Course Descriptions

Required Courses

EDAD 801: Philosophy and Historical Foundations of Urban Education
The purpose of the course is to analyze and study the philosophical and historical foundations that underline leadership concepts and practices in contemporary urban educational settings. Students explore the political, social, and economic context in which urban institutions operate. Students also examine effective leadership and management strategies for urban institutions in eight key policy/management areas: finance, personnel/employee relations, students' performance, program definition (curriculum and student services), facilities and security, media (communications and community relations), and education law.

EDAD 810: Descriptive and Inferential Statistics in Education
This is a statistics course designed to prepare the education student with the essential statistical concepts for developing statistical designs in their own research. In addition to the fundamental principles of descriptive and inferential statistics, students learn to use computers to compute data and to interpret computer-generated results produced by statistical software. Course topics include measurements of central tendency, variability, relative position, and correlation; sampling and probability distributions, tests of significance; t-tests; analysis of variance; chi-squire tests, and regression analysis.

EDAD 815: Educational Planning and Evaluation
This course is a comprehensive examination of planning practices and procedures in selected educational settings and includes the development of a model plan as a related research project. Advanced study of topics related to the design and development of educational policies and operations in support of organizational planning, including appropriate research needs and methods. The course also includes an introduction to the evaluation of the effectiveness of educational programs and policies in relation to systems theory and analysis of organizations.

EDAD 820: Human Resources
This course includes analysis and discussion of personnel administration in educational institutions. Special attention will be given to those functions and responsibilities related to the administration of personnel in educational settings. This course will address the personnel function and its contribution to the overall management and operation of a education systems.

EDAD 825: Advanced School Law
This course will focus on the legal policy development and issues that arise in education. Topics will include liability for student injury, church/state conflicts, control over the curriculum and the expression of controversial views, and the schools' authority to make rules governing student and educator conduct. It will also examine issues of equal opportunity, including school desegregation, bilingual education, sexual discrimination and harassment, affirmative action, and special education.

EDAD 830: Educational Government and Political Studies
Educators operate in a complex web of political relationships within schools and universities between educational institutions and communities, and across levels of government. This course is designed to enable educators to become more effective and responsible actors within this web of political relationships. The course engages students in 1) developing systematic knowledge about political environments; 2) developing skills and strategies necessary to act on that knowledge; and 3) exploring and acquiring principles that shape responsible political action.

EDAD 835: Research Designs and Methods
The purpose of this course is to provide doctoral students with the skill necessary to design empirical research studies in the field of education. Survey, correlation and experimental research methods and practices are emphasized in the course. Course topics include purposes and types of educational research; steps in conducting research and preparing a research proposal; selection of research questions for investigation and literature reviews; basic statistical methods and an introduction to statistical packages; development and validation of instrumentation; principles of sampling; research designs; data collection techniques; interpreting results, drawing conclusions, and reporting results. Survey and experimental research methods and practices are emphasized in the course.

EDAD 840: Leadership with Technology in a Global Information Age
This course will equip students with information, skills, and strategies to make efficient use of technology including computers, communications, and instructional approaches to lead in educational settings.

EDAD 845: Managing Financial Resources in Urban Education
This course includes analysis and discussion of current public and private local, state, and national sources of revenue for the support of public education. In addition, the students study education finance practice including detailed analysis of budgetary processes. Principles of sound management of income and expenditures bonding procedures, accounting, and auditing are also examined.

EDAD 850: Interdisciplinary Seminar
This course will address leadership ideas, values, cultures, and contemporary issues that are affecting society generally and education particularly. Also, the seminar will serve to enhance students' knowledge of multiculturalism, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, and individuals with handicaps. Additionally, it will address education-community relations issues, principles, and recommended practices for dealing with those publics with whom education leaders regularly interact. The seminar may be repeated for credit.

EDAD 900: Applied Research Seminar
This course is designed to provide the doctoral student with an understanding of the various kinds of behavioral research and the various research designs appropriate to behavioral sciences; the development of skills in the use of basic statistical techniques appropriate to different designs; an understanding of the application of various assessments used within disciplines and skills to construct tests necessary for evaluating students; and, an introduction to the application of modem technology to enhance learning. The nature of the computer, relative and contemporary software, the Internet, and the application of telecommunications are presented. Specific experiences within an education-based setting are provided for students to observe, work with students, and apply the concepts and skills emphasized within the course.

EDAD 910: Dissertation I
This course will provide students the opportunity to identify and define a research area of inquiry and develop a proposal draft for the dissertation study. Students will be expected to select, plan, and outline an original research study appropriate for the dissertation requirement.

EDAD 920: Externship I
This course is a special interdisciplinary problem-solving activity for experienced educational practitioners. An interdisciplinary team of faculty will work with small groups of experienced administrators, supervisors, or instructors in an analysis of current educational problems or in an evaluation of educational practices. Students are judged on the quality of their investigations, individual reports, and discussion.

EDAD 925: Externship II
The major focus of this internship will be on leadership in organizations. It will focus on those in education leadership positions and the problems, dilemmas, and opportunities they face in educational, public, and human service organizations. Particular attention will be paid to issues of leadership in diverse organizations. This experience will be a year-long research project and documented by portfolios.

EDAD 950: Dissertation IIA & IIB
The course will provide the students the opportunity to conduct a research inquiry resulting in a dissertation study. Students will complete an original research study appropriate for the dissertation requirements.

EDAD 951:  Dissertation Advisement
This course provides additional support to candidates who have revision to complete prior to the oral defense.

Elective Concentrations

Special Education Electives

SPED 912 – Critical Issues in Special Education

Students will examine key issues in special education, with an emphasis on education policy and practice.  Issues in special education will include information on social policy, inclusion, and critical aspects about specific disabilities and treatment.

SPED 916 – Research Methods in Special Education
Requires students to critically examine qualitative and quantitative research literature in special education.  Students will analyze the salient issues related to educational research methods and determine how the information relates to the state of the discipline.

SPED 918 – Legislation and Litigation in Special Education
Students examine the historical perspective of educational law, developing an understanding of the events that provoked advocates and educators to entreat Congress to rescue children with special needs.  Litigation that challenged the mandates of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA and the subsequent changes to the law will be discussed.

SPED 920 – Theoretical Perspective in Education

Students examine the theoretical perspectives in Education.  Major theoretical positions will be analyzed to delineate implications for learning and teaching in the special education environment.

Reading Electives

Students can take any four (4) courses at the graduate level in Reading.

Social Justice Electives

EDAD 600 – Proseminar in the African American Experience

The goal of this course is to promote important insights relevant to the pycho-social-historical-contextual experiences of extant African American people. The course will focus key historical context and relevant present-day topics and issues.  The course will use a critical lens addressing factors such as entitlement, privilege, legitimacy, and normality but through the African American experience. Insights will then focus on such current topics as self and racial identity, prejudice and racism, health and mental health, socialization dynamics, and achievement and schooling. The goal asks students to become more cognizant of promising pathways to pursue for enhancing life conditions for people of African descent in America

EDAD 601 – Seminar on Race and Racism in the United States

The goal of this course is to explore and critically evaluate theoretical underpinnings of race and racism, race as a social construct, and racism as a mechanism of oppression for people traditionally underrepresented in the United States. Additionally, we will examine race and racism related to White fragility, perceived entitlement, and privilege. Further, we will examine racism through lenses of various institutions such as schooling, criminal justice, and economics. As we examine race and racism constructs and consequences, we will self-reflect and evaluate our own perspectives and develop and informed opinion regarding race and racism impact on society, groups of affected people, and individuals. This course builds on the course discussions in Proseminar in the African American Experience and provides additional context to support social justice initiatives.

EDAD 602 – Special Topics in Social Justice

The goal of this course is to explore and critically evaluate social justice special topics such as institutional opportunity gaps in economics, criminal justice, education, health and wellness, and policy. This examination will provide an opportunity for a deep dive into a specific social justice area to focus more on depth. Such topics will be driven by contemporary issues in society that significantly impact daily individual lived, family, and community experiences. As we examine the depths of these issues, we will self-reflect and evaluate our own perspectives and develop an informed opinion regarding the impact of social justice matters. This course aligns with course discussions in Proseminar in the African American Experience and Seminar on Race and Racism in the U.S. and provides additional context to support social justice initiatives.

EDAD 603 -- Seminar in Critical Race Social Justice

The goal of this course is to examine pathways to social justice applications in institutions such as education, criminal justice, and economics with a Critical Race Theory lens. In this exploration, learners will analyze the definition and history of critical race theory. Learners will examine tools for civic engagement with various institutions through a critical race perspective to close opportunity gaps hinged on race and other marginalizing factors as barriers. Topics will be driven by contemporary issues in society that significantly impact daily individual lived, family, and community experiences. This course aligns with course discussions in Proseminar in the African American Experience, Seminar on Race and Racism in the U.S., and Special Topics in Social Justice and provides additional context to support social justice initiatives.

Counseling Electives

COUN 851 – Issues and Trends in Counselor Leadership

Prerequisite(s): N/A. The course provides an overview of issues and trends in social justice, social change, and advocacy as they apply to counseling leadership. Theories and models will be examined from a multicultural perspective and discussed within the context of counseling in school district and community settings. The course will also focus on the applied aspects of the new role of counselors, as agents of change, leaders, and advocates, as well as explore the individual, group, institutional, and systemic barriers they confront in performing their role, such as, issues of power and authority, sexism, racism, discrimination, etc.

COUN 853 – Seminar in Counseling Leadership
Prerequisite(s): a master’s degree in Counseling.     This course is designed to provide counseling doctoral students with new insights and perspectives into the role of leadership and scholarly productivity in the context of academic careers. The goal is to assist students in a) developing a better understanding of models and skills surrounding effective leadership, b) recognizing the significance of and ways to address professional trends and issues, and c) planning, preparing, and engaging in scholarly work. Course meetings and assignments emphasize readings and critiques of current writings in the professional counseling arena.

COUN 854 -Counselor Leadership for Social Justice, Multiculturalism & Advocacy

Prerequisite(s): a Graduate Degree in Counseling.     This course is designed to address counseling leadership as it relates to Social Justice, Multiculturalism, Advocacy and Leadership. The course will provide an overview of theories and models of social justice, social change, advocacy, and leadership. These theories and models will be examined from a multicultural perspective and discussed within the context of counseling leadership in school, district, and community settings. The new role of will focus on the applied aspects of new role of the counselors, and explore the individual, group, institutional, and systemic barriers confronting counselors in performing their role, such as, issues of power and authority, sexism, racism, discrimination, etc. The course will also provide strategies for counselors to be effective change agents, leaders, and advocates for their clients in community, district, and school settings.

COUN 855 – Advanced Counseling Theories

Prerequisite(s): a master’s degree in Counseling.     Theories pertaining to the principles and practice of counseling, systems work, consultation and responding to crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events. Students demonstrate, at an advanced level, effective application of multiple counseling theories and interventions across diverse populations and settings, as well as advanced case conceptualization.

Technology Electives

EDAD 901 – Principles of Contemporary Educational Technology

The course explores the historical, theoretical, and philosophical foundations of educational technology during the 20th and 21st century. Students will develop a strong background of this discipline in the contributing sciences such as Media Studies, Learning Theories, Communications, and Systems Thinking. Discussion and practice in technologies used in the context of curriculum and instruction. Methods of educational software evaluation, selection, and acquisition are introduced. Students will apply modem technologies and principles of instructional design curriculum development in producing programs of instruction. Participants will also explore current issues and trends in educational technology including practitioner roles, professional associations, specialized literature, and research.

EDAD 902 – Educational Leadership and Technology Management

This course examines theories, and current methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional technology in the at the system level in education environments, including related educational reform. It provides alignment with State mandated standards and applied case studies to form future leaders. In a systematic way, the course explores the process for managing technology programs or units in educational and corporate settings, principles of organization design, staff contracting and training, proposal development, budgeting and legal issues faced by the globally proficient technology manager.

EDAD 903 – Critical Technology Issues Impacting Educational Leaders

Technology in education is constantly evolving, bringing its own set of unique challenges and concerns for school leaders. This course will identify current, pressing issues impacting educational leaders and potential solutions to the identified issues. This course will be customized based upon current issues and leadership needs in the educational landscape as related to technology (i.e., case studies, authentic problem-solving, critical thinking, reflections, etc.).

EDAD 904 – Leadership for Online Learning Environments

This course examines theories, and current methods for planning, implementing, and evaluating online learning in education environments. It provides alignment with state mandated standards and applied case studies to form future leaders. In a systematic way, the course explores the process for leading online learning programs, principles of online learning, proposal development, compliance issues faced by leaders that lead online learning environments.

Higher Education Electives

EDAD 814 - The History of Higher Education

The purpose of the History of Higher Education course, is to provide an overview of American higher education’s growth from a few seminaries and colonial colleges to a complex system of research universities, professional schools, land grant universities, liberal arts colleges, virtual universities, community colleges, etc. Through a historical analysis and understanding of how American post-secondary institutions have evolved over time, it is the goal of this course to provide students with context and insight into the development of 21st century higher education.

EDAD 816 - The College Student Experience

This course examines the research and theories involving college students and provide an overview of major areas and types of research on college students in American higher education. Specifically, this doctoral-level course will provide an overview of major areas and types of research on college students and consider how we use the results of the research to improve higher education outcomes.

EDAD 818 – Higher Education Administration, Organization, and Governance

This course focuses on both the history and purpose behind administrative structures within higher education. Topics include administrative and organizational structures on college campuses with in-depth analysis of shared governance, collective bargaining, selection and evaluation of higher education faculty and staff, accountability structures, and budgeting.  Emphasis will also be placed on political, economic, and social influences impacting university campuses today.

EDAD 822 – Seminar in Higher Education

The seminar in Higher Education course has dual foci: (1) to synthesize the academic and professional issues in postsecondary education which were examined in EDAD 814 (History of Higher Education), EDAD 816 (College Student Development), EDAD 818 (Higher Education Administration, Organization, and Governance); and (2) to develop a framework for further study, guidance, and application of postsecondary educational leadership from historical, cultural, social, economic, and practical contexts to past, present, and future issues in higher education. Seminar topics include, but are not limited to: a) student, faculty, alumni, and staff engagement; b) transformative leadership; c) cultural responsive practices; d) item response theory; e) formal and informal learning contexts; f) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pipeline; g) measurement, assessment, and evaluation; h) student development; i) socio-cultural influences; j) teacher efficacy and expectations; k) motivation to learn; I) digital or technology divides; m) families and communities; n) enrollment management; o) learning theory; p) first-year experience programming; q) first-generation students; r) identity development; s) learning theories; t) diversity, equity, and inclusion; and u) historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).