THEC approves Ed.D. in Learning and Leadership

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission this week approved UTC's proposal to offer the Ed.D. in Learning and Leadership. Since the campus has already secured substantive change approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to grant doctorates, today's action gives the green light for recruitment to begin for the program.

“We are thrilled to finally see this program come to fruition because it serves such a tremendous need in our community,” said Dr. Deborah Arfken, dean of the UTC Graduate School. “This is an innovative program and the curriculum has received high marks from every outside reviewer.”

The program emphasizes the importance of leadership and learning in organizations, and although primarily aimed at educators, the program is applicable to managers and professionals in all fields.

Students in the program will attend classes on weekends allowing professionals to continue working. Nearly 150 students have already expressed an interest in the doctorate.
The program is UTC’s third doctorate. UTC graduated its first class with the doctorate in physical therapy in December 2003. Earlier this year, UTC received final approval to offer the Ph.D. in computational engineering this fall.

“When you look at what UTC has to offer in advanced degrees, I believe this degree rounds out our programs nicely. We really listened to the community to develop a doctorate that meets the needs of our area,” said Arfken.

Congratulations also go to Dr. Mary Tanner, dean of the College of Health, Education, and Applied Professional Studies; Dr. Tony Lease, head of the Education Graduate Studies Division; Dr. Bob Levy, UT Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the many others who worked to establish this important new program for UTC.

For more information about the full array of master’s degrees, doctorates, specialists, and other post-graduate certificate programs offered by UTC, contact the UTC Graduate School at (423) 425-4666.