The Executive Ed.D. program is designed to meet the unique needs of experienced professionals seeking a doctorate in higher education.
The Executive Ed.D. program is designed to meet the unique needs of experienced professionals seeking a doctorate in higher education. The program helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to advance in leadership positions by combining theoretically-rich studies with an applied research approach. The Executive Ed.D. program is based on a cohort model that allows students to build an immediate network of colleagues. Intensive coursework and a carefully-structured dissertation process allow students to complete the degree in nine semesters and maintain their busy professions.
Coursework
The Executive Ed.D. program’s alternative format meets all the expectations of a rigorous higher education program, including the credit hour and degree requirements stipulated by the College of Education and the Graduate School. The first six semesters include nine hours (3 classes) of coursework, followed by three semesters of dissertation hours. The program is 66 credit hours. Executive Ed.D. students engage in six core areas of knowledge essential to higher education: 1) theoretical foundations of higher education; 2) research in higher education; 3) administrative issues; 4) student issues; 5) teaching and curricular issues; and 6) problem solving in professional practice.
Dissertation
During semester six, students begin exploring a research topic. The Executive Ed.D. program’s coordinator works closely with each student during this early stage to ensure timely progress and scholarly rigor. Proposal defenses generally take place during semester seven, after successful completion of the comprehensive exam. Students continue to collect research during semesters six through nine, with the final defense held during semester nine.
