This accelerated doctoral program is delivered fully online, and is designed to fit into the busy schedules of full-time educators and working professionals. In addition to the planned program of study, you will complete a residency requirement of 18 consecutive semester hours in three consecutive semesters in order to graduate. Students ordinarily meet this requirement during their first year of study.
We believe that increasing the access and effectiveness of education is the key to developing a sustainable world with just societies that value knowledge, promote peace, celebrate diversity and defend human rights. The program is founded on core values of commitment, excellence, integrity, respect, service and quality.
The Educational Leadership concentration is purposefully designed with a unique and distinctive focus: to equip education leaders to be innovative change agents in local, national and international settings – regardless of their geographical setting. We acknowledge that our world is increasingly interconnected and that our responsibility and influence as educators extends to all regions and peoples of the world. Graduates of this program are prepared to work as transformational leaders at the highest levels of education.
The Educational Technology Innovation concentration will give you opportunities to design, implement and assess technology-based projects connected to technology and curriculum standards.
Professors utilize Blackboard for coursework and AdobeConnect and Teams for web conferences. You are never required to be on campus.
A total of 48 hours of coursework and a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation courses must be completed to earn a Doctor of Education degree.
The doctoral coursework can be completed within six semesters, including fall, spring and summer semesters. In addition to the planned program of study, students must complete a residency requirement of 18 consecutive semester hours in three consecutive semesters. Students will ordinarily meet this requirement during their first year of study. Residency must be completed in order to graduate.
All students in the doctoral program pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency. Please visit Tuition Information for information regarding fees and tuition.
Yes. The majority of doctoral students are full-time, working professionals.
Department Application
Department Application Requirements:
1. Completed master’s degree from an accredited university GRE is waived for the 2022/2023 admissions cycle2. CV or Resume detailing the following:a. Educationb. Work Historyc. Teaching Experience in Educationd. Leadership Experience in Educatione. Other Leadership experiencesf. Education Certifications3. Application Essay (not to exceed 1500 words) that addresses the following:a. What is your goal in pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership?b. Why are applying to the Lamar program?c. What do you anticipate having to change in your current schedule to be successful in the doctoral program?
4. Provide two (2) professional references:
EDUD 6306: Dynamics of Leadership (3 hours)
The study of leadership theory as it applies to the P-16 school setting and extends into the greater school community.
EDUD 6314: Academic Research Writing I (3 hours)
This course provides an overview of technical research writing as a precursor to the dissertation required in the doctoral program. The focus is to articulate an in-depth knowledge base in verbal and written format. It is Part One of a two-part scholarly writing process.
EDUD 6355: Educational Research Methods (3 hours)
Review of research and research methods related to informed decision making related to schooling problems/issues. Emphasis is given to conceptualizing problems, selection, and application of research literature and critical judgement of the quality of research studies. Application of these principles to a current school-based problem is required.
EDUD 6317: Academic Research Writing II (3 hours)
This course provides an overview of technical research writing as a precursor to the dissertation required in the doctoral program. The focus is to articulate an in-depth knowledge base in verbal and written format. It is Part Two of a two-part learning process in scholarly writing.
EDUD 6302: Leadership Theories: Ethics and Values (3 hours)
This course focuses on the ethical practices of P-16 educational leadership. Specific philosophical approaches and ethical theories will be discussed. Particular attention will focus on ethical leadership practices within P-16 learning communities.
EDUD 6356: Quantitative Research Methods (3 hours)
This course serves as one of three research courses (9 hours) in the doctoral program's research series. throughout the semester, this course builds upon students' understandings of quantitative research, its theory and methods. As a doctoral-level research course, the material covered will be intended to prepare the student for successful completion of a quantitative doctoral dissertation. The history and development of quantitative research will be covered, as well as the theory underlying the method(s).
EDUD 6305: Leadership Issues (3 hours)
Exploration of the role of change in promoting continuous improvement and in modifying educational practices to result in creative, innovative outcomes within the P-16 educational environment.
EDUD 6312: School and Community Relations (3 hours)
This course facilitates excellence in leadership by exploring current knowledge and research related to communication that builds positive relationships and community within a P-16 educational environment. Issues discussed include, but are not limited to, socioeconomic, ethnicity, literacy, gender, age, and other issues that require courageous communication. An emphasis on the educational leader as scholar-practitioner will guide the examination of socio-cultural issues pervasive in communicating and building relationships in a P-16 school community.
EDUD 6320: Foundations of Distance Education (3 hours)
A foundational study of teaching and learning at a distance for both k-12 and higher education. Topics include: the history of distance learning, administrative models, policy development, faculty and student support, and current research and future trends.
EDUD 6301: Adult Learning Theories in Practice (3 hours)
Seminar in which you will read and discuss adult learning theories, as well as how these theories might be implemented in best practices with adult learners. Because of the nature of the doctoral program, special emphasis will be placed upon these theories in educational leadership settings.
EDUD 6313: Seminar: Contemporary Issues (3 hours)
Examination of current trends, emerging issues and research-based practices in education organized around broad themes to complement doctoral course requirements. May be repeated for credit when the topic varies
EDUD 6335: Strategic Planning and Educational Leadership (3 hours)
This course serves as a guide for writing and implementing a strategic plan for your organization. Assessments and lectures lead to students gaining an understanding into why a plan is needed for long-term planning in the fields of both K-12 and higher education. Additionally, the course focuses on the process of strategic planning in educational leadership and how outside environments and internal dynamics impact planning procedures.
EDUD 6330: Fundamentals of Program Evaluation (3 hours)
This course serves to provide students with the research and evaluation skills required to implement various program evaluation models. Further, the course provides students with the opportunity for systematic study of methods of gathering information for decision-making with respect to the development, modification and acceptance of programs.
EDUD 6353: Synthesis (3 hours)
Completion of a student proficiency assessment comprised of a portfolio, synthesis paper and oral presentation. Successful completion is required to apply for candidacy. Note: Must be taken concurrently with Dissertation I - Proposal Writing
EDUD 6325: Leadership in Higher Education Administration (3 hours)
This course is an overview of the purposes of higher education; the environment of higher education; institutional issues in higher education, specifically governance and infrastructure, and impact of the external operational functions of higher education, including development, accreditation, accountability, social and political challenges. One segment of the course will include participant formulation of career goals for roles in higher education.
EDUD 6307: Policy Issues and School Law (3 hours)
This course focuses on theory and practice of policy making and the political influences that affect education in current society. It builds students' knowledge base in the origin and types of law that operate within P-16 educational systems. Investigation of the relationship between legal issues and their impact on P-16 school policy is also emphasized.