Course Descriptions
Higher Education Leadership
HEL 8000
Professional Seminar in Higher Education
3 credits
Course provides an overview of the field of higher education, an introduction to doctoral study, and career development planning. A primary focus of the course will be on creating individualized career paths and creating plans for Leadership Field Experience.
Prerequisite(s): EDD 6102
HEL 8001
Advanced Academic Research & Writing
3 credits
Strong skills in research and writing are critical for leaders in higher education. The course will focus on strengthening writing skills in a variety of academic and professional contexts. Students will also learn to interpret, critique, and analyze published research.
Prerequisite(s): EDD 6102
HEL 8100
History of American Higher Education
3 credits
A survey of the foundations of higher education and the development of American higher education. Attention will be given to major events and policies that have impacted higher education in the United States. Students will gain an understanding of and appreciation for the ways in which past events have contributed to the current issues in American higher education.
Prerequisite(s): EDD 6102
HEL 8101
Equity & Inclusion in Higher Education
3 credits
This course explores issues in higher education related to equity and inclusion, including access to higher education, multiculturalism on college campuses, equity in admissions; equity in faculty hiring and promotion; issues related to races, gender, sexuality, ability, economic status, and more. Students will learn to understand and critique multiple perspectives; develop multicultural self-awareness; and understand the impact of leadership on advancing equity and inclusion on college campuses.
Prerequisite(s): EDD 6102
HEL 8102
Ethical Decision Making in Higher Education
3 credits
Students will explore philosophical foundations of ethics and develop frameworks for approaching ethical decision-making in a variety of higher education contexts. Students will complete readings and conduct analyses of current ethical challenges in higher education.
Prerequisite(s): EDD 6102
HEL 8103
Seminar: Current Issues in Higher Education
3 credits
Explores current issues in higher education through in-depth analysis, case study, and scholarly readings. Topics vary by term.
Prerequisite(s): EDD 6102
HEL 8104
Seminar: Leadership in Higher Education
3 credits
Explores current issues in higher education leadership through in-depth analysis, case study, and scholarly readings. Provides an emphasis on current challenges in higher education leadership.
Prerequisite(s): EDD 6102
HEL 8200
Methods of Applied Research & Design
3 credits
In this introductory course in research methods students will review qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches. Students will learn to design research questions, explore approaches to methodology, understand research frameworks, and hypothesis formation and testing.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of B or higher in HEL 8001 and an S in EDD 6102
HEL 8201
Problem Centered Research 1
3 credits
This course will prepare students to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions while recognizing the limitations of the data and the procedures employed. Students will explore the nuances of various inquiry methods, especially those most useful in action research settings. The catalyst of these examinations will be each student’s proposed problem, with this course focusing on refining inquiry questions and exploring ways of addressing the problem that will lead to their capstone doctoral learning experience.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of B or higher in HEL 8200
HEL 8202
Problem Centered Research 2
3 credits
This course is the second of two courses designed to prepare students to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions while recognizing the limitations of the data and the procedures employed. The course will explore what sound research means and how design choices influence the validity/credibility of research findings and conclusions. Students will continue to develop their proposal/design framework and will receive on-going assistance in developing their research proposals.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of B or higher in HEL 8201
HEL 8501
Guided Study
0 credits
With the close supervision of a subject-matter expert, students develop an individualized plan of study on a topic within higher education for each course within the Guided Study sequence (HEL 8501, 8502, 8503, 8504, and 8505). Each of the courses earns three doctoral credits. Students and subject matter experts develop learning outcomes, identify readings and resources, and plan field-based learning activities. Students may choose to utilize this sequence to develop an area of specialization within the field of higher education. Students may instead utilize this sequence to gain a broad base of knowledge across functional areas.
HEL 8502
Guided Study
0 credits
With the close supervision of a subject-matter expert, students develop an individualized plan of study on a topic within higher education for each course within the Guided Study sequence (HEL 8501, 8502, 8503, 8504, and 8505). Each of the courses earns three doctoral credits. Students and subject matter experts develop learning outcomes, identify readings and resources, and plan field-based learning activities. Students may choose to utilize this sequence to develop an area of specialization within the field of higher education. Students may instead utilize this sequence to gain a broad base of knowledge across functional areas.
HEL 8503
Guided Study
0 credits
With the close supervision of a subject-matter expert, students develop an individualized plan of study on a topic within higher education for each course within the Guided Study sequence (HEL 8501, 8502, 8503, 8504, and 8505). Each of the courses earns three doctoral credits. Students and subject matter experts develop learning outcomes, identify readings and resources, and plan field-based learning activities. Students may choose to utilize this sequence to develop an area of specialization within the field of higher education. Students may instead utilize this sequence to gain a broad base of knowledge across functional areas.
HEL 8504
Guided Study
0 credits
With the close supervision of a subject-matter expert, students develop an individualized plan of study on a topic within higher education for each course within the Guided Study sequence (HEL 8501, 8502, 8503, 8504, and 8505). Each of the courses earns three doctoral credits. Students and subject matter experts develop learning outcomes, identify readings and resources, and plan field-based learning activities. Students may choose to utilize this sequence to develop an area of specialization within the field of higher education. Students may instead utilize this sequence to gain a broad base of knowledge across functional areas.
HEL 8505
Guided Study
0 credits
With the close supervision of a subject-matter expert, students develop an individualized plan of study on a topic within higher education for each course within the Guided Study sequence (HEL 8501, 8502, 8503, 8504, and 8505). Each of the courses earns three doctoral credits. Students and subject matter experts develop learning outcomes, identify readings and resources, and plan field-based learning activities. Students may choose to utilize this sequence to develop an area of specialization within the field of higher education. Students may instead utilize this sequence to gain a broad base of knowledge across functional areas.
HEL 9000
Applied Inquiry Seminar 1
3 credits
This course involves extensive work by the student with advisement from a faculty member. A pre-arranged plan of the project must be completed and be reviewed and approved by the student’s advisor and one other committee member. This work may involve extensive on-going research/writing by the student on a research project or in topic inquiry with advising from one or more faculty members. The student will evaluate the impact of the project and share the results with colleagues.
Prerequisite(s): Prior to enrolling in HEL 9000, students must have successfully completed all coursework and maintained a 3.0 grade point average.
HEL 9001
Applied Inquiry Seminar 2
3 credits
This course involves extensive work by the student with advisement from a faculty member. A pre-arranged plan of the project must be completed and be reviewed and approved by the student’s advisor and one other committee member. This work may involve extensive on-going research/writing by the student on a research project or in topic inquiry with advising from one or more faculty members. The student will evaluate the impact of the project and share the results with colleagues. With approval from the program chair, students may take HEL 9000 and HEL 9001 simultaneously.
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Grade in HEL 9000
HEL 9004
Applied Inquiry Sustaining Credit
0 credits
Students who have not completed and presented their Applied Inquiry Project by the end of HEL 9001 are required to enroll in this course on a continuing basis until the project is completed and presented.
Prerequisite(s): Satisfactory Grade in HEL 9001