Ed.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change
College of Education and Health Services

Overview

The program is delivered at the University and online. Students are organized into learning teams and progress through the program at the same pace. Teams at the University meet on designated weekends (Saturday and Sunday) approximately every third weekend for 16 weekends per year through the first two years. Online teams are facilitated by the University’s robust course management and delivery system. Discipline-based learning objectives are integrated and reinforced through rigorous coursework that is tied to real-world applications. Highly interactive classes are characterized by small and whole group discussions, case studies and group projects.

During the first year of the program, students complete foundational courses providing a strong knowledge base in the principles and practices of doctoral study, higher education and organizational change. In the second year, study advances to current issues in students and student services, curriculum, teaching, learning and resource management. The major theme is leading organizations through constructive change. Students receive guidance and University support throughout the program.

Work begins on the internship and dissertation from the first year so that students may complete requirements in approximately 36 to 42 months.

The internship may be completed concurrently with later course work and the dissertation. 

Dissertation preparation and research extend through the program. By the third year, students are actively engaged in completing a dissertation. Related to the student’s specialized interests, the study is expected to constitute a significant contribution to knowledge in the field of post-secondary education. Candidates are expected to relate this knowledge to the theories, concepts and methodologies of their study in organizational development, and include implications for further research and theory development. The dissertation is presented and defended at the final oral defense.

Tuition

$45,000 (does not include books or fees)

Scheduling

• The program will begin at the end of August 2009.
• Program is offered in two delivery modes: onground and online.
• Each onground course is offered over a six week block.  Face-to-face sessions occur every third week-end during the six week session. out-of-class activities are required and processed through Blackboard.  New Learning Teams/cohorts are formed annually.
• Each online course is offered over an eight week block.  New student teams are recruited and matriculated three times a year, e.g.,   August 2009, January 2010 and May 2010.
• Only one class can be taken at a time.
• Terms can only be taken off after petitioning the department.
• Will take approximately 3-3.5 years to complete.