“The IUP Ph.D. program was a Godsend; affordable, great faculty support and friendly students and staff.”—Cynthia Bradley-Pugh, Ph.D.
ALS Handbook: 2009 Edition
Admissions
The admissions process involves a review of an assortment of materials, including an application for admission form, transcripts and GRE test scores, three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references, a work experience statement (either a vita or a list of relevant professional work and volunteer experience in chronological order), a goal statement in which the applicant explains why she/he wishes to be admitted to the program, and a major writing sample such as a master's thesis, course paper, policy document, or program report. A personal interview may be required at the option of the Admissions Committee.
Select for information about the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or for locations of GRE test centers. There are sites listed for central Pennsylvania as well as the testing center at IUP (724-357-4994). The test is now offered on computer at frequent intervals.
Students in the ALS/Ph.D. program have widely diverse educational and professional backgrounds, such as public administration, education, social work, public health, political science, psychology, and nursing. A master's degree is required. Prospective students should be aware that this is a social science program, with most courses taught by professors of Sociology and Political Science. Some background in social sciences will be helpful.
The Ph.D. in Administration and Leadership Studies will prepare students for high-level positions in the public and private sectors such as working at the policy level in government or with foundations, being an administrator or researcher in a human services agency, teaching at a college or university, or doing training or consulting.
To apply, please visit the Graduate Admissions website.
Graduate Assistantships
The ALS program has a very limited number of Graduate Assistantship (GA) positions available. The program currently awards assistantships to three full-time, incoming students. Assistantships are awarded competitively for one year, with opportunity for funding for a second year. The assistantship covers tuition and a small stipend and requires twenty hours/week of work. Assignments may involve assistance to faculty members in administration, research, and/or teaching activities. Assistantship applications are available at the Graduate School, with a submission deadline of March 15.
