Doctorate in Learning and Leadership
Core Course Descriptions
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LEAD 7100 Leadership Theory and Transformation (3 credit hours)This course is an overview of basic concepts and theories of leadership. The primary focus of the course is for participants to use leadership theory to analyze various situations and create and apply solutions grounded in leadership theory. In addition, participants will engage in several self-assessments of their own leadership style preferences, and will evaluate their potential effectiveness as a leader based on identified strengths and weaknesses.
LEAD 7150 Diffusion of Innovation and Technology (3 credit hours)This course explores technology and the relationship of innovation and technology as innovation diffusion in a variety of organizational settings. It examines application of technology today and recognition of emerging trends including the roles of learning and leadership in selecting, developing, deploying, and assessing technology that fulfills the needs and mission of the organization. Participants will address past, current, and proposed research on the role of technology applications.
LEAD 7340 Statistics for Research and Analysis (3 credit hours)
The use of statistics (descriptive and inferential) to summarize data collected, to make comparisons of data sets, and to generalize results obtained for a sample back to the populations from which the sample was drawn. Knowledge about data analyses can help a researcher interpret data for the purpose of providing meaningful insights about the problem being investigated. The statistical software package, SPSS, will be introduced to facilitate data analysis and interpretation.
LEAD 7350 Research Methodologies (3 credit hours)
Research as applied to organizational environments is both quantitative and qualitative in nature. The course provides an overview into methodologies and practices associated with such research. This course is an application of techniques and processes used in addressing significant issues for group with which the participant is affiliated. Emphasis is on self-understanding in the context of research and the appropriate use of various research methodologies. Participants conceptualize their own research design as well as become more knowledgeable consumers of extant literature.
LEAD 7360 Research Design and Analysis (3 credit hours)
This course provides a comprehensive perspective on research design, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. Building upon the knowledge and experience acquired in LEAD 7350 Research Methodologies, this course provides participants with structured opportunities to design, analyze, interpret, and report quantitative and qualitative research using their own or sample data banks.
LEAD 7400 Foundations of Human Learning Theories (3 credit hours)
This course focuses on the interrelationship among learning theories, curriculum models, and instructional design. Course activities in this part of the block provide an overview of contemporary views of human learning, especially as they inform effective instructional design and presentation in education and training settings. After reviewing and discussing origins and defining features of major theoretical models and the theorists most associated with them, students demonstrate advanced knowledge and application of representative theories from each model and the instructional design procedures derived from and influenced by the theories.
LEAD 7500 Learning Models, Instructional Design, and Communication (3 credit hours)
This course focuses on the interrelationship among learning theories, curriculum models, and instructional design. Course activities in this part of the block require students to compare, contrast, and apply instructional design and curriculum models that have emerged from two major theoretical paradigms. Students review origins and features of instructional design procedures and curriculum models associated with each paradigm, and demonstrate knowledge of the models by creating and presenting sample instructional/training products that reflect theory-based concepts from each.
LEAD 7610 Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment (3 credit hours)
This course will discuss contemporary individual and group approaches to the assessment of learners. Traditional assessment models will be examined and critiqued and more novel approaches will be discussed. Strengths of each approach will be described and the utility of each will be examined in reference to the desired outcome of the planned measurement.
LEAD 7250 Organizational Theory, Development, and Transformation (3 credit hours)
Presents a perspective of theories of organizations through a historical and developmental context as well as through their application to organizational reform in one or more current setting(s). The future of organizational development will be considered with respect to trends and possibilities for the 21st century. Understanding of these contexts is accomplished through the reading of primary texts, independent study of particular aspects of this history, and class discussion.
LEAD 7700 Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credit hours)
This is the final course in the doctoral program. Through individual assessment, small group learning, periodic seminars, and the promotion of excellence in scholarship, each learner will establish an intellectually rigorous research agenda that leads to the successful completion of a dissertation prospectus. Specific activities will include developing the dissertation prospectus, securing a dissertation chairperson, and other activities designed to support preparation for successful completion of the doctoral dissertation. Graded SP/NP (3 credit hours). Prerequisites: Successful completion of 51 credit hours (27 core credits and 24 elective credits). Departmental approval required.
LEAD 7999 Dissertation (2-12 credit hours)
Each doctoral participant must complete a dissertation as a major requirement for the Ed.D. degree. The dissertation topic will be selected by the candidate with the advice and approval of the participant’s dissertation committee. The participant must present a dissertation proposal describing the research project for review and approval by the committee prior to beginning work on the dissertation. The candidate will confer frequently with the dissertation committee for mentoring and advice throughout the process. The dissertation is the primary means by which the candidate demonstrates proficiency as an independent scholar.
