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PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

Graduates of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program will be able to:

  1. Integrate Advanced Educational Theories, Methodologies, and Philosophies: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of foundational educational philosophy, organizational learning theory, and global trends to analyze and improve institutional effectiveness in diverse contexts.
  2. Exercise Strategic and Transformational Leadership: Develop the capacity to inspire organizational vision, promote collaboration, and lead systemic change through evidence-based strategies that align institutional resources with evolving educational needs.
  3. Advance Ethical, Equitable, and Socially Just Practices: Integrate ethical governance, cultural responsiveness, and social justice principles (as covered in Course 3) into professional decision-making to dismantle barriers and ensure fairness, respect, and access for all learners.
  4. Manage Organizational Resources and Human Capital Effectively: Apply strategic management and Human Resource principles (as covered in Courses 5 & 9) to optimize institutional operations, manage conflict, and foster professional development in educational settings.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) is a terminal professional degree designed for education professionals, administrators, experienced policy specialists, and practitioners who aspire to lead large-scale institutional change, drive innovation, and address complex management challenges in the primary, secondary, and higher education sectors, as well as in nonprofit organizations focused on education. This advanced program rigorously integrates educational theory, applied research, and executive leadership to equip graduates with the expertise necessary to transform learning environments and influence educational policy.

The 60-credit curriculum places special emphasis on systemic thinking, ethical governance, and evidence-based decision-making, preparing graduates to become visionary leaders capable of implementing sustainable and equitable solutions.

Through a balanced structure that includes a solid core, an advanced research component, and a specialized concentration in Leadership, Management, and Problem Solving, students develop deep competencies in:
  • Organizational Management: Mastery of strategic planning, human resource management, and effective organizational communication.

  • Technological Innovation: Leading the integration of cutting-edge technology and innovative educational strategies to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.

  • Systemic Problem Solving: Applying advanced analytical tools and conflict resolution strategies to diagnose institutional challenges and achieve measurable organizational effectiveness.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT LEAD OR QUALIFY STUDENTS TO LICENSURE UPON GRADUATION. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSFER OR ACCEPTABILITY OF CREDITS OR DEGREE IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ACCEPTING INSTITUTION.

  1. Design and Conduct Rigorous Educational Research: Utilize advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches to investigate significant problems of practice and generate actionable knowledge that directly informs educational leadership and policy improvement.
  2. Leveraging Data Analysis and Technology for Strategic Decision-Making: Apply cutting-edge educational technologies, data analysis tools and business intelligence techniques to optimize organizational management and enhance student learning outcomes.
  3. Critically Resolve Conflict and Drive Decision-Making: Employ analytical reasoning, creative problem-solving, and conflict resolution techniques to diagnose institutional challenges and design sustainable, innovative solutions.
  4. Demonstrate Executive Communication and Policy Advocacy: Articulate ideas and research findings effectively to diverse stakeholders—from the classroom to the board room—to advocate for transformative educational initiatives and policy reform.
  5. Bridge Research and Practice through Applied Inquiry: Translate theoretical knowledge and empirical evidence into practical strategies that directly address real-world educational challenges and improve institutional performance and accountability.

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
Theory and Fundamentals Courses 18
EDU8000 Foundations of Educational Theory and Practice 3
EDU8100 Educational Leadership and Organizational Change 3
EDU8300 Ethics, Equity, and Social Justice in Education 3
EDU8500 Global Trends and Policies in Education 3
EDU8600 Strategic Management in Educational Institutions 3
EDU8700 Communication and Collaboration in Educational Settings 3
Research Methodology Courses 12
RES8900 Research Design and Methodology in Education 3
RES8910 Data Analysis and Interpretation for Educational Research 3
RES8920 Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Methods 3
RES8930 Advanced Seminar in Educational Research 3
Dissertation Courses 18
DIS9800 Dissertation I: Proposal Development 4
DIS9810 Dissertation II: Theoretical Framework and Methodology Development 4
DIS9820 Dissertation III: Data Collection and Analysis 4
DIS9830 Dissertation IV: Dissertation Writing and Defense 6