Argosy University Online EdD Program Course List
Course List
Program Requirements
The EdD in Educational Leadership program requires concentrations in Higher Education Administration or K?12 Education and the satisfactory completion of 60 semester credit hours distributed as follows:
- 24 credit hours in core
- 12 credit hours in concentration
- 9 credit hours in research
- 3 credit hours in Pinnacle Seminar (elective)
- 12 credit hours in dissertation
- 2 Residencies (3 credit hours each included in above requirements)
All courses are 3 semester credit hours in length.
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Required Core Courses
There are 24 credit hours in core courses needed for the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership Program.
This seminar focuses on concepts and strategies for managing change in educational, human services, and business settings. Special consideration is given to the recognition of human diversity and strategies that empower both individuals and the organization. Processes, procedures, and skills for change are presented in terms of situational considerations and implications.
Problems and issues that relate to the present and the future of public and private education are the core of the course. They are identified in a forum that brings experience and current methodology together to address problems that relate to the specific roles of the course participants. Long-range and short-range problem-solving strategies, directed toward increasing the scope of curriculum options and expanding the broad applicability of instructional resources, are addressed in terms of current situational models.
This course demystifies the doctoral level research process and provides a solid foundation for academic writing by analyzing and evaluating current research articles, literature reviews, and dissertations. Emphasis will be placed on APA style guidelines, preparation for the doctoral comprehensive examination, and university publication requirements. It also includes a self-inventory based on state and national standards and develops a self improvement plan that is the basis for activities during internship.
This course focuses on concepts and strategies associated with effective planning in educational and human services organizations. A decision-oriented evaluation model is also considered. Examples demonstrate how data can be used as input for a comprehensive plan. Strategies for the coordination of curriculum and instruction delivery systems into an overall management plan are presented. Specific administrative levels of responsibility are defined. An evaluation component of comprehensive planning is outlined in both objective and subjective terminology.
This course examines the trends in educational leadership in the public and private sectors. The focus is on effective leadership practices as they relate to educational organizations. This includes leadership and ethical behavior, inter- and intraorganizational leadership strategies, management theory and practice, and organizational culture.
This course presents concepts and strategies that guide the effective management of human and fiscal resources in education. It provides an in-depth analysis of personnel administration and the knowledge and skills necessary to take a strategic approach to resource management in organizations of higher learning. The course examines the processes of human resource and fiscal planning, job analyses and description, recruitment, selection, compensation and rewards, evaluation and relevant employment laws. Students participate in discussion strands based on human and fiscal resource management issues, and submit assignments that demonstrate understanding of human resource management theories and practices—including a course project which requires the creation of a comprehensive human resources development plan for an educational institution.
This course builds on the introduction to the dissertation process provided in E7111 and leads students through the university research proposal, formation of a dissertation committee, application for human subject review, and revision of dissertation research for journal publication. Students will develop their research questions or hypotheses and submit a finished research proposal or prospectus that is required prior to beginning the dissertation sequence.
This seminar emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and skills in program evaluation methodology. Six alternative evaluation approaches are surveyed, with a focus on developing a management/decision-oriented evaluation plan. This seminar also serves as a practicum for the conceptualization and development of a doctoral research study that employs a program evaluation model.
Required Elective Course
There are 3 credit hours in an elective course needed for the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership Program. Students may substitute the following with any approved elective.
This seminar focuses on a contemporary topic of scholarship through selected writings of a current nationally recognized author. The weekend residence portion of the blended online seminar will provide students the opportunity to personally interact with the nationally recognized author, serving as a visiting professor, in a structured but relaxed conference type setting. Throughout the seminar, students will examine an area of study through the writings and experiences of this expert, and explore the thoughts and leading edge ideas of the visiting professor's specialty.
Required Research Courses
There are 9 credit hours in research courses needed for the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership Program.
This seminar focuses on the structure and process of descriptive research across the disciplines of business, education, and behavioral science. It presents the concepts of relationships, correlations, and descriptive paradigms. Upon completion of the seminar, the student will be able to design a descriptive research study. The student will be able to utilize correct descriptive sampling techniques, collect and organize data systematically, adhere to acceptable reliability and validity standards in measurement, apply appropriate descriptive methodology, perform descriptive statistical analysis including mean, mode, median, correlations, chi square and t-tests with matched groups, and fully present findings. The student will also master the language of descriptive research, distinguish between various methodologies, conduct literature surveys that provide the foundation of investigation, critique descriptive research, review the dissertation research process, and construct effective descriptive research proposals. Computer applications, logistical issues, and ethical considerations are examined.
This course introduces the assumptions, theories, and processes of qualitative inquiry. The purpose of this course is to provide advanced graduate students with the theoretical foundations necessary to understand qualitative inquiry, and to enhance their abilities to conduct qualitative research and evaluation.
The course advances the proposition that the action research approach is a useful paradigm in the field and worthwhile model for dissertation work. Historical, philosophical and theoretical foundations will be discussed, but practical application will be the primary focus simultaneously with learning. This is consistent with an action research approach. Collaboration and group work is also a hallmark of action research so students will demonstrate their abilities to design, diagnose, plan, implement, observe, and reflect in cooperation with classmates. The various roles and skills necessary to be an effective action researcher will be discussed, as well as important issues related to empowerment, contextualization, ethical considerations, and validity.
Concentrations
Higher Education Administration Concentration Requirements
Students are required to take the following:
Theories and models of institutional arrangement, as well as governance and management processes, are considered in this course. Planning and assessment methods are also examined.
This course focuses on effective communication in organizations. This course will include relevant theories, technologies, leadership, teamwork, diversity, global organizations, and ethics. In addition to learning about issues embedded in organizational communication systems, students will complete a 7-week internship.
NOTE: All internship projects, activities, and assignments may be completed through the student?s current place of employment, or an equivalent accessible workplace environment.
This course addresses the basic legal principles and role implications for higher education administration. Upon completion, the student will demonstrate a rudimentary background in the parameters of postsecondary education laws as they relate to trustees, administrators, staff, faculty, students and governmental/community constituencies.
Students may select any course E7000 or R7000 level.
K?12 Education Concentration Requirements
Students are required to take the following:
The student?s attention is called to the relationship between administrative theory and supporting research. An historical examination of administrative/managerial patterns is conducted. Comparisons with current patterns of management and leadership modes are employed with such models as Deming, Kouzes, Posner, and others. Theoretical perspectives are applied directly to case studies and issues of current concern in school organizations.
This course focuses on effective communication in organizations. This course will include relevant theories, technologies, leadership, teamwork, diversity, global organizations, and ethics. In addition to learning about issues embedded in organizational communication systems, students will complete a 7-week internship.
NOTE: All internship projects, activities, and assignments may be completed through the student?s current place of employment, or an equivalent accessible workplace environment.
This course builds on the information and concepts central to Education Law: The School (E7238). Students examine the legal foundations and operations of public education at the central office/district level. Laws, policies, and procedures impacting district employees, students, curriculum/instruction, and contractual agreements are studied. Provisions are made for students from the private sector of education.
This course provides participants with a basic understanding of the instructional applications of modern technology. Participants will gain an understanding of the philosophy and purposes behind instructional technology as well as strategies for its integration into the classroom. Major topics include the synthesis of concepts, knowledge and skills of the instructional technologist and distance educator, future trends in the field, strategic planning for the professional, refining roles, and responsibilities of the leader in the field.
Required Dissertation Courses
There are 12 credit hours in Dissertation Courses needed for the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership Program.
The dissertation is offered in four, 3-semester-credit blocks, each lasting one semester.
Block I
- Preparation of Chapters 1 and 2, Introduction and the Review of Literature
- Includes Residency II, which focuses on the successful completion of the dissertation, including the following: the completion of the plan of studies, in-depth library research, dissertation formatting and style, mind maps, committee meetings, Institution Research Board, and Dissertation Guides. Students will also have an opportunity to observe dissertation defenses and hear presentations from advanced doctoral students.
- Final formation of dissertation committee and approval of prospectus
Block II
- Preparation of Chapter 3, Methodology
- Proposal defense
- Application to the campus Institutional Review Board
Block III
- Preparation for Chapter 4: Results of Data-gathering and Analysis
Block IV
- Preparation of Chapter 5, Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations
- Completion of final dissertation document, including appendices, reference list, acknowledgements, dedication, and table of contents
- Submission of document to Turnitin®
- Approval of the final dissertation document.
- Final oral defense of the dissertation (open to faculty, student, public).
- Completion of final copy editing for binding and placement in the Library.
NOTE: Students who do not complete in four semesters must apply for a dissertation extension.
Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of all requirements in the program of study developed in consultation with the advisor
- Satisfactory completion of 60 credit hours beyond the master?s degree, including 48 credit hours of coursework and 12 credit hours of dissertation
- A minimum grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0), and a grade of “B-” or better in all required courses
- Satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination
- Successful completion and defense of the dissertation
- Completion of these requirements within seven years of matriculation into the program
- A completed Petition to Graduate submitted to campus administration

