Program Coursework Philosophy

The multidisciplinary Leadership and Decision-Making Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the relationship that learning plays in the leadership process; develop reflective practitioners in a variety of organizations; and focus on the interwoven nature of leadership, decision-making, and learning; emphasizing the proficiency that individuals will need as they pursue the challenges of organizational change. 

The Leadership and Decision-Making curriculum is work/experience embedded, meaning that everyone pursuing the degree is typically actively working and engaged in a professional practice of some type. Participants will demonstrate competency in the following program domains: Leadership and Learning, Research and Measurement, Organizational Effectiveness and Innovation, Decision-Making, and Communication. 

Each participant is required to successfully complete a foundational course during the initial Summer semester. Following successful completion of the foundational course, each participant is required to enroll in a sequence of core courses (6 credit hours per semester) year round (Fall, Spring, and Summer) until the core is completed. All required courses are offered via hybrid delivery (face-to-face and Virtual Classroom). Core courses include 4-6 face-to-face meetings per course per semester (on the UT-Chattanooga campus on weekends) and material work in the Virtual Classroom (online) through discussions and readings.

Upon completion of the core, individuals have the opportunity to concentrate their studies in a subject matter area related to their professional practice through elective course work (18 credit hours). Other major elements of  the program include the Comprehensive Assessment  (link: Comprehensive Assessment) and the final required course, LEAD 7700: Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credit hours). The Comprehensive Assessment involves demonstrating competence in specific program domains.

The UTC Leadership and Decision-Making doctoral program reflects a framework that includes focus on scholarship:

• The scholarship of learning: transmitting, transforming, and extending knowledge through learning and through inspiring scholarship
• The scholarship of synthesis: weaving connections across disciplines, placing emphasis on the connection between learning and personal and professional experiences
• The scholarship of application: applying knowledge and discovery to problems of  consequence and to scholarly service
• The scholarship of discovery: conducting disciplined, scholarly inquiry, and discovering new knowledge