The Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Organization and Leadership is a unique program for working professionals who see themselves as educational leaders transforming their organizations through a learning perspective.
The program prepares leaders who serve schools, businesses, government, community and social agencies, and non-profit institutions in a regional and international world.
Degree Plan
The doctoral program consists of 60 units of study including the required and elective courses as outlined below.
General Education Core | 12 Units
All School of Education Doctoral students complete four courses in Research and Foundations. The section on General Education has information on the requirements for doctoral students.
Required Department Core Curriculum | 6 Units
- O&L 726 - Sociocultural Foundations of Organization and Policy (3 units)
- O&L 751 - Leadership Theories (3 units)
Specializations and Professional Interests | 21 Units
Students are assisted on an individual basis by a faculty advisor in making course choices based on their areas of interest. Students have the option to change faculty advisors at any point in the program as their specific interests develop. Directed studies are opportunities to explore particular interests with a student-selected faculty member. Instructors for a particular directed study may or may not be the student's advisor.
See O&L and General Education course descriptions in the School of Education section of the USF General Catalog online. The department offers several focus areas:
- K-12 and Administrative Services Credential Program;
- 21st Century Leadership;
- Higher Education Leadership.
In addition, each semester there are special topics offered. Some examples include:
- Principles of Organizational Change
- Mentoring and Networking Skills
- Communication and Effective Leadership
- Research Trends in Organization and Leadership
- International Development and Leadership
Electives | 9 Units
Elective units offer another opportunity for each student to pursue individual intellectual and professional interests. In making
selections, students may choose;
- O&L courses,
- courses from other School of Education departments or
- approved courses from the University at large.
For information on available elective courses, please see the School of Education section of the USF General Catalog.
Dissertation Development, Research and Writing | 9-12 Units
Dissertation support is provided by the student's dissertation chair. A close relationship develops between each student and his or her chair. Students are advised to consider their own intellectual and professional interests as well as the background and expertise of each faculty member in the process of making this choice. The dissertation chair may or may not have been the students original advisor.
Dissertation Proposal Seminar
The essentials of developing a model proposal for the research project leading to a dissertation. Specific components of a good proposal, analysis of research proposals, and student research projects.
Dissertation Proposal Development
Directed proposal development in consultation with dissertation committee.
Dissertation Research and Writing
The design, preparation, and writing of the dissertation research study in consultation with the dissertation committee. Advanced to candidacy required.
O&L Doctoral Program Curriculum Map
