Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Policy, Planning, and Administration - Higher Education Administration Concentration

Curriculum

Professional and Research Core

• EDD 700: Doctoral Seminar in Educational Studies (3 credits)
• EDD 701: Introduction to Educational Leadership (3 credits)
• EDD 720: Educational Research Design and Measurement (3 credits)
• EDD 722: Qualitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
• EDD 723: Quantitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
• EDD 724: Mixed Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)

Higher Education Administration Concentration Area

• EDD 706: Critical University Studies (3 credits)
• EDD 707: U.S. College Students Today (3 credits)
• EDD 709: Higher Education Administration, Governance, and Leadership (3 credits)
• EDD 710: Critical Perspectives on Race in Higher Education (3 credits)

Focal Area Electives

• 9 credits of graduate-level coursework related to candidate’s area of focus

Pre-Dissertation

• EDD 800: Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credits)

Comprehensive Exam

• Students are required to sit for a comprehensive exam following the satisfactory completion of all courses at the 700-level, courses in the elective focus area, and EDD 800.

Integrated Dissertation

• EDD 801: Education Research Experience I: Research Questions/ Literature Review (3 credits)
• EDD 802: Education Research Experience II: Instrumentation and Data Collection (3 credits)
• EDD 803: Education Research Experience III: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis (3 credits)
• EDD 804: Education Research Experience IV: Findings and Conclusions (3 credits)

Total Minimum Credits Required

• 54 credits

Sample Course Plan

Year One

• Fall:
  • EDD 700: Doctoral Seminar in Educational Studies (3 credits)
  • EDD 701: Social and Ethical Foundations of Education Policy Research (3 credits)
• Spring:
  • EDD 710: Critical Perspectives on Race in Higher Education (3 credits)
  • EDD 720: Educational Research Design and Measurement (3 credits)
• Summer:
  • EDD 707: U.S. College Students Today (3 credits)
  • EDD 709: Higher Education Administration, Governance, and Leadership (3 credits)
  • Focus Area Course 1 (3 credits)

Year Two

• Fall:
  • EDD 722: Qualitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
  • EDD 723: Quantitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
• Spring:
  • EDD 706: Critical University Studies (3 credits)
  • EDD 724: Mixed Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
• Summer:
  • EDD 800: Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credits)
  • Focus Area Course 1 (3 credits)
  • Focus Area Course 1 (3 credits)

Year Three

• Fall:
  • EDD 801: Education Research Experience I: Research Questions/ Literature Review (3 credits)
  • EDD 802: Education Research Experience II: Instrumentation and Data Collection (3 credits)
• Spring:
  • EDD 803: Education Research Experience III: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis (3 credits)
  • EDD 804: Education Research Experience IV: Findings and Conclusions (3 credits)

Notes

• Course selection and timing will be decided upon in consultation with an advisor.
• The Ed.D. Integrated Dissertation Model is embedded in the entire program. It culminates in a series of five courses whereby students demonstrate mastery of required competencies through the completion of a final culminating independent applied research dissertation.
• Candidates will conduct the project in a setting related to their area of concentration, presumably their current employment setting.
• The student will enroll in EDD 800-EDD 804 and select a committee who will serve to provide support, feedback, and approvals throughout the Integrated Dissertation.

Outline:

• Professional and Research Core
• EDD 700: Doctoral Seminar in Educational Studies (3 credits)
• EDD 701: Social and Ethical Foundations of Education Policy Research (3 credits)
• EDD 720: Educational Research Design and Measurement (3 credits)
• EDD 722: Qualitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
• EDD 723: Quantitative Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
• EDD 724: Mixed Methods for Educational Researchers (3 credits)
• Higher Education Administration Concentration Area
• EDD 706: Critical University Studies (3 credits)
• EDD 707: U.S. College Students Today (3 credits)
• EDD 709: Higher Education Administration, Governance, and Leadership (3 credits)
• EDD 710: Critical Perspectives on Race in Higher Education (3 credits)
• Focal Area Electives
• 9 credits of graduate-level coursework related to candidate's area of focus.
• Pre-Dissertation
• EDD 800: Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credits)
• Comprehensive Exam
• Integrated Dissertation
• EDD 801: Education Research Experience I: Research Questions/ Literature Review (3 credits)
• EDD 802: Education Research Experience II: Instrumentation and Data Collection (3 credits)

West Chester University

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Overview:

West Chester University is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, fostering a vibrant campus community with a strong emphasis on student engagement and personal growth. The university prides itself on its commitment to providing students with a transformative educational experience that helps them discover their passions and find their element.

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Services Offered:

Academic Advising:

Students have access to academic advisors who provide guidance on course selection, program requirements, and career planning.

Financial Aid:

The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students afford their education.

Student Resources:

West Chester University provides a comprehensive range of student resources, including career services, tutoring, counseling, and health services.

Housing:

The university offers a variety of on-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartments.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

West Chester University boasts a vibrant and active student life with over 300 clubs and organizations. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, from academic and professional organizations to social and recreational clubs. The university also hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, sporting events, and cultural programs.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Diverse Academic Programs:

With over 180 academic programs, students can find a program that aligns with their interests and career goals.

Strong Faculty:

West Chester University has a dedicated and experienced faculty who are committed to student success.

Vibrant Campus Community:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive campus community where students can connect with peers and faculty.

Location:

West Chester University is located in a charming town with easy access to major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C., offering students opportunities for cultural experiences and internships.

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Academic Programs:

West Chester University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts & Humanities:

English, History, Music, Theatre, Art, and more.

Sciences & Mathematics:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more.

Business & Public Management:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

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Other:

Location:

West Chester University is located in a picturesque town with a rich history and a vibrant downtown area.

Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus with modern facilities and a variety of green spaces.

President's Message:

The university president emphasizes the importance of student belonging and happiness at West Chester University.

Media Guide:

The university provides a media guide featuring faculty experts in various fields.

Upcoming Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including move-in for returning students, welcome week, and summer session.