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.

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 considers the history, philosophy, and purpose of institutions of this type as well as their organization and administration. Typical programs, services, and funding/budgeting patterns are also examined.

An examination of the organization, administration and governance of community colleges. The goal of the course is to facilitate understanding of community college governance structures and processes as a means to improve educational administration, decision making, and policy development.

This doctoral level internship provides the intern with professionally supervised, comprehensive exposure to the roles, responsibilities, and purposes of upper level administration in the community college setting. The course may be taken up to two times for credit.

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.

This course 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 this course, 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.

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.