Program Highlights

• 51 credit cohort program is designed to be completed in 3 years 
• Small cohort size and a convenient course schedule
• Dedicated faculty hold doctoral degrees from leading national institutions of education
• Four areas of concentration (listed below)
• Transfer credit may be awarded to candidates who enter the program with a completed post master's certificate

For additional program specific information, visit the School of Education.

Areas of Concentration

• Higher Education and Student Affairs
• School Leadership and Development
• Organizational Leadership and Development (The only area of concentration offered in the Edmonton based program)
• Nursing education and leadership

Program Locations

• Edmonton (Canada)
• Portland

Admission Requirements

• Current Resume
• Doctor of Education Essays

Discuss an area of professional interest that might become a topic of study within your doctoral program. Why is this area of study of interest to you? What contributions might your research make to the profession? Support your discussion with citations and references. Limit your response to no more than 1,500 words. 

The expectation of the doctoral program is a continuous commitment until program completion. Discuss how you will accommodate the schedule and rigorous academic expectations of the program. Limit your response to no more than 500 words.

• Recommendation Letters

Two letters of recommendation are required to assess your ability to integrate research and theory, your potential for successful and timely degree completion, and your ability to provide ethical leadership in the field. 

You will have the opportunity to provide contact information for your references within the application and an email will automatically be sent, requesting a letter of recommendation to be uploaded to your application portal.  Alternatively, letters of recommendation may be emailed as a signed attachment to gradschl@up.edu or sent via mail to ATTN: Graduate School, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97203, directly by the reference.

Letters of recommendation are among the most important aspects of a doctoral application.  Recommendations are used to assess a candidate's past accomplishments and determine potential for success.  To present a well-rounded portrait of yourself as a candidate and as a professional, we suggest that you request references from a former professor who is familiar with your academic ability and a supervisor who is knowledgeable about your leadership and professional work. 

• Official Transcripts (from all previously attended academic institutions)

Must be submitted directly from the institution electronically or via mail in a sealed envelope 

A master's degree or its equivalent in education or related field from an accredited institution recognized by the University of Portland is required 

International Applicants: All foreign degrees will be evaluated by International Student Services prior to an admission decision.

International Applicants: Transcripts from foreign universities must follow the above guideline as well as be in English or be accompanied by an English translation certified as authentic.

International Applicants: An official score from either the TOEFL (minimum score of 88) or IELTS (minimum score of 7.0) exam is required .

International Applicants: Proof of financial support will be required to attend the University of Portland, but is not required for application review.

Application Timeline

The review of completed applications will begin on November 1. Admission notification will begin in February. Applications will continue to be reviewed throughout the Spring until the cohort is full.

Admission Interviews: Qualified applicants with completed applications may be invited to interview with members of the School of Education faculty. Applicants who are invited to an interview will be required to write a timed essay prior to the interview.

Program Contact

Riley Bradach | bradach@up.edu | 503.943.8257

International Applicants

Please note the additional application requirements listed above in the "Admission Requirements" section

For additional information, please visit International Student Services