Education

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

EDUC 3100: Field Experience Seminar I

Students interact with partnering schools' teachers and students. These interactions occur in a variety of educational settings and give students the opportunity to observe, model, and reflect on best teaching practices.

EDUC 3101: Field Experience Seminar II

Students interact with partnering schools' teachers and students. These interactions occur in a variety of educational settings and give students the opportunity to observe, model, and reflect on best teaching practices, including teaching methods for English language learners.

EDUC 3102: Field Experience Seminar III

Students interact with partnering schools' teachers and students. These interactions occur in a variety of educational settings and give students the opportunity to observe, model, and reflect on best teaching practices, including teaching methods for students with disabilities.

EDUC 3304: Curriculum and Instruction

Introduction to instructional responsibilities. Includes recognition of societal expectations, determining objectives, diagnosing a diverse learner population, planning and implementing instruction and creative, varied ways of evaluating learning outcomes.

EDUC 3306: Erly Childhd-Elem. Age Lrng

Study of individual differences in development and approaches to learning, instructional strategies, assessment of learning, and understanding and using standardized tests in early childhood through grade six classrooms.

EDUC 3307: Investigating Crit Iss in Educ

This course will include an examination of the cultural, political, and sociological issues that influence education. Consideration of each issue will be reflective of educational theory and research such that students will be provided an in-depth and critical analysis of issues facing education, including poverty, the implications of racial and ethnic diversity, government policy, and how these issues mirror our society as a whole. Implications for improvement of the condition of education will be proposed, evaluated and discussed.

EDUC 3308: Education Action Research

This course will focus on the action research process for educators. Students taking this course will conduct a research project that can be presented at a conference.

EDUC 3339: Multicultural Populations

Investigation of curriculum needs in a culturally plural society. Explores concept of multicultural education, implications for educational programs, effects of cultural differences on teaching and learning. This course focuses on the knowledge, abilities, and skills which are part of the pedagogy across the Teacher Education Program and necessary for effective professional practice with a diverse student population.

EDUC 3350: Coaching for Success

This course provides an introduction to the scientific bases for coaching sports and to the process of coaching athletes. It includes the development of an individual coaching philosophy and the application of scientific training in the psychological, physiological, pedagogical, and managerial bases of sport coaching.

EDUC 4191: Internship in Education

Practicum experience under the guidance of practicing specialists in the field. Student will be supervised individually by a faculty member appointed by the dean.

EDUC 4291: Internship in Education

Practicum experience under the guidance of practicing specialists in the field. Student will be supervised individually by a faculty member appointed by the dean.

EDUC 4338: Classroom Management

Analysis and application of current theories of inspiring student behavior conducive to learning, including classroom discipline. An essential component of this course is investigating new ways of creating an effective environment for learning that can be applied to all students.

EDUC 4362: Student Teaching, Kindergarten

Directed study, observation and actual teaching in a cooperating elementary/early childhood classroom. 12 weeks, all day. 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education (& EDUC 3303, 3304 for Students Enrolling in Daytime Courses). Fall.

EDUC 4363: Student Teaching, Elem/Bied

Directed study, observation and actual teaching in a cooperating elementary bilingual classroom with instruction given in English and the language of the target population. Twelve weeks, all day, 6 credit hours. The twelve weeks may be divided into 6 weeks in a regular education setting and 6 weeks in a special education setting.

EDUC 4391: Internship in Education

Practicum experience under the guidance of practicing specialists in the field. Student will be supervised individually by a faculty member appointed by the dean.

EDUC 4491: Internship in Education

Practicum experience under the guidance of practicing specialists in the field. Student will be supervised individually by a faculty member appointed by the dean.

EDUC 4591: Internship in Education

Practicum experience under the guidance of practicing specialists in the field. Student will be supervised individually by a faculty member appointed by the dean.

EDUC 4691: Internship in Education

Practicum experience under the guidance of practicing specialists in the field. Student will be supervised individually by a faculty member appointed by the dean.

EDUC 5100: Topics

A special topic is investigated in a group setting with graduate faculty leadership. This specific topic is subject to the approval of the Graduate Committee. Course may be repeated with a new topic. Only 6 credit hours of topics courses may be applied to the master of education degree.

EDUC 5140: Special Programs

A research problem is investigated under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. The research proposal is subject to the approval of the Graduate Committee. Approval of Med program director required prior to enrollment. Prerequisite: EDUC 5301.

EDUC 5191: ACP Internship

Teaching experience under the guidance of practicing specialist in the field. Student will be supervised individually by a faculty member appointed by the Dean.

EDUC 5300: Topics

A special topic is investigated in a group setting with graduate faculty leadership. This specific topic is subject to the approval of the Graduate Committee. Course may be repeated with a new topic. Only 6 credit hours of topics courses may be applied to the master of education degree.

EDUC 5303: Cultural Foundations

The course will examine the social foundations of American education and how these foundations interact with the current historical, social, and political forces in shaping American education. Special emphasis will be given to the opportunities for students to investigate special educational problems and issues.

EDUC 5304: Catholic School Finance

Introduction to the tools and techniques used by principals and presidents to anticipate financing needs and to effectively manage financial resources from a mission-driven perspective. Budgeting processes. Discussion of particular problems posed to management of a Catholic school.

EDUC 5306: Legal Issues in Catholic Ed

Students will examine the legal issues, court cases, and administrative practices related to the legal status of Catholic school education. Legal issues will also be looked at from a moral and ethical perspective based on Catholic teachings.

EDUC 5307: Catholic School Administration

This course includes several topics related to Catholic School Administration including: mission-driven leadership, the relationship between Catholic school and the (Arch) diocese, the relationship between Catholic schools sponsored or owned by a religious Congregation and that community, business administration, leadership styles, curriculum development, personnel administration and school-home relations.

EDUC 5310: Instructional Leadership

The course includes the investigation and application of models, systems and theories of learning for best practice performance in the role of instructional supervisor or team leader. The skills of planning, data collection, analysis and conferencing are explored with the goal of improved classroom instruction and student achievement.

EDUC 5311: Classroom Management

Analysis of the dynamics of the classroom unit and the examination, application and evaluation of the behavior modification, socio-emotional and group process approaches to classroom management.May be taken for early childhood, elementary, secondary, or all-level emphasis.

EDUC 5314: Theories of Second Lang.Acquis

Survey of theory of second language acquisition. Study of the sociolinguistic, linguistic, psycholinguistic, and legal foundations of programs serving linguistically diverse populations.

EDUC 5315: Instructional Leadership

This course provides an opportunity for participants to develop a working knowledge of instructional design, lesson design, and effective teaching practices in order to serve as an instructional leader in public and private school settings.

EDUC 5320: Except in Today's Schools

This course provides an introduction to special education programs and services in today’s schools within the framework of inclusion, collaboration and evidence-based instructional strategies.

EDUC 5322: Evid Based Prac Stu Emo Disord

This course focuses on evidence based practices for assessing and teaching students with emotional disorders including Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavioral Intervention Plans, using the RTI process to develop positive behaviors, school wide interventions, as well as other practices.

EDUC 5324: Prac Teach Stds w Emot Dis

Firsthand experience in working with children with emotional disorders. Case studies, observation, and minimum of 40 clock hours of direct field experience. Prerequisites: EDUC 5320, 5322, and approval of instructor.

EDUC 5325: Diag. & Remed. of Rdg Difficul

Identification and diagnosis of specific reading disabilities and accompanying remediation techniques. Best practices, assessment, and implementation are focal aspects of the course. Prerequisite: EDUC 5370 or 5380.

EDUC 5327: Introduction to Assessment

This course provides experiences to increase awareness of, and knowledge about, a variety of assessment procedures appropriate for use with school aged children. Standardized assessment, including content specific to educational diagnosticians and special educators, will be addressed along with advantages and limitations of assessment techniques.

EDUC 5330: Curriculum and Instruction

Examination, analysis and application of the principles of instructional design as related to the role of the classroom teacher within various school settings.

EDUC 5331: Differentiating Instruction

Special educators and educational diagnosticians must be able to design and implement lessons that provide access to the general education curriculum for students with disabilities. This course focuses on knowledge and skills needed to differentiate instruction based on the general education curriculum in order to respond to the needs of all learners. Students will learn to design effective differentiated lessons based on learning profile, interests, and readiness.

EDUC 5335: Multicultural Populations

Investigation of curriculum needs in a culturally plural society. Explores concept of multi-cultural education; implications for educational programs; effects of cultural differences on teaching and learning.

EDUC 5340: Special Problems

A research problem is investigated under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. The research proposal is subject to the approval of the Graduate Committee. Approval of Med program director required prior to enrollment. Prerequisite: EDUC 5301.

EDUC 5341: Psychoeducational Diag Proced

Administration, interpretation and report writing focusing on legal requirements and individual strengths, areas of need and educational recommendations. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor.

EDUC 5342: Psychoed Diagnostic Proced

Administration, interpretation and report writing focusing on legal requirements and individual strengths, areas of need and educational recommendations. Prerequisites: EDUC 5341 and approval of the instructor.

EDUC 5344: Pract in Psychoed Intervention

Design and implementation of evidencebased interventions based on identified diagnostic findings. Case studies, observation and direct field experience. Prerequisites: EDUC 5341, 5342 and approval of instructor.

EDUC 5345: Evid Base Prac Stdnts Mild Dis

This course focuses on evidence-based approaches and practices for assessing and teaching students with mild disabilities including Response to Intervention (RTI), curriculum-based assessment, progress monitoring, IEP development, and teaching strategies. Prerequisite: EDUC 5320.

EDUC 5348: Student Variability and Assess

This course will include an examination of student variability with regard to cognitive, biological, social and emotional development. Special attention will be given to exceptional populations.

EDUC 5349: Prac Teach Stds Mild Dis

Firsthand experience with students with mild disabilities. Experience includes assessment, program design, implementation, and support services to parents. Prerequisite: EDUC 5345 or consent of instructor.

EDUC 5366: Counseling Theories and Apprch

Includes the study of the principles, assumptions, techniques, and procedures associated with the major counseling theories and approaches, skills for establishing and maintaining an effective counseling relationship, and procedures for conceptualizing client issues and setting counseling goals. Development of the counseling microskills is a focus.

EDUC 5367: Appraisal Techniques

Includes but is not limited to the study of the principles of standardized testing, measurement, types and uses of assessment, principles of test administration, and skills for interpreting test scores, test bias, and other types of assessment. Differential statistics include but are not limited to measures of central tendency, measures of variability, standard deviation, and z-scores. Inferential statistics include but are not limited to the study of correlation coefficients, confidence intervals related to a mean, significance of sample size, p-value, effect size, power of a test, and ANOVA. Statistics are applied to understanding test score reports.

EDUC 5370: Foundations of Reading

An analysis of the reading process, literacy learning in the beginning and intermediate readers, skills development, and approaches to reading and writing are applied in this course. Admit to Teacher Education (TED student group).

EDUC 5371: Elementary Social Studies

An analysis of current social studies goals and instructional strategies utilized in teaching elementary children. Techniques for teaching decision-making skills and citizenship.

EDUC 5372: Elementary Mathematics

Design and implementation of effective instruction in mathematical content appropriate to the elementary learner’s developmental stage, ability level, previous mathematical competencies and curriculum needs.

EDUC 5373: Elementary Science

Analysis of current goals and instructional strategies utilized in teaching elementary science. Methods of teaching scientific attitudes and processes as well as specific scientific concepts and principles.

EDUC 5377: Emergent Literacy

Emergent literacy is the study of early literacy development and learners. Students explore current research in early literacy and design curriculum appropriate for young learners.

EDUC 5380: Content Area Reading

Analysis of factors contributing to skills development in adolescent readers. Topics will include young adult titles and authors, current research in literacy curricula, adolescent reading interests, and techniques for teaching and reading in the contents areas. Admit to Teacher Education (TED student group).

EDUC 5390: School Culture

This course provides an overview of the administrative role in educational settings, examines organizational theories, and concepts, and develops skills in conceptual areas of school administration with particular emphasis on managing limited resources.

EDUC 5391: School Law

A course designed to give the student an introduction to school law, to understand the legal aspects of school administration including the legal rights of educators and students, and to be aware of court decisions pertaining to the administration of schools.

EDUC 5392: The Principalship

Students will examine the role and responsibilities of the principal as a leader in the elementary, middle, and/or high school.

EDUC 5397: Curriculum Planning & Develpmt

The student will develop the skills needed to design and implement curriculum and strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning, align curriculum, curriculum resources and assessments and use various forms of assessment to measure student performances.

EDUC 6304: Literacy Coaching

This course will include an examination of the reading specialist as a literacy coach across grade levels and with regard to several different contexts including geographically dispersed, private and public, and multiple grade level settings.

EDUC 6305: Counseling Internship

Counseling Internship is the second of two semesters required for the capstone experiences. Students will be enrolled in a 3-credit counseling internship class which meets once a week for one semester. This courses requires completion of a supervised internship of 600 clock hours in students' designate program areas, begun after successful completion of the counseling practicum. The internship is intended to reflect the comprehensive work experience of professional counselors appropriate to the designated program areas. Students' internship includes all of the following: (1) At least 240 clock hours of direct service, including experience leading groups. (2) Weekly interaction that averages one hour per week of individual or triadic supervision throughout the internship performed by the onsite supervisor. (3) One class per week in the 3-credit Counseling Internship class. (4) The opportunity for students to become familiar with a variety of professional activities and resources in addition to direct services (for example, record keeping, assessment instruments, supervision, information and referral, in-service and staff meetings. (5) The opportunity for students to develop program-appropriate DVD recording for use in supervision or to receive live supervision of their interactions with clients. (6) Evaluation of students' counseling performance throughout the internship, including documentation of a formal evaluation after students complete their internship by the professor of the counseling internship class in consultation with the onsite supervisor.

EDUC 6306: Introduction to School Finance

This course facilitates student understanding of how public schools are funded, how a campus administrator manages a campus budget, and the importance of equitable funding in meeting the social justice tenent that all children have a right to an education. Activities will include proposing a budget for a hypothetical campus, analyzing a school district's sources of revenue, and interviewing a district leader relative to school finance.

EDUC 6307: Ethical & Legal Framewrk Sp Ed

In this course, students will learn the purpose, philosophy, and legal foundations of special education and be able to apply knowledge of ethical and professional practices.

EDUC 6308: Teaching Writing in a K-12 Set

This course will include an examination of the writing process, genres specific to writing, and pedagogical preferences for instruction in a Kindergarten through 12th grade setting.

EDUC 6311: Issues & Trends in Curriculum

This course emphasizes analysis and appraisal of curriculum reform in efforts to study persistent and critical issues in education that affect the teaching/learning process. Opportunities are provided to study current and social issues that impact Curriculum & Instruction with reference to various specialities of student enrolled.

EDUC 6312: History of Curriculum Thought

Analyzes the historical movements in American curriculum thinking and individuals involved as well as attention to the social/cultural/historical institutional context within which they worked. Emphasis is placed on primary and secondary sources/readings and position curriculum thinking has in an evolving national educational system.

EDUC 6313: Curriculum Praxis in the 21st

Fundamental dimension of curriculum theory, such as but not limited to the social construction of knowledge, curriculum as cultural mind set, social/historical/political reality, and scholarly discourse are explored. Students will examine the various ideological orientations to curriculum studies, curriculum design, and the opportunity for curriculum development.

EDUC 6314: Best Practices in Curr & Instr

This course exemplifies the connection and relevance identified in educational research of professional practices in the classroom deemed instructional in nature. The course content focuses on applying theory to the best 10 best practices in the the 21st Century classroom for effective teaching/learning environments by developing thinking and problem-solving skills through integration and active learning.

EDUC 6315: Curriculum Assessment & Eval

This course analyzes the assessment and evaluation process in the context of curriculum instruction, objectives, high stakes testing, to help identify best research practices for effective teaching/learning environment. The course aims to assist curriculum specialists in understanding how instruction, curriculum, assessment and evaluation are interrelated. Emphasis will be placed on various forms of assessment and evaluation in developing a comprehensive program inclusive of both traditional and alternative forms of assessment and evaluation.

EDUC 6320: Research Seminar - Proposal

Designed to develop a knowledge base in quantitative and qualitative research in order to conduct and execute investigative projects. Topics include an introduction to research questions or focus and proposal completion; a literature review, ethical issues in research, introduction to research designs and methods, basic data analysis, interpretation of data, strengths and limitations in the conduct of quantitative and qualitative research. (Replaces EDUC 5301)

EDUC 6321: Res. Seminar - Findings

Designed to further investigate quantitative/qualitative research designs and research methods appropriate to different research contexts in educational settings. Topics include: representing statistical data and qualitative interpretation to scholarly and practitioner audiences; representation of data, describing data by using inferential and descriptive statistics as well as qualitative approaches , interpreting data and making recommendations. Prerequisite: EDUC 6320.

EDUC 6326: Educational Research and Sch

Designed to introduce graduate students in Education to scholarly writing and research process. Topics include exploration of different literary styles in educational research, mastery of APA style, and analysis, synthesis, and critique of peer-reviewed literature.

EDUC 6327: Educational Research Design

Designed to introduce quantitative and qualitative research designs, methods, and data analysis techniques in education. Topics include ethical issues in research, construction and evaluation of measurement tools, critical analysis of research methods, use and interpretation of descriptive and inferential statistics, and analysis and synthesis of qualitative data.

EDUC 6328: Adv. Research Thesis I

Designed to facilitate the completion of an advanced research thesis proposal. Coursework involves writing a literature review on a selected topic, developing a research proposal, obtaining Human Subjects Committee and individual institution approval to conduct the research, and orally defending the proposal before a thesis committee.

EDUC 6329: Adv. Research Thesis II

Designed to facilitate the completion of an advanced research thesis. Coursework involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, developing evidence-based recommendations, and orally defending the final advanced research thesis before a committee.

EDUC 6330: Administrative Internship I

This course is the first part of a two-semester practicum. EDUC 6330 focuses on the internal and external communication in a school community and the variety of special programs found in the school system. The internship will be guided and supervised by university faculty and school administrators. Prerequisite: Recommendation of faculty advisor.

EDUC 6331: Administrative Internship II

This course is the second part of a two-semester practicum that focuses on the daily instructional and facility operations of the school and school system. The internship will be guided and supervised by university faculty and school administrators. Prerequisite: Recommendation of faculty advisor.

EDUC 6334: Intro to Curriculum & Instruct

Introduction to instructional responsibilities. Includes recognition of societal expectations, determining objectives, diagnosing a divers learner population, planning and implementing instruction and creative, varied ways of evaluating learning outcomes.

EDUC 6335: Educ Admin Practicum I

During this field-based course, student are expected to have campus or district experiences in leadership by working under the supervision of a certified campus/district mentor and a university supervisor and will be expected to accrue at least 80 hours of administrative tasks related to the 11 Texas Principal as Instructional Leader Competencies. In addition to the 80 hours, learning modules are provided with content that prepares students for success on the TExES Principal as Instructional Leader Exam.

EDUC 6336: Educ Admin Practicum II

This course is the second part of a field-based practicum. Students work under the supervision of a certified campus/district mentor and a university supervisor and will be expect to accrue a minimum of 80 hours of administrative tasks related to the 11 Texas Principal as Instructional Leader Competencies. In addition to the 80 hours, candidates will prepare an electronic portfolio that will showcase their projects and major works from their master’s courses and practicum experiences.

EDUC 6341: Instructional Tech Methods

Using technology in the classroom is not something that can just be “done” because we have technology and therefore must use it. It must be planned. Teachers must have understanding of students and their abilities in order to effectively integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers must be prepared for anything that can happen when using technology, such as device failure, ethical use, evaluation of tools, reducing off-task behavior, and best practices for use. This course explores best practices in technology integration in teaching and learning.

EDUC 6344: Differentiation with Instructional Technology

This course will explore and apply developmental learning theory to create instructional materials or implement tools that will support differentiated instruction for neurodiverse and students with the need for additional support. Products will be created and evaluated for improved adherence to accessibility standards.

EDUC 6346: STEM Learning

This course examines the programing languages of (Scratch, Python, Java and Robot C) and acquaints students with various methods of integrating their use in the classroom for instruction. The course will familiarize students with coding in these languages. Students will use the engineering design process to develop robotic and gaming applications that are used in the development of instructional units and demonstrate real world applications. A six-week instructional unit for use in middle or high school will be submitted at the end of the course.

EDUC 6347: Technology Assessment

This course emphasizes analysis and appraisal of technology assessments in the teaching, learning and reporting process. It includes an in-depth consideration of the foundations of assessments and how assessments are constructed. Emphasis will be placed on selecting, administering, scoring and interpreting assessments. Opportunities are provided to study current trends in educational assessment technology.

EDUC 6348: Technology Leadership

This course will focus on organizing and providing leadership in instructional technology programs. The course will provide a foundation for understanding instructional technology management, including short and long range planning, policy analysis, resource management, implementation and evaluation of instructional technology programs.

EDUC 6350: Pedagogy in Catholic Education

This course is designed to introduce participants to a range of current methodology and curriculum associated with teaching in a Catholic school system. Emphasis is placed on inclusiveness and diversity as opportunities for teaching and learning. Participants will discuss and practice strategies and techniques that incorporate best practices, principles of faith, and a theology of education. The course will look to the person of Jesus Christ primarily and other exemplary models for teaching and learning, discovery and transformation. Christian pedagogy enables the student to “assimilate skills, knowledge, intellectual methods and moral and social attitudes”, all of which help to develop the personality and lead the student to take their place as an active member the community…” The aim of Christian pedagogy is not merely the “attainment of knowledge but the acquisition of values and the discovery of truth (The Catholic School, The Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education).”

EDUC 6355: Principalship in Catholic Educ

This course will provide an overview of the role of the Catholic school principal as spiritual, educational, and managerial leader in the elementary, middle/intermediate, or high school setting. Exercises will be provided in decision making, maintaining required documents, and strategic planning, similar to what principals encounter on site. Special attention will be given to instructional supervision, instructional evaluation, and professional development, with an emphasis on the integration of Catholic identity in the curriculum. An overview of the Catholic school system, primarily within the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, will also be provided. Other private school systems are to be explored as necessary. Students will also delve into how the principal relates to teachers, pastors, parents, and the larger community. The course will presume an understanding of the distinctive nature and unique mission of Catholic schools and therefore seek to prepare the principal for effectiveness and success within this context.

EDUC 6391: Graduate Teaching Internship

Practicum experience under the guidance of practicing specialists in the field. Student will be supervised individually by a faculty member appointed by the Dean.

EDUC 6392: Independent Study

Student research on a selected problem in the field pursued under the guidance of an assigned member of the faculty. Students work independently on assigned readings in a particular topic and discuss /write up results to the satisfaction of the directing faculty member. In accord with University policy, this course can be taken by advanced and generally superior students and those needing such course to complete degree requirements in a timely manner.

EDUC 6399: Internship in Catholic Educ

This hybrid course will focus on the daily instructional and facility operations of the Catholic school and Catholic school system. The internship (practicum) will be guided and supervised by university faculty and school administrators. This course is designed to provide the student with planned field experiences to enhance their advanced degree program and training in teaching or principal/leadership in Catholic education. The course includes face to face and online instruction.

EDUC 8199: Dissertation Continuation

Students must have (1) their final dissertation approved by the APA editor in the semester in which the students will graduate and (2) a bounded dissertation copy must be in the Ethical Leadership Doctoral Program Office in order to have the EDD degree conferred. If a student does not meet the requirements listed above, (1) the student will not have his/her degree conferred; (2) the student must enroll in an EdD Dissertation Continuation Course. The student will enroll in the EDUC 8199 EdD Dissertation Continuation course for a maximum of three semesters. The EdD Dissertation Course is a one credit hour tuition bearing course; however, the student must pay all student fees for each semester in which he/she is enrolled.

EDUC 8310: Ethical Resource Allocation

This course is designed to provide the student with a broad understanding of the political and economic forces that influence equitable acquisition and management of human, fiscal, and information resources. The role of ethics in policy development and behaviors of educational and private sector institutions throughout the budgetary cycle is explored. The ethical dimensions of leadership will further be examined through both traditional and nontraditional paradigms. Students will reflect on personal ethical stances, examine the influence of ethics and values on decision-making, and analyze and critique ethical issues in a variety of contexts to frame their professional ethical perspectives.

EDUC 8320: Ethical Leadership in Orgs

This course explores the qualities of an ethical leader and an ethical organization. Students will develop perceptions of self in relation to trust, respect, integrity, honesty, fairness, equity, justice and compassion in action using faith and reason. Students will develop the ability to build cross-cultural relationships across multiple constituents for the purpose of improving student and/or constituency performance, promoting social justice, and building community.

EDUC 8321: Diversity/Equity Leadership

This course is designed to engage students in the analysis of structural issues involved with diversity, equity, access, and excellence in complex organizations. Students will reflect and examine topics such as race and ethnicity, class, gender, language, and disability as they relate to equity. Students will gain knowledge and skills to effect positive changes in their respective organizations. Students will develop the ability to build cross-cultural relationships across multiple constituencies for the purpose of impacting student/employee performance, promoting social justice, and building community. By studying current research on diversity and equity, candidates will learn to advocate and promote excellence in educational institutions and complex organizations.

EDUC 8322: Leadership and Social Change

This course consciensitizes leaders to see beyond the four walls of their organization and examine the U.S. as a ‘nation of immigrants’ and the complex interactions of a linguistically and culturally pluralistic society in the USA. A focus is placed on individuals discarded by the global economy. This course aims to achieve the following: a) Reflect on the moral and ethical issues raised by examining their personal beliefs in relationship to social justice teachings to address and mitigate inequities; b) Examine, through Critical Pedagogy Lens, the decisions institutions make that perpetuate inequalities and disenfranchise individuals; and c) Advocate for all people through systematic change that promotes success for all stakeholders.

EDUC 8324: Globalization 21st Cent Lead

This course examines the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of globalization concomitantly with qualities of 21st century leadership. Through a backdrop of social justice tenets and cultural sensitivity, this course surveys the personal qualities of leadership needed for change advocacy for a just and fair humanity and communities. Focusing on navigating the external environment in order to be an effective global leader, the student explores the qualities of globalization and its challenges, personal qualities of global leadership and ethical practices, and the ongoing assessment of the external environment for effective global leadership.

EDUC 8330: Social Justice Principles

With an emphasis on human dignity and social movements for justice, this course surveys social justice through an examination of multiple perspectives, education theory, research and practice in historical and ideological contexts. Making the theoretical and conceptual argument that social justice matters, students explore primary themes of social justice such as: international perspectives of social justice, race, ethnicity, language, gender, sexuality, social inequalities as well as the politics of social justice. Students also investigate the role of power in society, which serves to produce inequalities in the abilities of individuals and social groups to define and realize their needs.

EDUC 8340: Policy Development & Advocacy

This course engages students in critical analyses of organizational policy at the local, state, national and international levels. Policy structures and processes are examined to understand how inequities are perpetuated in systems. In addition, examination of advocacy behind ethical consequences, moral dilemmas, social justice and equity issues resulting from policy are closely analyzed. Students will understand how public policy is generated using critical thinking and analytic reasoning in examining a current problem and recommending policy-framing skills for continued renewal and change for the betterment of institutions.

EDUC 8350: Technology Leadership

This course investigates the complex and rapidly changing nature of technology and how the digital divide impacts organizations and society in the 21st Century. The digital divide represents the gap between underprivileged members of society such as the poor, rural, elderly, and individuals with disabilities sectors of the population who do not have access to computers or the Internet. An introduction to the study of technology leadership with an emphasis on leaders developing a shared vision, planning, and promulgating policies and utilizing resources for the comprehensive integration of technology to address the digital divide are addressed. Learned skills include technology planning and leadership that incorporate instructional design, curriculum integration with standards, logistics of technology implementation, professional development, and the modeling of responsible digital citizenship. Students will develop an understanding of how to create and support technological change through a systems approach by learning management systems, social media, webinars, image repositories, and document sharing.

EDUC 8351: Leadership and the Soul

Leadership and the Soul examines the spiritual dimension of leadership in the modern era. Readings include both primary and secondary texts treating various attempts, from the ancient, medieval, and modern periods, to unite spirituality, education, and leadership. The spiritual implications of various models and styles of leadership are examined, shedding light on the contemporary challenges of leadership.

EDUC 8352: History of Education

This course examines the historical roots of Christian education beginning with the development of ancient Greek schools through the Renaissance to the Enlightenment. Special attention is paid to the acquisition of Greek wisdom and the development of the trivium. Topics and figures include Augustine, the cathedral schools, the rise of the liberal arts, and certain modern trends.

EDUC 8354: Social Justice

This course introduces students to the Catholic notion of social justice, rooted in Catholic social teaching and the Catholic tradition of theological and political thought, offering comparisons to various secular models. The anthropological foundations of social justice will be stressed, and students will read widely in the tradition, from ancient writers to modern encyclicals.

EDUC 8355: Teaching and Learning

Teaching and Learning introduces students to different philosophies of education, considering teaching methodology and the ways in which students learn, drawing on both classical and modern pedagogies. Topics include the student-teacher relationship, memory, experience, outcomes, cultural sensitivity, the role of different teaching and learning styles, and the importance of the liberal arts.

EDUC 8356: Civics and Education

This course is an exploration of the origins and development of the American constitutional republic from the colonial era through the progressive era with a focus on the influence of education. Primary and secondary texts will include early documents on method, organization, and philosophy, from the colonial era, through the development of common schools and universities, to the progressive and modern era.

EDUC 8357: Administrative Leadership I

This course examines the nature and function of administrative leadership, emphasizing the concept and practice of human relations management, through a study of models of organizational culture and administrative leadership. Special attention is paid to the theory of management as well as conflict management and project and strategic management.

EDUC 8358: Administrative Leadership II

This course examines financial and facilities management. Topics include developing and overseeing budgets, financial forecasting, and maintaining streams of resources. Also, students study facilities management, needs assessment, and construction management, as well as learn to asses and address other related needs.

EDUC 8359: Organizational Change

This course focuses on how organizations change and the role of leadership in organizational transformation by examining models and causes of change. Institutional analysis and the mobilizing of resources are treated as well as the nature of institutions themselves. Especially emphasized are the change implementation process, necessary leadership qualities, and the leadership theory that undergirds change, both institutional and individual.

EDUC 8360: Proposal Seminar

This course navigates the student through the proposal development process. With a focus on describing the problem statement, critically exploring the multiple perspectives in the literature and presenting a discussion on the appropriate methodology to conduct inquiry. During this course, the student demonstrates a command of both the topic area and the methodologies involved in conducting the research project. The student is guided to bring together the knowledge, skills and insights to develop a full dissertation research proposal. This course is designed to ensure the research design includes scholarly references, demonstrates a thorough understanding of research design and analysis, and clearly identifies the gap in the literature that is being addressed with the research.

EDUC 8361: Quantitative Research Methods

This course focuses on descriptive and quasi-experimental methods design with mention of experimental design. Students learn the purpose, appropriate research questions and hypotheses associated each method, and strengths and weaknesses of each method.

EDUC 8362: Qualitative Research Methods

This course examines the qualitative strategies of inquiry (case study, participatory action research, interpretive practice and social action, grounded theory, narrative theory, ethnography, clinical research) and acquaints students with various qualitative designs and methods. The course will familiarize students with the debates around qualitative inquiry; address ethical dimensions of doing qualitative studies; and students will explore methods for collecting and analyzing qualitative data by conducting a small-scale study.

EDUC 8363: Statistics

This course provides a survey of fundamental descriptive and inferential statistics through an introduction of basic concepts and terminology, including chi-square, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Using statistical software as an analytical tool, students investigate educational issues and phenomena applying a variety of statistical methods resulting in understanding the difference between significance and meaningfulness of data.

EDUC 8364: Mixed Research Methods

This course introduces the student to a way to integrate both quantitative and qualitative methods to study complex research questions that require a multi-faceted, multi-perspective approach. Students learn how mixed methods complement each other and be able apply mixed methods approaches to data collection and analysis

EDUC 8365: School Law

This course presents an in-depth examination of federal law and state law as they relate to both public and private schools. Topics will include basic legal concepts, relevant court cases, identification of resources, and the application of principles to the crafting of policies and procedures.

EDUC 8366: Phil Foundations of Leadership

This course examines the nature of the human person, which constitutes the foundation of leadership theory. Students will study the mind, will, passions, imagination, and memory. Central to this study will be the pursuit of virtue and authentic human flourishing. This course draws on the ancient and proved sources of human experience, especially found in the works of Thomas Aquinas.

EDUC 8367: Leadership and the Law

This course examines the central legal issues relating to organizational leadership, including the identification of resources and the application of principles to the crafting of policies and procedures, educational law, tort, communication and contract liability, as well as issues relating to methods of dispute and and conflict resolution, including negotiation, advocacy, and mediation.

EDUC 8368: Strategic Leadership

Strategic management is the process of setting goals, procedures, and objectives in order to make a company or organization more competitive and innovative. Strategic management has a history that dates back to antiquity. Students in this course gain knowledge about strategic management and leadership by studying historical examples of successful and unsuccessful organizational strategies. This course examines the evolution of strategic management in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, but also probes the less discussed sources of strategy in the Ancient world (Greece, Rome)

EDUC 8369: Interdisciplinarity and Leader

Interdisciplinarity and leadership examines the complex interplay of experience and formal learning that inform exemplary leadership. Students learn to synthesize learning from a wide array of sources, and integrate such learning with their personal experience to make prudent and wise decisions.

EDUC 8370: Residency I

The purpose of the residency is to provide students the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the areas they encounter in practical and problem-filled situations in everyday practice. It is a supervised field-based experience on engaging the mission of the organization, centering on systemic reform, strategies organizations can use to advance the goal of equity, and financial planning and budgeting to maximize use of resources. In addition to being enrolled in graduate school, a student must include activities approved by his/her doctoral advisor that are both research and scholarly based. A final reflective paper will be submitted at the end of the residency.

EDUC 8371: Residency II

The purpose of the residency is to provide students the opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the areas they encounter in practical and problem-filled situations in everyday practice. It is a supervised field-based experience on engaging the mission of the organization, centering on systemic reform, strategies organizations can use to advance the goal of equity, and financial planning and budgeting to maximize use of resources. In addition to being enrolled in graduate school, a student must include activities approved by his/her doctoral advisor that are both research and scholarly based. A final reflective paper will be submitted at the end of the residency.

EDUC 8380: Dissertation I

Data collection - After preliminary defense of research plan (Chapters 1-3), approval by university Human Subjects Committee, and other required approvals, the student begins the data collection process and begins to revise Chapter 3 to reflect the actual research process.

EDUC 8381: Dissertation II

Data analysis – Based on the findings, the student revises Chapters I and II as necessary. Student writes Chapter 4.

EDUC 8382: Dissertation III

Dissertation completion and final defense – Student finalizes Chapters 1-4 and writes and revises Chapter 5. Student successfully defends dissertation and revises as necessary.

EDUC 8390: Independent Study

The purpose of this course is to afford students an opportunity for self-directed inquiry. Designed as an academic transaction between individual students and instructors, the students read assigned materials, prepare papers, or engage in projects and report frequently to the instructor of record. Independent study is deliberately arranged to promote the student’s self-direction and independence in conducting scholarly work. This course will require approvals prior to enrolling as outlined in Independent Study Guidelines.

EDUC 8391: Practicum - Principal (EdD)

This course is the first part of a two-semester practicum. EDUC 8391 focuses on the internal and external communication in a school community and the variety of special programs found in the district. The practicum will be guided and supervised by university faculty and school district administrators. Prerequisite: Recommendation of faculty advisor.

EDUC 8392: Prac - Superintendent (EdD)

This course is the first part of a two-semester practicum. EDUC 8392 focuses on the district-wide aspects of the following: leadership of the educational community, community instructional leadership, and administrative leadership. The practicum will be guided and supervised by university faculty and school district administrators. Prereq: Recommendation of faculty advisor