For inquiries about the admissions process or to have information on any of these programs sent to you, please contact the Enrollment Center at (630) 829-6300, submit an information request or visit www.ben.edu/admissions/graduate (will open in a new window).

Ed.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change

Introduction
Program Home Page
The Benedictine University Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change (Ed.D.) program is intended for practicing professionals who wish to accelerate their career paths or who seek to join the higher education community as university, college or community college administrators. The program also prepares students for management positions in public and private educational agencies and associations. Studies emphasize leadership for educational and organizational improvement.

The program provides both the perspective and the tools to anticipate and lead change in higher education. Coursework is topical in nature, interdisciplinary in focus and grounded in an inquiry-driven methodology characterized by critical thinking, analysis and self-reflection. The program readies students for the rigors and challenges of developing and implementing strategic plans, improving learning, managing resources, leading personnel, implementing policy and orchestrating change within an organization.

Mission Statement
The mission of the doctoral program is to prepare educational professionals with the knowledge and skills to guide postsecondary institutions in an era of unprecedented change.

Overview
The program is delivered in two forms, at the University and on-line, in an executive format featuring learning teams who meet as cohorts. 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. On-line 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 three to three and a half years.

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.

Curriculum
HEOC 705 Issues in Higher Education (3)
HEOC 715 Research Methods (3)
HEOC 725 Policy, Politics and the Law (3)
HEOC 735 Organizational Development, Change and Innovation (3)
HEOC 745 Strategic Planning and Accountability (3)
HEOC 755 Dissertation Seminar I: Leadership and Decisions (3)
HEOC 765 Organizational Strategy and Student Services (3)
HEOC 775 Emerging Technologies (3)
HEOC 805 Curriculum Planning and Evaluation (3)
HEOC 815 Teaching and Learning (3)
HEOC 825 Dissertation Seminar II: Leadership for Teaching and Learning (3)
HEOC 835 Financial Management and Sustainability (3)
HEOC 845 Budgets and Resource Development (3)
HEOC 855 Personnel, Performance and Accountability (3)
HEOC 865 Management of Change (3)
HEOC 875 Dissertation Seminar III: Leadership for Solutions (3)
HEOC 885 Internship (6)
HEOC 895 Dissertation (6)

Faculty
Sunil Chand, Ph.D.
Professor and Program Director
Ph.D., Kent State University
M.A., Delhi University
B.A. Delhi University

Eileen Kolich Ph.D.
Professor of Education
Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
M.S., Chicago State University
B.A., Rutgers University

Launch Print Version »