Online Doctorate for Educators | SUNY New Paltz & UB

SUNY New Paltz and the University at Buffalo created a partnership allowing Hudson Valley educators to earn doctoral degrees in educational leadership online. The program, launched through New Paltz's School of Education and UB's Graduate School of Education, takes three years to complete.

Twenty-five students started the program on May 26, including 18 from New Paltz. Students take two evening courses each fall and spring semester, plus summer sessions, all delivered through live online instruction.

Nancy Maess Hackett, a lecturer and liaison on the UB partnership, said New Paltz students had been requesting doctoral options. "UB's Educational Leadership and Policy Department shares the same vision we have for preparing administrators who lead positive change in schools," she said.

Before transferring to UB, students complete two preparatory courses at New Paltz in quantitative analysis and social context. Those credits count toward their doctoral requirements.

The program emphasizes practical application. "We look at ways to apply what we're teaching," said Ian Mette, an associate professor in UB's Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. "The more we collaborate and address needs, the better we support educators and their communities."

Coursework in the first two years guides students in developing research proposals. Third-year dissertation courses support data analysis and defense preparation. Most inaugural cohort members work as school principals, curriculum directors, or district superintendents. Some are classroom teachers preparing for administrative roles.