Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership - Course Descriptions
EDL 730 – RENEW/RE-EXAMINE YOURSELF AS AN EDUCATIONAL LEADER
In this course, each candidate will engage in an extensive self-examination with respect to leadership skills, styles, and dispositions to guide the candidate in developing the initial draft of a personal leadership growth plan. A series of contemporary readings about effective leadership from both inside and outside education will help define and support the three themes of our program. Candidates will begin the key program components: the portfolio, personal leadership growth plans, internship and capstone project.
EDL 731 – INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
This course is designed to be the first in a series of three courses (EDL 731, EDL 735, and EDL 744) to guide the student through the process of developing and writing the final Capstone project. Candidates will review the methods of educational research and examine research that informs and improves individual schools, organizations and universities. Using the action research model, particular emphasis will be placed upon research related to organizational, school, college or university improvement.
EDL 732 – SKILLS FOR DATA-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
This course will develop a working knowledge of the concepts and practical tools of data analysis, how to effectively derive and interpret data from multiple sources, and how to use this data to improve higher education systems and student learning. The candidate will concentrate on obtaining and interpreting relevant data to evaluate and improve higher education programs, faculty, and staff. Accreditation and accountability measures will be reviewed and analyzed. Legal issues in higher education and schooling will be explored.
EDL 733 – UNDERSTANDING CHANGE PROCESS
This course focuses on the comprehensive development of Program Theme Two: developing leaders who are change agents, and who are capable of both initiating positive change and sustaining change through sound organizational skills and an orientation toward collaborative decision making. Emphasis will be given to acquiring the knowledge, dispositions and skills to effectively lead change efforts to accomplish substantive school and university improvement. Reform models in the history, philosophy and sociology of higher education will be explored.
EDL 734 – CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, ASSESSMENT
The course will provide students with the knowledge and understanding of curriculum design, development, and change in higher education. Co-curricular and learning-centered practices will be explored. A focus on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning will assist students in developing a focus on teaching for understanding. Candidates will engage in collaborative discussions and project development designed to foster deeper understanding of curriculum, instruction and assessment and to develop effective leadership skills to guide continuous improvement of student learning.
EDL 735 – ADVANCED RESEARCH FOR LEADERS
The goal of this course will be to research and compose the (Methodology) for the final Capstone project. Students will understand the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process and have filed the appropriate forms for IRB approval. Students will have all surveys and forms ready to collect data and have started the process of collecting data pertinent to evaluate one’s Capstone project. Statistical analysis using appropriate software for complex research with considerations of reliability and validity will be studied.
EDL 737 – STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, STUDENT SERVICE, STUDENT RETENTION
Historical overview of student development theory, student life, research and literature relating to contemporary college students and student services. In addition this course introduces students to relevant research, theory, and practice related to college student retention and persistence. Students explore cultural, institutional, and individual factors that may impact college student persistence and critically examine theories attempting to explain why students leave college. Effective retention practices, programs, and assessment procedures are also identified and examined.
EDL 738 – POLICY MAKING AND LEADERSHIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION
This course provides an overview of the missions, governance, and organizational structures of American higher education institutions. The unique system of governance in higher education is explored, including administrative roles, responsibilities, and leadership issues for administrators, faculty and staff. Institutional, system, state, and federal governing mechanisms as they relate to each other are also explored. At all levels, the effective higher education leader will understand the interplay of historical legacy, public policy, internal and external organizational and governing structures, and individual roles, and how to navigate these areas to effect sound decision making that supports academic integrity while addressing the needs of higher education as a business entity.
EDL 739 – ADVANCED INTERNSHIP
This experience is intended to integrate the knowledge and skills gained in coursework, from a organization-wide perspective, with the daily challenges of leadership. The internship experience, to be completed over the entire Ed.D program, involves the candidate working directly with organization administrative leaders representing the various key aspects of college and university operations and governance. The candidate is expected to work within one major area of concentration related to his/her career goals, with additional experiences occurring in 3-5 other areas of higher education.
EDL 740 – LEGAL AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
This course focuses on the development of knowledge and skills associated with basic legal theory, financial planning, budgeting, and financial reporting necessary for the analysis of complex problems likely to occur in the administration of higher education. Topics include due process and equal protection, privacy and openness, health and safety, tenure and academic freedom, contractual obligations as well as understanding the impact of the local and global economy on various revenue sources such as state and federal budgets/educational appropriations, federal and private grants, student aid, individual capacity and philanthropy, and institutional investments.
EDL 741 – TEACHER EDUCATION CURRICULUM, PEDAGOGY AND RESEARCH
Teacher learning opportunities at the preservice, induction, and inservice levels. Intended and enacted curriculum, sources of pedagogy, and their impact on teachers’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Candidates will explore current trends in teacher education, what research tells us, and policy implications. Emphasis will be given to clinical aspects of teacher preparation and the relationship between classroom practice and teacher education processes.
EDL 742 – STUDENT AFFAIRS PROFESSION IN HIGHER EDUCATION
This course provides an introduction to the college student affairs profession. Special attention is focused on historical and philosophical foundations, organizational structures, professional roles, functions, and services, as well as challenges, opportunities, and issues faced by professional staff. Students will be able to describe factors contributing to America’s diverse system of higher education and its impact on the design and delivery of student affairs programs and services.
EDL 747 – ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION
This course provides an opportunity for students to understand enrollment management as a concept and as a process starting at the prospective student’s first contact with or exposure to the university, through the student’s graduation. The course provides an overview of how enrollment management enables a university to meet its mission; how it can helps retain students and keep them committed to their educational goals; and how organizational structure can work synergistically to enhance the enrollment management process. Students will also explore how financial aid affects enrollment management; the use of technology applications; the use of research data to drive and attain enrollment goals; basic marketing considerations; and strategic enrollment management planning.
EDL 748 – AMERICAN COMMUNITY COLLEGES
This course will provide an understanding of these complex and dynamic institutions; their evolution, contributions, challenges and concerns they face, governance structure, services, curricula, leadership and their future.
EDL 743 – ISSUES IN MORAL LEADERSHIP
This course addresses basic ethical principles and methods for making ethical decisions within context of administration, faculty and student life moral problems. It provides the opportunity for students to closely explore the dynamics of oppression at the individual, institutional, and socio-cultural levels and the resulting impact on higher education. Overview of social justice issues as they affect higher education. This course examines the social and political context of U.S. education and provides an analysis of schooling, cultural politics, and global influences that inform current practices and structures of the higher education system. Central to this course is the development of a critical understanding of topics related to meritocracy, stratification, diversity, and decentralization in higher education.
EDL 744 – CAPSTONE AND FINAL INTERNSHIP
This course is the culminating experience of the Ed.D program and will bring into play the recurring elements and themes developed over the seven-semester program. The candidate will, with the help of their advisor, complete all parts of the Capstone project and have satisfied the internship and portfolio requirements. The final activity will be a discussion, led by the candidate, with selected Maryville faculty and peers covering the findings of the Capstone project and a reflection of the completed internship activity.