Interdisciplinary Leadership, Ed.D.

The College of Education and Human Development  doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership is an online program based on a practitioner-scholar model with an emphasis on a core set of leadership principles and three concentrations. This program adopts a primarily applied action research-oriented model with a specific emphasis on addressing real-world problems and issues. The purpose of an interdisciplinary doctoral degree is to produce advanced leaders for the field of education in the area of K-12 school district superintendent or as a higher education administrator, and as not-for-profit leaders. A significant strength of the program is its experiential component, through which all graduates will have opportunities to integrate theory and practice. There is also a direct focus on sustainability of innovative practices and global competencies. The doctoral program requires passing of the doctoral written and oral comprehensive examinations, and completion of a capstone project.

Admission Requirements

Applicants will meet with an admissions committee comprised of at least three faculty prior to acceptance into the program. Applicants will be evaluated for admission on the basis of their academic potential and the admission criteria. Applicants seeking to enroll in the Superintendent concentration of this Ed.D. program, must have completed a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in Educational Administration or Principalship.

In addition to meeting university admission criteria, applicants must:

1. submit a statement describing personal and professional goals for seeking an Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership along with a vita or resume summarizing prior education and employment history and pertinent professional activities;
2. a master’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
3. two letters of recommendation by professionals (Two must be from faculty members who have worked extensively with the applicant. The third letter may be from another faculty member or other professional); and
4. an interview with a faculty admissions committee.

Academic Advisor and Faculty Advisor

Upon admission to the Ed.D. program in Interdisciplinary Leadership, students will be assigned an academic advisor who will assist with the coordination of the students’ plan of study and necessary paperwork that is to be filed with the appropriate GovState office for issues related to  admission, candidacy, and graduation matters. 
 
Students will also be assigned a faculty advisor who responsible for mentoring the doctoral student in their area of concentration, and through the qualifying exam. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive exam, students may select a new advisor to guide them through their capstone project. As students’ specialized interest(s) develop, the faculty advisor may change according to the procedures outlined in the Program Handbook.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and analyze the theories, research, policies, and practices related to the study of educational and non-profit leadership
2. Understand, evaluate, and apply leadership and organizational theory and inquiry knowledge and skills to problems of policy and practice of educational and non-profit leadership.
3. Design, conduct, and present clear and coherent research that contributes to understanding and solving problems of practice on multiple levels of educational and non-profit leadership.
4. Articulate core values and model the guiding principles of high-quality leadership, including, but not limited to: commitment to social justice; understanding of ethical responsibilities of leadership; effective and respectful interaction with others of similar and diverse cultures, values, and perspectives.

Program Requirements

Continuous Enrollment - Students must register for a minimum of six graduate credits per semester.
Time Limit - Students must complete all coursework and capstone project within seven years after admission.
Credits - Minimum 60 graduate credit hours. Additional hours may be required for specialization or prerequisite.
Qualifying Exam and Oral Defense - Students must successfully complete written and oral Qualifying Examinations before granted candidacy.
Candidacy - Candidacy is conferred upon completion of required coursework, passage of written Qualifying Examination, and prior to capstone proposal.
Capstone Project - Consists of quantitative or qualitative inquiry into a topic of interest related to students’ primary area of study. Continually reviewed by a doctoral committee composed of three to four tenured/ tenure track faculty members. Students work with their faculty advisor.