Overview of O&L Doctoral Program

The doctoral program consists of sixty units of study including required and elective courses. The three required O&L courses are Sociocultural Foundations of Organization and Policy, Organization Theory: Implications and Applications, and Leadership Theories. All School of Education Doctoral students complete four courses in Research and Foundations. Additionally, there are three courses that support the development and completion of the dissertation. (See the Organization and Leadership Ed.D Program handbook for the dissertation process and for a description of all courses.)

The remaining thirty elective units offer each student opportunities to pursue individual intellectual and professional interests. In making selections, students may choose electives within one of the areas listed above, other O&L courses, or approved courses from the University at large. A unique feature of our School is the opportunity for students to follow directed studies with a faculty member. Students may transfer, upon approval, up to 12 units from other institutions.

Individualized Faculty Attention

Students receive various kinds of individualized faculty support including:

Academic course choices are supported by a faculty advisor. An advisor is assigned upon admission. Students have the option to change faculty advisors at any point in the program as their interests develop.

Directed studies are opportunities to explore particular interests with a student-selected faculty member. Instructors for a particular directed study may or may not be the students advisor.

Dissertation support is provided by the students dissertation chair. A close relationship develops between each student and his or her chair. It is, therefore, important that each student makes an informed choice of dissertation chair. Choice is informed by taking a variety of courses. Students are advised to consider their own intellectual and professional interests as well as the background and expertise of each faculty member in the process of making this choice. The dissertation chair may or may not have been the students original advisor.

Unique Features

Week-end classes, usually alternate week-ends, are offered to meet the life-style of working professionals. World-wide networks are established. Students are encouraged and supported to select and become active members of professional associations such as the Society for Applied Anthropology, American Education Research Association, and the National Career Development Association.

Special Topics

Each semester there are several topics offered. Some examples include:

• Principles of Organizational Change
• Mentoring and Networking Skills
• Communication and Effective Leadership
• Research Trends in Organization and Leadership
• Complexity and Organizational Creativity
• International Development and Leadership

Focus areas

• Chaos and Complexity Sciences
• Educational Administration
• Interpretive Development & Organization Policy
• Urban Leadership

Back to Top