directions:
1. From among the most significant issues in education/organizations today, what specific problem of practice are you interested in investigating during your doctoral study? (1,000 – 1,200 words)
– Describe the problem of practice
– Explain why you want to investigate it
– Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
2. How have your previous research, work, and life experiences prepared you for the Northeastern University doctoral program in education? (300 – 400 words)