Course Descriptions

Readings from a Great Books List will be required in addition to all course work.

Core Courses in Leadership:

LDSP 7310 Leadership Models
This course will critically examine leadership theories and their application to current trends in organizational and systemic change.Faculty members and community leaders will facilitate an understanding of the bridge between the academy and the community in the study of effective leadership. Fall

LDSP 7315 Strategic Planning
Prerequisite: LDSP 7311
This course will guide students to manage the change process while optimizing human resources and facilities through shared vision, planning and accountability.Students will study the grant writing process and practice writing a grant as part of this course.Spring

LDSP 7325 Leadership through the Ages
Prerequisite: LDSP 7313
In this course, students will examine and analyze historical leaders and philosophical concepts of leadership in relation to their positive and negative global impact. Students will consider the trends in leadership style embodied by these leaders and concepts. Fall

LDSP 7330 Servant Leadership
Prerequisite: LDPS 7314
This course will guide students in the understanding and application of the servant leader model. This model is couched in a spiritual understanding of human identity and mission, which solves problems, promotes personal development, and maximizes the effectiveness of organizations. Spring

LDSP 7340 Ethical Decision-Making in Leadership
Prerequisite: LDPS 7316
This course will examine ethics and values confronting leaders to determine how individual values drive behaviors and decisions.It will include a critical analysis of faith issues, ethical decision-making, and worldview frameworks by applying leadership skills to real world dilemmas. Fall

Summer Residencies:

LDSP 7320 Organizational Leadership --State (professional organizations)
Prerequisite: EDUC 7330 & LDSP 7312
This course, which includes a brief summer residency in Austin, Texas, will immerse doctoral students in various professional agencies to operationalize their understanding of organizational structures.Action research projects completed in this course will lead students to hypothesize and draw conclusions regarding leadership in the professional setting.Summer

LDSP 7335 Trends in Leadership -- National (interest)
Prerequisite: EDUC 7330 & LDSP 7315
This course, which includes a brief summer residency in Washington, D.C., allows doctoral students to network with self-selected government agencies, non-profit organizations, religious affiliated groups, corporate headquarters, or other entities.This experience will deepen students understanding of the influence of effective leadership on human dignity and justice.Action research projects completed in this course will lead students to hypothesize and draw conclusions regarding leadership in a national setting. Summer

LDSP 7345 Leadership in a Global and Cultural Context -- International/ Global
Prerequisite: EDUC 7330 & LDSP 7317
This course, which includes a brief summer residency abroad, focuses on developing future leaders who hold a worldview that addresses the interface of culture and society.Students will consider the impact of effective global leadership in varied cultural settings.Action research projects completed in this course will lead students to hypothesize and draw conclusions regarding leadership in an international setting. Summer

Research Courses

EDUC 7330 Introduction to Research and Design
Prerequisite: EDUC 7338
This course serves as an introduction to educational research and design. It will teach research principles, methods, and critical thinking skills that apply to advanced statistical research methods, qualitative study, data collection, research analysis, and writing for publication.In addition, students will study the philosophy and methods of action research and develop an action research proposal. Spring

EDUC 7334 Quantitative Design, Statistics, and Analysis
Prerequisite: EDUC 7330
This advanced course emphasizes research design and analysis of the descriptive and inferential statistic. Students will address factor analysis, path analysis, analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and regression analysis. Students will be trained in the use of SPSS statistical package. Students will develop a quantitative research proposal within this course. Fall

EDUC 7338 Qualitative Design and Analysis
Prerequisite: EDUC 6301 or an equivalent master's level educational research course from previous degree
In this course, students will study qualitative methods used in educational research and will apply that knowledge to real or designed problems. Students will analyze data gathered through qualitative methods, use coding procedures and qualitative data software, and demonstrate skills in interpreting and writing the results of qualitative research.Students will develop a qualitative research proposal within this course. Fall

EDUC 8310 & EDUC 8320 Dissertation/
Professional Project (6 hours taken over two semesters)

EDUC 8310 Dissertation/Professional Project I
Prerequisite: EDUC 7332 and successful completion of Comprehensive Exam
This course begins the independent application of research, design, and methodology that leads to an original research study or professional project under the guidance of a professor in the field of study.The doctoral student will synthesize the knowledge and skills developed in previous research courses, core leadership courses, and concentration courses to develop and defend his/her proposal for the doctoral dissertation/professional project process. Fall

EDUC 8320 Dissertation/Professional Project II
This course is a continued, independent application of research, design, and methodology that leads to an original research study or professional project under the guidance of a professor in the field of study.The doctoral student will synthesize the knowledge and skills developed in previous research courses, core leadership courses, and concentration courses to design, implement, publish, and defend his/her apply doctoral dissertation/professional project.Spring

EDUC 8225: Continuous Enrollment for Dissertation/Professional Project
Prerequisite: EDUC 8320
This course allows the doctoral student to enroll in additional semesters to complete work on the dissertation/professional project as needed.The student will continue to work under the guidance of a professor in the field of study.

Communication for Leaders Courses

COMM 7302 - Communication Theory
This course acclimates students to communication nomenclature. This course serves as a theoretical foundation on which to build the degree minor, covers the philosophy behind theory development, discusses the basic components of theories, and reviews significant theoretical contributions in communication from social scientific and humanistic traditions. May/Summer

COMM 7305 - Organizational Communication
This course involves applied study of the role of communication in organizational life and covers theory, principles, structures, and trends in organizational communication. The study will emphasize leadership, decision-making and problem solving, superior-subordinate communication, message flow, networks and technologies, symbols and organizational culture, socialization of organizational members, negotiation and conflict, and organizational power. Spring

COMM 7310 - Communication Contexts
This course involves the applied study of leadership communication in specific contextual settings. The course will emphasize small group communication, interpersonal communication, workplace communication, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), intercultural/global communication, and communication ethics pertaining to each of these settings. May/Summer

COMM 7320 - Media Criticism
This course involves the study of critical techniques for analysis and evaluation of media messages relative to the professional leader. The course emphasizes various media messages, which may include: political messages in the media related to professional roles, organizations, and institutions; PR and Advertising messages relative to professional roles, organizations, and institutions; and fictional media messages of professional roles, organizations, and institutions as portrayed in stories, whether film, television, print, or online. Fall

COMM 7330 - Interviewing Strategies
This course focuses on the principles and practices of successful interviewing techniques. Students are provided with background on the structure of an interview and learn how to analyze success and/or potential problems. Review of case studies and practice in holding interviews enables students to gain experience and to improve their own abilities. Spring

COMM 7390 – Communication Trends
This course involves the study of trends relative to communication and leadership. Subjects will vary by professor and the date offered. Examples of topics may include: communicating power successfully in organizations; political campaigns; impact of social networking and other new communication technologies on leadership roles. Spring

Higher Education Leadership Courses

EDHE 7320 Pedagogy and Program Design in Higher Education
This course links the essential theories of pedagogy to effective instructional practices and program design based on standards. Students will apply current concepts of teaching, learner characteristics, learning environments, and delivery systems to the design, development, and assessment of courses, programs, or core requirements based on trends and assessment data. Students will develop the skills to be effective mentors who facilitate the professional growth. Summer

EDHE 7325 Assessment in Higher Education
This course focuses on the philosophy and practice of effective assessment and evaluation in higher education. Students will design and implement assessment methods and practices that support state, regional, and federal accountability measures and lead to ongoing improvement in personnel and instructional practices in the local university setting. Particular emphasis will be placed on using data to drive change and the decision-making process. Spring

EDHE 7330 Business Management and Finance in Higher Education
This course focuses on the study of roles, responsibilities, systems, and procedures in higher education business matters. Students will examine the sources of revenues, types of expenditures, budgeting and accounting practices, tuition pricing, human resource management, cost containment strategies, effects of the economy, and state and federal funding of higher education institutions. Summer

EDHE 7335 Legal Aspects of Higher Education
This course investigates the legislation and litigation which forms the basis of education at the national, state, and local levels. Students will examine historical and current decisions rendered by federal and state courts concerning procedural and substantive due process, civil rights, special populations, parent and student rights, and contractual legalities. Fall

EDHE 7340 Student Services in Higher Education
This course focuses on the theoretical basis and best practices in student services in higher education with particular emphasis on financial aid, retention, recruitment, student activities, support services, and residence life. Students will develop an understanding of the changing demographics and characteristics of college students in relation to academic, social, physical and spiritual needs. Spring

EDHE 7345 Critical Issues in Higher Education
This course will investigate the duties, behaviors, and impact of the administrative leadership and organizational structure of various types of higher education institutions. Students will consider the influence of academic, political, legal, governmental, financial, and community factors on institutional decisions and leader effectiveness. Spring

Leadership in Ministry Organization Courses

LDMN 7365 Leadership and Administration of Ministry Structures
This course involves advanced study of the principles and practices required to effectively and efficiently lead and administer a church or ministry through its organizational structure and programs. Special emphasis will focus on leading a church or ministry organization to understand its purposes and mission and developing effective strategies by which those can be accomplished. May/Summer

LDMN 7370 Systems Theory
This course will examine the church or ministry organization as a relational system. Various models of systemic theory will be explored with an emphasis on developing strategies for facilitating healthy functioning of individuals and family systems within the context of the church or ministry organization. Spring

LDMN 7375 Human Resources Management in Ministry Organizations
This course will provide a practical approach designed for the general manager in church or ministry setting that provides a substantive base of knowledge on human resource topics as well as an in-depth analysis of important issues in the field of church leadership of ministry organizations. May/Summer

LDMN 7380 Conflict Management
The course will provide a practical approach for professionals to manage conflict in churches and other ministry organizations. The importance of approaching conflict as an essential change process and on developing strategies to address personal and systemic dynamics of conflict will be emphasized. Fall

LDMN 7382 Legal Issues in Ministry Organizations
This course involves the study of legal issues confronting churches and ministry organizations. Students will consider how to address these issues with the highest of Christian ethical standards, such as: rules and processes governing incorporation, constitution and by-laws, liability and insurance, associated tax and business laws, the duties and legal responsibilities of church officers and committees, church-state separation, etc. Spring

LDMN 7390 Financial Issues in Ministry Organizations
This course will include study of principles and practices in leading a church and ministry organizations in and through programs of stewardship and finance that reflect the highest of Christian ethical standards. Special attention will be given to models for annual and monthly budgeting, managing cash-flow, capital financing. Spring

Educational Leadership in Superintendency Courses

EDAD 7320 The School Superintendency
This course involves a detailed study of the multiple roles and responsibilities of the chief school administrator including the leadership role with the community, school board, professional staff, and students. A field experience will be required as part of the course. May/Summer

EDAD 7330 Instructional Development and School Improvement
This course involves a study of research and state policy affecting instructional improvement in public school systems. Special emphasis will be placed on research-based accountability system, including curriculum planning and evaluation, professional development, and student assessment processes. A field experience will be required as part of the course. Spring

EDAD 7340 Public School Finance
The course will focus on the principles of school finance, budgeting, and accounting procedures. A field experience will be required as part of the course. May/Summer

EDAD 7350 Educational Facility Planning and Development
The course will include study of major administrative systems in public schools including transportation, distribution and food service systems, management, health services, security, and safety-related issues. Topics also include the study of present and future budget and equipment needs of public school systems, including operations, maintenance, and planning for new facilities. A field experience will be required as part of the course. Fall

EDAD 7360 Policy and Politics in Education
This course will guide students to develop an awareness of the responsibilities of a superintendent from the perspectives of political dynamics and their connection to the policy process. Spring

EDAD 7370 Superintendent Practicum
This course involves supervised professional activities in public school superintendency.  The practicum student will demonstrate competencies in the performance of appropriate professional duties as the culminating experience in the superintendency concentration for the doctoral program.  The student will gain practical experience in applying administrative skills, techniques, and theory by working alongside a superintendent or assistant superintendent in an authentic EC-12 school setting.