Course Descriptions

Core Seminars

EDD 9100 Leadership (6 Cr)
This course focuses on strategic leadership and its influence for organizational effectiveness which occurs in the context of modern society by creating change and reaction to change. Participants will pursue theory and research focusing on the foundations for decision-making and analysis of complex historical, cultural, sociological, philosophical, and theoretical perspectives in the leadership process. The course results in the creation action plans for restructuring organizations.

EDD 9200 Trends and Issues (6 Cr)
This course provides a study of the significant current trends and issues that provide paradigms of functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interaction. Emphasis is placed on critical review of issues of recent trends and developments affecting the interpretation of the (a) social process: culture socialization, and change, (b) institutions: political, economic, educational and religious, and (c) social structures: social stratification, ethnic race, relations, and environment. Students examine issues through research findings and case study analysis/results provide knowledge through a learner-designated development action plan leading toward a vision and mission of achieving success.

EDD 9300 Methods of Inquiry (6 Cr)
The purpose of this core course is for doctoral students to demonstrate an understanding of the use of the scientific approach in educational and human service practices to ensure informed decision making grounded in empirical research. Research design and methods, and program evaluation will constitute the major focal points. A theory-to-practice model will be utilized with an emphasis on applied research. A diversity of research designs and methodologies as well as program evaluation models will be examined. Upon completion, students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate research in preparation for dissertation studies.

Research Electives

ARC 8912 Statistical Methods (3 Cr)
Statistical Methods is a course in applied statistics that will investigate concepts and methods in descriptive and inferential statistics. The course is designed to provide students with the statistical background for doctoral level research. The application of statistics will be emphasized. Areas of study will include probability, randomization, variables, normal distribution, t-distribution, chi-square distribution, F-distribution, confidence intervals, hypotheses testing, and correlation.

ARC 8913 Program Evaluation and Policy analysis ( 3 Cr )
This course will examine key concepts, methods, and approaches in the field of evaluation research. Students will be exposed to the theoretical and methodological diversity inherent in current evaluation practice across a number of substantive areas (e.g., social services, education, and business). The comprehensive range of activities involved in designing, implementing, and assessing the utility of social and educational programs will be a primary focus of the course.

ARC 8914 Measurement, Testing, and Assessment (3 Cr)
The purpose of the Measurement, Testing, and Assessment course is to provide doctoral students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand psychometric issues. The course emphasizes the relationship between research and practice. It also provides a theoretical and practical basis for choosing and using the wide range of test and measurement data available to applied researchers. The course focuses on the uses of different tests in a variety of settings and is appropriate for applied researchers and practitioners.

ARC 8915 Survey Research (3 Cr)
The Survey Research course is designed to provide doctoral students with an overview of survey research methods. Topics in the course will include survey design, implementation, sampling, data collection, follow-up, analyses, and ethics. Students will design a pilot survey in preparation for their dissertation research.

ARC 8916 Qualitative Research (3 Cr)
The purpose of the Qualitative Research course is to introduce doctoral students to the principles of research methods. The course content includes in-depth and formal interviewing techniques, principles of field observation, content analysis, literature reviews, historical analysis, focus groups, questionnaire design, and philosophical inquiry into qualitative research perspectives. Major emphasis in the course is placed upon learning how to integrate qualitative methods as appropriate.

ARC 8917 Advanced Program Evaluation (3 Cr)
This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth and comprehensive foundation in advanced program evaluation methods. Topics will include development and use of logic models, as well as the use of quasi-experimental and randomized designs in evaluation research. A wide range of data collection procedures, including conventional (e.g., systematic surveys) and non-conventional (e.g., trained observer ratings), will be highlighted. The course will introduce a range of strategies for analysis of evaluation data that will facilitate the use of statistical procedures in evaluation research, address qualitative approaches to analysis of evaluation data and will provide guidance on the application of cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit techniques in program evaluation.

ARC 8918 Advanced Statistical Methods (3 Cr)
This course is designed to build on material reviewed in the Statistical Methods course and is developed to acquaint students with advanced statistical procedures. Areas that will be covered will include factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA), univariate ANOVA post hoc tests, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), repeated measures analysis, multiple regression, and power analysis. In addition, the course will encompass a review of select multivariate statistical techniques. This course will emphasize the application of these statistical procedures to real world challenges that students may encounter in their research or work setting.

ARC 8919 Single Subject Research (3 Cr)
This course covers basic concepts and methods employed in single subject research. Participants will learn about single subject research designs including the case study, AB and its variations, changing criterion, multiple baseline, and alternating treatment designs. Important factors in designing and critically reviewing single subject research will be presented, along with options for analyzing data from single subject research studies. Ethical issues in single subject research will also be reviewed.

ARC 8920 Mixed Methods (3 Cr)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of mixed methods approaches to research studies. Appropriate strategies for incorporating both quantitative and qualitative paradigms will be explored. Specific issues, challenges, and considerations encountered in using mixed methodologies will be addressed in detail. The conflict between positivism and constructivism will be investigated, as will various examples of mixed model designs applicable to education and human services.

Concentration

EDD 8110 Assessment Literacy (3 Cr)
In this course the candidate will develop expertise in assessment design, implementation, and evaluation using technology that is useful at the classroom level. Reeves (2002) in The Leader’s Guide to Standards notes that equity and excellence are keys to achieving high standards. Equity or fairness for all students is a key to the moral leadership for today’s schools. Understanding assessment is a critical skill that all leaders need, and this course prepares leaders’ assessment literacy.

EDD 8111 Communities of Practice (3 Cr)
The purpose of this course will be to prepare leaders to design and develop communities of practice. In this setting, candidates will learn the keys to collaborative cultures. They will also experience tools for dialogue, assessment protocols, and open space technology. As a result of the experiences, the candidate will be expected to design a plan to build a community of practice.

EDD 8112 Assessment Centered Curriculum Design ( 3 Cr)
This practical course departs from traditional curricular design by focusing on purposeful task analysis: Given a task to be accomplished, how do we get there? Professionals will be challenged to design curriculum only after operationalizing their goals or standards in terms of assessment evidence. It begins with the question: What would we accept as evidence that students have attained the desired understandings and proficiencies? - before proceeding to plan teaching and learning experiences. This course moves very quickly from the theoretical into the preparation of a field study product.

EDD 8113 Instructional Leadership (3 Cr)
The purpose of this course is to prepare the candidate to identify high quality instruction, to diagnose instructional problems, and to prescribe appropriate strategies to improve instructional performance. Candidates will be expected to evaluate instructional practices to determine the effectiveness of the teaching. Candidates also will be expected to develop appropriate prescriptions for ineffective teaching. In essence, each candidate will know quality instruction, will be able to distinguish between highly effective instruction and less than effective instruction, and will be able to prescribe strategies for improving instruction using the latest technology applications. Candidates will be expected to value high quality instruction for all students.

EDD 8114 Professional Development (3 Cr)
The purpose of this course is to prepare leaders to lead professional development. Candidates will experience quality professional development and will utilize the knowledge of adult learning, constructivism, and personalized learning to design and evaluate professional development. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate understanding of ages/stages literature by constructing professional development for entry- level professionals, mid-career professionals, and seasoned veterans as they prepare to exit the profession. Candidates will be expected to also design an assessment plan that assures quality professional development programs.

EDD 8511 Leading for Change ( 3 Cr)
This course emphasizes the need for leaders to understand that organizations are always changing. Participants will learn that the ability to manage change effectively is critical to the success of any leader. Specific strategies for managing change will include: decision making, organizational design, individual and organizational behavior, group dynamics, interpersonal communication, conflict management and negotiation, empowerment and coaching, use of power and influence, managing diversity, performance appraisal, career development, and work stress.

Applied Dissertation

ARC 8966 Applied Dissertation Seminar 1: Concept Paper (2 Cr)
The content of applied dissertation seminar 1 focuses on formulating research questions and writing the concept paper. The committee chair and member roles are discussed as well as the roles and responsibilities of the Applied Research Office faculty and staff. This seminar will culminate in the completion of the first corresponding benchmark, the concept paper. Credit for this seminar will be assigned following approval of the concept paper.

ARC 8967 Applied Dissertation Seminar 2: Proposal (5 Cr)
The content of applied dissertation seminar 2 emphasizes the formulation and writing of the dissertation proposal and the process for IRB approval. Methodology and content for each of the proposal chapters are defined, including a thorough discussion of the roles of the literature review to support or refute the dissertation topic. This seminar focusing on scientific inquiry will culminate in the completion of the second corresponding benchmark, the applied dissertation proposal. Credit for this seminar will be assigned following approval of the proposal.

ARC 8968 Applied Dissertation Seminar 3: Report (5 Cr)
Applied dissertation seminar 3 involves data collection/implementation, the applied dissertation (final report) and the final approval process. Content and format issues, as well as recommendations for further research, are highlighted. Dissemination of the dissertation and possible outlets for publication are covered. This seminar will culminate in the completion of the third corresponding benchmark, the applied dissertation (final report). Credits for this seminar will be assigned following approval of the applied dissertation (final report).