CCLP Doctoral Concentration

Ed.D. (Doctorate of Education)

The Ed.D. in Community College Leadership Program (CCLP) concentration is designed to prepare students for advanced professional practice directed mainly toward the application or transmission of existing knowledge. The program of study leading to the Doctor of Education degree, as a professional degree, focuses on the utilization of research knowledge, rather than on the production of new research knowledge. Those who aspire to leadership positions as administrators, policy analysts, curriculum designers, or special administration directors, for example, would appropriately seek the Doctor of Education degree. The program consists of 1) a cohesive program of study in a Specialty Area and related fields specifically tailored to the needs and career goals of individual students, 2) sequences of appropriate field placements including such experiences as supervisory internships, administrative practica, and 3) coursework in research and evaluation methodologies. Each graduate, upon completion of the program, will 1) have a broad understanding of the impact of social and cultural factors on education, 2) have the ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form in a variety of settings, 3) have advanced special expertise—body of knowledge and skills—which prepares the individual to assume a position of educational leadership, and 4) will be able to plan, develop, conduct, interpret, and apply research for specific purposes.

The Community College Leadership Program admits to Ed.D. study persons who have high potential for assuming executive leadership positions in community colleges. One may apply for admission to the Ed.D. Program upon completion of a Master's Degree or its equivalent in a field appropriate to the area of specialization. Upon admission, a student is assigned a Faculty Advisor whose interests are compatible with those of the student. Prior to completing 18 credits of coursework, the student and the Faculty Advisor will prepare a tentative Program of Work which will meet the goals of the student and the requirements of the Program, Department, College, and University. Although the work of the Faculty Advisor is designed to assist the student in completing the Ed.D. degree, it is each student's responsibility to follow all procedures in the current Graduate School and College of Education Guidelines.

Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy)

The Ph.D. in the Community College Leadership Program (CCLP) concentration prepares students for a career of research or scholarly inquiry as a college professor, policy analyst, or administrator in the field of higher education. The Program consists of 1) a cohesive program of study in a Specialty Area and related fields specifically tailored to the needs and career goals of individual students; 2) sequences of appropriate field placements including such experiences as supervisory internships, administrative practica; 3) coursework in research and evaluation methodologies; and (4) continuous study and conduct of research and inquiry. Each student works closely with an advisor during the first year and a Dissertation Committee during subsequent years to select topics of research and inquiry, courses, and teaching experiences that combine to (1) provide a broad understanding of alternative methods of inquiry in education, and the development of competency in several of those methods; (2) insure broad knowledge of theory and practice in one cognate field; (3) develop deep scholarly and research knowledge of a specialty in Educational Administration; and (4) promote excellence in teaching and inquiry.

The CCLP admits to Ph.D. study persons who have high potential for leadership, research and inquiry, and who express career interest in general topics into which its faculty are actively inquiring and researching. The assumption is that the most effective training for the Ph.D. stems from collaborative research and inquiry into topics of joint interest to able students and faculty. The chief training arrangement is students and faculty jointly researching and inquiring into topics that interest them.

One may apply for admission to the Ph.D. program upon completion of a Master's degree or equivalent in education or another relevant field; e.g., psychology, history, mathematics, sociology, etc. Upon admission, a student is assigned a first-year Faculty Advisor whose research and scholarly activities are in the student's field of intended specialization in education. Prior to completing 18 credits of coursework, the student and the Faculty Advisor plan a tentative Program of Work which will meet the goals of the student and the requirements of the Program, College, and University. The goal of the plan is to select first-year courses that will contribute to broad knowledge of education and deep knowledge of an education specialization and a relevant discipline outside of education. Although the work of the Faculty Advisor is to assist the student in completing the Ph.D. degree, it is each student's responsibility to follow all procedures in the current Graduate School and College of Education Guidelines.