Graduate Course Descriptions

This examination is a culminating experience which reflects the student’s synthesis and integration of knowledge. A two-part examination (oral and written) will serve to determine the student’s synthesis of the academic content of the program. This examination will also provide the opportunity for students to apply the theoretical knowledge obtained to practical situations. Grading is Pass/Fail with the student needing to pass all components of the examination in order to receive a “Pass” for the entire examination. The student is allowed to take the examination twice. In order to be eligible for the comprehensive examination, the student must complete all required course work prior to the Dissertation Research Seminar with a GPA of at least 3.3 and also must secure the approval of the chair.

Working with committee to complete dissertation, students must register for consecutive semesters of dissertation. HED 798 involves completion of the dissertation proposal. Normally, HED 799 involves data collection/analysis, and HED 800 involves preparation of the final document and the dissertation defense. See Dissertation Handbook for further details. (Pre-requisite HED 790)

Working with committee to complete dissertation, students must register for consecutive semesters of dissertation. HED 798 involves completion of the dissertation proposal. Normally, HED 799 involves data collection/analysis, and HED 800 involves preparation of the final document and the dissertation defense. See Dissertation Handbook for further details. (Pre-requisite HED 790)

Working with committee to complete dissertation, students must register for consecutive semesters of dissertation. HED 798 involves completion of the dissertation proposal. Normally, HED 799 involves data collection/analysis, and HED 800 involves preparation of the final document and the dissertation defense. See Dissertation Handbook for further details. (Pre-requisite HED 790)

Students complete a minimum of 90 hours in a field experience related to higher education leadership as determined in conjunction with their advisor. A seminar and internship-based project is designed to serve as a vehicle for applying and extending the knowledge learned in program coursework.

Students will identify the unique nature, characteristics, and relationship of the Self and Others in regard to leadership and followership. Build upon an understanding of these identified differences to develop and implement strategies that improve the quality of the work culture and overall productivity for the betterment of the collective organization. This course lays the foundation for other courses in the program to include communication, ethics, power and aesthetics, strategy and subsidiarity, followership and solidarity, self-care, and more. Recommended within the first 12 credits upon advisement.

This course pursues the understanding that leadership, the practice of leading, requires the knowledge to recognize and discern the ethical, respectful, and just application of influence within a specific cultural context. Ethical leadership must invariably form everyday practices which preserve human dignity and benefit the common good even in the process of influence. Difficulties arise when striving to balance the collective interests of the organization with the cultural norms, established regulations, and global perspectives that comprise all societies.

This course draws upon a variety of interdisciplinary methods to analyze and better understand the societal aspects of organizational groups– change, memory, and stability–which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to formulate initiatives to reach their full potential through growth and change. This course emphasizes how leaders can be effective in generating organizational transformation. Learners integrate knowledge of organizational change theory into their role as a change agent.

This course will explore lobbying, persuasion, consensus building, and opinion management as key aspects of strategic leadership. Although the terms politics, lobbying , and consensus building are often associated with government politics, and these will be explored, they are also a common aspect of human interaction.

This course will examine a leader’s role and responsibility in regard to issues of sustainability, declining ecosystems, and environmentally minded leadership practices. Responsible decision making in light of current environmental issues and the organizational impact upon the environment will be discussed.