Ed.D. Program Schedule

Courses in the Ed.D. in Executive Leadership program are offered sequentially. Each course is 3 credits.

First Semester

  • DEXL 701 - Introduction to Doctoral Studies in Executive Leadership
  • DEXL 702 - Theory and Practice of Executive Leadership

Dissertation Milestone: Identify possible dissertation topic, create potential problem statements, and determine research sources.

Second Semester

  • DEXL 726 - Quantitative Research Methods and Design
  • DEXL 704 - Leadership and Cultural Change
  • DEXL 717 - Guided Dissertation Seminar I

Dissertation Milestone: Finalize dissertation topic, develop problem statement, and start literature review.

Third Semester

  • DEXL 727 - Qualitative Research Methods and Design
  • DEXL 706 - Applied and Action Research
  • DEXL 705 - Field Experience I

Dissertation Milestone: Complete literature review, finalize problem statement, and formulate research questions.

Fourth Semester

  • DEXL 709 - Public and Human Relations
  • DEXL 710 - Program Evaluation and Organizational Improvement
  • DEXL 708 - Field Experience II

Dissertation Milestone: Complete research design and methodology.

Fifth Semester

  • DEXL 712 - Public Policy, Law and Ethics
  • DEXL 713 - Executive Leadership, Finance, and Governance
  • DEXL 711 - Field Experience III

Dissertation Milestone: Complete and defend dissertation proposal.

Sixth Semester

  • DEXL 728 - Current Trends in Executive Leadership Practice and Research
  • DEXL 718 - Leadership and Diversity
  • DEXL 714 - Field Experience IV

Dissertation Milestone: Collect and analyze data and draft findings.

Seventh Semester

  • DEXL 716 - Human Resource Development and Continuous Improvement
  • DEXL 719 - Guided Dissertation Seminar II
  • DEXL 720 - Guided Dissertation Seminar III

Dissertation Milestone: Finalize conclusions and recommendations; complete and defend dissertation.

Optional Semester (if needed)

  • DEXL 721 - Guided Dissertation Seminar IV
  • DEXL 722 - Guided Dissertation Seminar V
  • Required for SDL Advanced Certificate:
    DEXL 723 - District Level Internship (3 credits)

If additional time is needed at the end of the eighth semester, candidates can enroll in DEXL 725 - Dissertation Continuation (0 credits) for up to three consecutive semesters.