Course Descriptions

Doctoral Studies Orientation Seminar

DSO 8000 Doctoral Studies Orientation

Core Leadership Concepts and Practices Courses (30 credits)

Please see the important announcement regarding the sunset of the DOL program.

The Leadership Concepts and Practices domain consists of five sequential courses. Each course listed below serves as a prerequisite for the subsequent course.

LDR 8510 - Leadership to Shape the Future (6 credits)

Students explore and examine the role of leadership in shaping learning organizations in the 21st century. Leadership is examined as the capacity of individuals and groups to generate and sustain significant organizational purposes and processes needed to shape the organization's future. Leadership is a presented as a multifaceted discipline of diverse roles and responsibilities. The major themes of study are: Theoretical frames of Organizational Leadership, Personal frames of Leadership Learning, and the Futuristic Frames of Organizational Leadership.

LDR 8520 - Creating and Leading an Intentional Organization (6 credits)

Participants explore the development of organizations with a purpose from the leader's perspective. An examination of various leadership theories and research related to both leadership and organizational cultures will be examined. Learners will reflect on the particular challenges and responsibilities encountered in shaping and creating an intentional organization. Major topics of study include leadership theories; leader-related skills and styles including team building; the role of ethics and ethical decision making in organizational settings; and managing organizational diversity.

LDR 8530 - Developing the Organization's Human Capital (6 credits)

In an information/knowledge era, people are the organization's most important asset. To maximize this asset, people must be developed. Participants will identify their own perceptions, motives, attitudes, values and mental models and understand how these develop and influence leadership behavior. Major themes of study include adult learning and life span theories, the learning organization, professional development and training, team building, consulting and professional renewal.

LDR 8540 - Leading for Change (6 credits)

To be an organizational leader demands an understanding of the basic principles and practices underlying the management of large and diverse organizations. The contrast of management of stability and control with the management of chaos and instability suggests different techniques of leadership and management. Participants will explore various organizational systems such as information and communication, policy, politics and accountability, power and influence, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

LDR 8550 - Leading a Learning Organization (6 credits)

Developing a learning-based culture is essential for today's organization. There must be a strong, common set of shared values and understandings that tie together the people in diverse partnerships. Research demonstrates that strong adaptive cultures are tied to profitability and sustained success. Participants will examine ways of how learning organizations create learning cultures as well as leadership strategies that foster growth, creativity and risk-taking while managing innovation, change and future planning.

Research Activities (9 credits)

Please see the important announcement regarding the phasing out of ARO courses.

ARO 8511 Research Design and Methods

ARO 8512 Statistical Methods

ARO 8513 Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis

Doctoral Applied Dissertation (9 credits)

LDR 8566 - Applied Dissertation Seminar 1 - Concept Paper (2 credits)

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.

LDR 8567 - Applied Dissertation Seminar 2 - Proposal (4 credits)

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 role 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.

LDR 8568  - Applied Dissertation Seminar 3 - Dissertation (3 credits)

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). Credit for this seminar will be assigned following approval of the applied dissertation (final report).

LDR 8569 - Continuing Dissertation Services (0 credits)

Students must register for Continuing Dissertation Services at the 36th month in the program if the student has not yet completed the applied dissertation. By registering for these services, subsequently by term, students can continue working uninterrupted with their committee on their research project. Students may register for continuing dissertation services each term until the student reaches the end of the allowable time according to the program's policy at which time extensions will no longer be offered.

Specialization Courses (18 credits)

Please see the important announcement regarding the sunset of the DOL program. Fall 2007 will be the last opportunity for DOL students to take the first course in the three-course specialization sequence.

Students may choose one specialization and the three courses associated with it. Click on your specialization of choice to view the course descriptions for that specialization.

Conflict and Dispute Resolution

Educational Leadership

Human Resource Development

Instructional Technology

Not-For-Profit Sector