Program Coursework Philosophy

The multidisciplinary Leadership and Instructional Practice Doctoral Program (Ed.D.) is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the relationship that learning and leadership play in the instructional process; develop reflective practitioners in a variety of organizations/institutions; and focus on the interwoven nature of leadership, learning and decision-making; emphasizing the proficiency that individuals will need as they pursue the challenges of ever-changing instructional processes and practices.

The Leadership and Instructional Practice 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: Learning, Leadership, and Instructional Practice; Measurement and Inquiry; and Communication.

Each participant is required to successfully complete a hybrid foundational course during the initial Summer semester. The foundational course typically includes two required synchronous face-to-face meetings and material work in the Virtual Classroom (online) through discussions and readings. 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 core courses are offered via online delivery (Virtual Classroom).

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 (24 credit hours ). Other major elements of  the program include the Comprehensive Assessment  (link: Comprehensive Assessment) and the final required course, Research Pre-Project of Practice. The Comprehensive Assessment involves demonstrating competence in specific program domains.

The UTC Leadership and Instructional Practice 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