A multi-day orientation is the only residency requirement of the program. At the New Student Orientation (NSO), and in collaboration with your faculty mentor, you will begin to develop a learning plan that weaves your academic accomplishments with your personal, professional, and academic goals.
The doctoral curriculum focuses on three academic topics: Effective Communication, Approaches to Inquiry and Leadership for Change. You complete courses individually or in a small group, study independently or collaboratively, and work online or offline. You may satisfy course requirements in many ways, including doctoral-level papers, and multimedia presentations. For every course, your faculty assessor provides a written assessment of your work, generally shaped around fulfillment of course level competencies and doctoral level competencies.
Dissertation exploration begins early in the program. You are required to complete an action-oriented or theoretical dissertation that contributes new knowledge to at least one of a wide range of research areas. You will have the opportunity to focus on a topic of your own choice and will complete your dissertation with the guidance and support of your dissertation committee.
Optional concentrations are offered in:
- Community College Leadership for Change
- Leadership of Higher Education Systems
