Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education
The Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning & Service in Higher Education is ideal for those currently in, or seeking, leadership positions in higher education. Students in this program will become experts in the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of leadership, as well as research methodology. Our curriculum incorporates a broad understanding of higher education, as well as the social science and leadership development skills necessary to lead positive change in your institution or organization.
Program Details
Program Overview
The Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) will prepare you to make significant contributions to your organization and will help you become a transformational leader in higher education. The program is designed for current and aspiring leaders working in two- and four-year colleges and universities and community and technical colleges who seek to be a catalyst for meaningful change within their organization.
The curriculum for the Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service in Higher Education focuses on contemporary leadership theories with a strong foundation in research. A broad understanding of the complex nature of higher education is woven throughout the curriculum, but the primary focus of the program is to prepare you to lead your organization through meaningful change and transformation. Rather than simply building your knowledge of higher education theory, you will learn to become a leader who will function effectively within your organization to create positive change.
Program Coursework
- Leadership Theory: Evolution and Influences
- Dimensions of Leadership
- Learning Theory: Evolution and Influences
- Dimensions of Leading the Learning Organization
- Service Theory: Evolution and Influences
- Dimensions of Leading to Serve
- Research Seminar A
- Research Practica A
- Research Seminar B
- Research Practica B
- Research Seminar C
- Research Practica C
- Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
- Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education
- Innovative Strategies in Higher Education
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Higher Education
- Survey Research
- Advanced Statistics I
- Qualitative Data Analysis
- Qualitative Data Collection
- Writing the Research Narrative
The specific degree requirements on the website are for illustrative purposes and may change at any time. Please contact the Registrar's Office, Academic Advising or refer to the course catalog for detailed program requirements.
Admission Requirements
Application for admission
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including evidence of master's degree completion.
- Evidence of grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in master's coursework.
- Portfolio consisting of, but not limited to, the criteria listed below
- Curriculum vitae that documents formal education, professional work experience, honors, achievements, and activites related to education.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Please provide a personal statement, no longer than 1 page in length, discussing your professional achievements, your research interests and your positive impact on the community you serve.
- A writing sample consisting of a formal essay with a total of 4 pages, double spaced, 11 pt. font total for all seven prompts.
- Tell us about a time when you received professional feedback and how you acted upon it.
- Tell us about a time when you effectively collaborated with someone else and what was the outcome? Was this chosen or assigned collaboration?
- Discuss a time when you demonstrated cultural competence.
- Discuss a time when you had to have a difficult conversation with a co-worker or a direct report. How was the relationship with the person follow the conversation?
- Discuss a time when you participated in a significant change process.
- Discuss the role that service has played in your personal and professional life.
- Discuss the role or appeal of one of the following Franciscan Values for you: Making Peace, Building a Caring Community, Showing Compassion, Reverencing all of Creation.
The Value of a Ph.D. Degree
Research is how we know things, uncover and recover what we know. Getting a Ph.D. at Stritch allows for areas of growth in research and building the body of knowledge.
Doctor in Philosophy (Ph.D.) is an academic or professional degree that allows you to focus their area of research around your specialized field.
This is the highest level of degree you could receive from a university after submitting a dissertation.
At Stritch, we want you to have a vision for your practice to research, improve your practice and become better community servants.
This degree will allow you to earn a higher salary in your specialized field. The skills you gain throughout your academic journey will be transferrable to your professional career.
A Prayer for Students
Our Franciscan values are centered in front of the work that we do and about bringing alive God's Kingdom on earth.
"Dear God,
Thank you for the gift of education in every form.
May confidence be their foundation. May grace be their guide. May hope be their compass toward a bright future.
We pray they would have eyes to see the needs of thsoe around them and a heart to love well.
May they face each day with positivity knowing that no matter what comes their way, they do not have to face it alone.
Amen."
For more information please contact admissions or the program faculty.
Joseph C. Moylan
Chair - Doctoral Programs, District Administrator Licensure Program|Faculty - Leadership Doctorate