Administrators at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will be sharing their expertise to help educate the next generation of higher-education leaders in a degree program that will begin this fall.
The University is offering a doctorate of education with a new concentration in higher education. The schedule of the courses, which blends face-to-face class time with online learning, is designed to fit professionals' work schedules, said Dr. Nathan Roberts, professor of education and head of the Department of Educational Leadership.
University President Dr. Joseph Savoie and other university administrators will teach components of the program in leadership seminars.
"Dr. Savoie wanted us to develop a program suited to mid-level administrators, particularly those at community colleges, to educate them on current issues and hot topics. This degree is aimed at those who are already working in higher ed," Roberts explained.
The program coursework can be completed in two and a half years. Students will meet once a month on the University campus, on Friday and Saturday, and conduct other coursework online. Additional intercession courses will be taught on campus on weekends between semesters. Additionally, a dissertation is required.
"Unlike a Ph.D. program, which would be more focused on research, this program emphasizes practical application. So, the issues that students discuss in class on Friday and Saturday may be applied the following week when they go back to work," said Roberts.
The University wants to attract students from across the state, not only because it offers a strong, effective degree program, "but because we hope to help develop a network of higher-education professionals," Roberts said.
"Two of the areas in which we have expertise are higher-education law and policy. As an administrator, you have to be able to craft good policies and defend them against potential budget cuts, so these areas form a foundation for effective leadership."
The program will also teach doctoral students how to effectively utilize data related to university operations. "Institutional research is an important component because it can help reveal what makes a university tick. What does the data show and how can you make decisions and plan for the future, based on that data?" he said.
"We'll also be engaged in change theory. It's one thing to know what needs to be done, but how do you implement and orchestrate change?"
Other subject areas include finances, human resources and student affairs.
For more information, visit http://coe.louisiana.edu/degrees/edd.htm or contact Dr. Robert Slater, doctoral program coordinator at (337) 482-6747.