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Doctor of Philosophy (Education Management)

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Management

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at SIMAD University prepares high-potential professionals for leadership roles across private, public, and non-profit sectors. The program responds to Somalia’s growing demand for strategic managers and entrepreneurial leaders by integrating advanced coursework with research and applied projects.

Introduction

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education Management is a three-year, research-intensive doctoral program designed to cultivate high-level expertise in the governance, leadership, and management of education systems. The program equips candidates with advanced theoretical foundations, rigorous research methodologies, and analytical tools to address the complex challenges facing higher education and educational institutions in fragile and rapidly transforming contexts.

This PhD responds to the growing demand for visionary leaders, quality assurance experts, and strategic planners in education across Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and beyond. Graduates will be prepared to influence policy, drive institutional transformation, and contribute to academic scholarship in education management. Inspired by global standards from institutions such as Makerere University, the University of Nairobi, and international higher education networks, the program emphasizes original research, academic publishing, and the integration of theory with practice.

Program Objectives

The PhD in Education Management aims to:

  1. Develop world-class scholars and researchers who advance theories and practices of education management.
  1. Strengthen institutional capacity in leadership, governance, and quality assurance across education systems.
  2. Foster policy-relevant research aligned with Somalia’s national education priorities and global higher education trends.
  3. Prepare leaders and managers who can design and implement sustainable strategies in higher education institutions.
  4. Position SIMAD University as a center of excellence in education management scholarship in post-conflict and fragile-state contexts.

Rationale and Justification

Somalia and the Horn of Africa face challenges of underdeveloped education systems, inadequate quality assurance, weak institutional governance, and a shortage of leadership in higher education. At the same time, education is recognized globally as the driver of peace, stability, and sustainable development. There is limited doctoral-level training in education management in the region. This PhD program addresses the gap by:

  1. Training leaders who can transform higher education institutions to meet national and global demands.
  2. Bridging theory and practice by producing research that strengthens decision-making, strategic planning, and accountability in education.
  3. Supporting Somalia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
  4. Equipping future leaders to shape policies and practices that contribute to reconstruction, national development, and global competitiveness.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of this program will be:

  1. Scholars who publish original research in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and influence the global discourse on education management.
  2. Institutional leaders equipped with the skills to guide universities and education organizations through innovation and transformation.
  3. Policy advisors capable of developing strategies for ministries of education, quality assurance bodies, and international organizations.
  4. Quality assurance experts who design and implement systems that uphold standards and foster continuous improvement.
  5. Global citizens who actively engage with academic and professional networks in Africa and beyond.

Doctoral Program Timeline and Graduation Requirements

  1. Coursework Completion: All core and elective courses must be completed within the first two semesters (minimum 29 CU).
  2. Qualification Examination: Conducted by the end of Semester Three (or Semester Four if necessary).
  3. Research Proposal Defense: By the end of Semester Four, candidates must present and defend their proposal.
  4. Research Progress Monitoring: Candidates must submit semesterly reports and participate in at least three doctoral progress jury sessions.
  5. Dissertation & Defense: Submission of original research, examined by internal and external reviewers, and defended publicly (viva voce).

Graduation Requirements:

  1. Completion of all coursework (minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0).
  2. Passing the Qualification Examination.
  3. Approval and successful defense of dissertation.
  4. Publication of at least two scholarly articles in Scopus/Web of Science indexed journals.
  5. Presentation of research at one regional or international academic conference.
  6. Demonstration of ethical and professional standards.
  7. Proof of English language proficiency (Linguaskill B2, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72).

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education Management is a three-year, research-intensive doctoral program designed to cultivate high-level expertise in the governance, leadership, and management of education systems. The program equips candidates with advanced theoretical foundations, rigorous research methodologies, and analytical tools to address the complex challenges facing higher education and educational institutions in fragile and rapidly transforming contexts.

This PhD responds to the growing demand for visionary leaders, quality assurance experts, and strategic planners in education across Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and beyond. Graduates will be prepared to influence policy, drive institutional transformation, and contribute to academic scholarship in education management. Inspired by global standards from institutions such as Makerere University, the University of Nairobi, and international higher education networks, the program emphasizes original research, academic publishing, and the integration of theory with practice.

Program Structure

Code

Course

Credit Unit

EMA 9101

Philosophy Methods

4

EMA  9101

Advanced Research Methods

4

EMA  9101

Academic Writing and Critique

3

EMA  9101

Leadership and Innovation in Higher Education

3

EMA  9101

Quality Assurance and Standards in Higher Education

3

Electives

EMA  9101

Advanced Techniques in Educational Evaluation and Assessment 

3

EMA  9101

Comparative Study of Higher Education Systems

3

EMA  9101

Strategic Planning and Change Management

3

EMA  9101

Advanced Techniques in Project Planning and Management

3

Applicants must meet the following:

  1. A master’s degree in education, Education Management, Higher Education, Public Administration, or a closely related field from a recognized university.
  2. A strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent). Exceptional candidates with relevant professional achievements may also be considered.
  3. Submission of a concept note (2,500 words) outlining the proposed research problem, objectives, theoretical framework, and methodology.
  4. Certified transcripts and degree certificates.
  5. A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with academic, professional, and research experience.
  • Application Fees: USD 100
  • Tuition Fees: USD 1,250 per semester (6 semesters)
  • Administrative Fees: USD 500
  • Graduation Fees: USD 400
  • The school has three intakes
  • January, May, September