Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Coursework

The leadership core (28 credits) is a common curriculum completed by all students as a cohort during their first two years in the doctoral program. Class scheduling is designed to accommodate the working professional. The first year core classes engage students in developing personal perspectives on, and skills in, leadership for change. The second year focuses on understanding and developing research skills that inform personal perspectives and influences change.

Year 1 (16 credits)

  • ED 620 Doctoral Studies Proseminar (fall, winter, spring)
  • ED 630 Principles and Practices of Learning (fall)
  • ED 640 Organizational Leadership Theory and Research in Education (winter)
  • ED 650 Educational Policy and Politics (spring)

Year 2 (12 credits)

  • ED 660 Foundations of Research Paradigms & Methods (fall)
  • ED 661 Qualitative Research in Education (winter)
  • ED 662 Quantitative Research in Education (spring)

Course descriptions for the above core courses and a list of faculty that have taught each course may be accessed here.

Specialty courses (24-36 credits: varies by specialization) may include traditional coursework, independent study, and field work. A description of the required specialty courses may be accessed here. Electives (44-57 credits: varies by specialization) may be completed by Master’s degree or other approved previous coursework. Dissertation (18 credits minimum) is the capstone experience of the program, in which the student examines a problem that is significant to the field. The remaining program credits are established through the student’s program of study, which is approved by the advisor and the doctoral program coordinator.

Cognate courses are taken in departments outside the field of education (e.g. Psychology, Political Science, Urban Studies). The purpose of the cognate is to supplement studies related to the dissertation or to supplement knowledge and skills in preparation for the dissertation. Cognate coursework consists of 12-18 credits of planned study, and is required in all specializations except Administration (cognate optional) and Curriculum and Instruction. Students work with their advisors to plan their individual program of study including electives and cognate coursework.

Authentic Learning