EdD in Ed Admin (P-12 Admin.)
Urban Leadership and Policy Studies in Education (ULAPSIE)Description
The Doctorate of Education in PreK-12 Educational Administration program is designed to expand the content competencies and applied leadership skills of candidates in educational leadership careers in elementary, middle, and secondary school settings, as well as in central office administration. Curriculum focuses on current and future educational challenges to enhance the knowledge and skill development of public school leaders in their positions, incorporating strategic planning, collaborative problem solving, interpersonal and inter-group functioning, technological proficiency, and effective communication.
Coursework in a cohort program, which provides support by peers and faculty, helps strengthen the candidate's understanding and practice of educational administration and develop skills in leadership and policy development and review. The Ed.D. applies current issues arising from practice, allowing students to continue current job assignments and utilize a problem-based learning approach in which emphasis is placed on identifying and developing solutions to real life problems.
Program Goals
- Deepen student understanding and practice of educational administration in relation to organizational growth and student growth and achievement
- Application of educational administrative theory and coursework in the public arena
- Application of skills of research in candidate’s chosen field of study
- Further development of the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to exercise visionary leadership in diverse and dynamic environments
Coursework
The 42 credit-hour program emphasizes the development of critical skills for professional success: interpersonal skills, group dynamics, negotiations, collaboration, systems thinking, and managing change. The curriculum emphasizes the urban environment and the research requirement (choice of either qualitative or quantitative) is tied to issues arising in the public arena, concluding with the final applied research study. Most students finish the program in three years; completing 33 credit hours in the first six (6) semesters and then the applied research study (9 hours) must be completed in the following three (3) semesters.
Dissertation/Applied Research Study
The Dissertation/Applied Research Study incorporates the application of theory and coursework in a work setting and 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
- A presentation to a faculty committee to discuss the study of a real policy setting to include policy implications, recommendations, and template for evaluation.
- Final approval of successful completion of study/project by committee members
Program Prerequisites
Applicants who have completed a master's degree in educational administration will be considered to have completed the content competency requirements of knowledge, skills and dispositions, which are based on national administrative standards, for meeting beginning and advanced administrative certification. Students are required to have successfully completed with a grade B or higher 3 hours or equivalent of Statistical Methods (EDRP 505) and 3 hours or equivalent of Principles and Methods of Research (EDRP 508).
Admissions Requirements*
- Master's degree in Educational Administration from an accredited institution with GPA of at least 3.65 in graduate coursework
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): quantitative, verbal and analytical writing. Although there is no predetermined qualifying score, the GRE results will be used as one of many factors in determining student’s acceptance into the program.
- Successful completion of 3 hours or equivalent of Statistical Methods 1(EDRP 505) and 3 hours or equivalent of Principles and Methods of Research (EDRP 508) with a grade of B or higher.
Application Procedures
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Submit complete UMKC graduate school application to the UMKC Office of Admissions with the following:
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Official transcripts from all colleges attended
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Official GRE scores
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Submit to Urban Leadership and Policy Studies in Education Office a ULAPSIE supplemental application with below items:
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Four professional or academic letters of recommendation
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An autobiographical statement that outlines professional goals and how the doctoral degree will result in achieving these goals and a description of a recent leadership accomplishment.
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A writing sample, which reflects high proficiency in academic writing. The sample may be a previous course paper, a chapter from a thesis, a published article, etc. Note: do not submit an original document as samples will not be returned.
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*Applicants who have not completed the required coursework may be conditionally admitted to the program with the requirement that all coursework is completed prior to the end of their second semester in the program.