Division of Urban Leadership and Policy Studies in Education
(ULAPSIE)
Ed.D. in PreK-12 Educational Administration
...Preparing candidates who will create organizational cultures that nourish the human spirit.
Next Cohort Classes begins – January 2010
The Doctorate of Education in PreK-12 Educational Administration program is designed to expand the content competencies and applied leadership skills of candidates following the completion of a specialist degree. Applicants who have completed an educational specialist degree or equivalent in the field of Educational Administration will begin course work in a cohort program which provides support by peers and faculty. Throughout the duration of their program, students engage in coursework which strengthens their understanding and practice of educational administration and complete a Dissertation/Applied Research Study. They also develop skills in leadership and policy development and review. The Ed.D. is designed to apply theory and coursework to current issues arising from practice; research will reflect application skills in the candidate’s chosen field of study.
Dissertation/Applied Research Study
The Ed.D. in PreK-12 Educational Administration consists of 33 hours
of required coursework and 9 hours of Dissertation/Applied Research Study. The
Dissertation/Applied Research Study, consists of the application of theory and coursework in a work setting related
problem. This study must meet the following requirements:
- Contain a theoretical construct with a basic research design
- Contain an exhaustive literature review
- Be grounded in a policy dilemma
- The presentation of the research in a real policy setting with policy implications, recommendations, and template for evaluation. Faculty Advisor and committee members must be present at this presentation.
- Final approval of successful completion of study/project by committee members
Coursework
The Ed.D. degree requires the inclusion of courses in the Bloch School of Business and
Public Administration, which emphasize the development of critical
skills for professional success – interpersonal skills, group dynamics, negotiations,
collaboration, systems thinking and managing change.
The program of study contains coursework with an emphasis on the urban environment and the research requirement is tied to issues arising in the public arena, with the final presentation being made in a public setting. The research requirements of the program give students the choice of a qualitative or quantitative strand of study. The program consists of 42 hours of required course and research work which may be completed in three years of study.
Candidate Profile
The Ed.D. in PreK-12 Educational Administration
applies current research and theory to practice and is intended for school leaders
who are currently serving in a leadership capacity and who wish to strengthen their
understanding and practice of educational administration. The degree program provides
candidates with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to exercise visionary
leadership in diverse and dynamic environments. It stresses strategic planning,
collaborative problem solving, interpersonal and inter-group functioning, technological
proficiency and effective communication. The focus of the degree is to prepare candidates who will create
organizational cultures that nourish the human spirit.
Opportunities
The degree program is designed to allow candidates to pursue educational leadership
careers in elementary, middle level and secondary school settings as well as in
central office administration. The program allows candidates to
combine their coursework with current job performance. It focuses on current and
future educational challenges to enhance the knowledge and skill development of
public school leaders in their current and future leadership positions. This program
utilizes a problem-based learning approach in which emphasis is placed on identifying
and developing solutions to real life problems. The degree culminates with a research
project in the form of an applied research study. In completing the degree,
students will complete required coursework in the first six (6) semesters of study; the
applied research study must be completed in the following three (3) semesters. Most students finish the program in three years.
Program Prerequisites & Admission Requirements
If you have further questions, please contact Dr. Loyce Caruthers at 816-235-1044 or caruthersl@umkc.edu With a voice or email message, please include your name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, place of work and position. Responses and information will be sent as quickly as possible.
