Doctor of Education

The framework that presents our philosophy, rationale and desired purposes is expressed through the acronym LEADERS:
 
Leadership as craft and relationships
Educational theory, practice and learning
Attitudes and values in educational leadership
Diversity and global perspectives in education
Essential knowledge for effective educational leadership
Research and educational leadership
Strategic change in learning organizations

This framework includes the specific knowledge, understanding, exploration and investigation that you will engage in as well as attitudes, values and dispositions that will assist with becoming an effective educational leader within educational organizations. Within it, you will consider global perspectives about culture and diversity that are important to effectiveness and success in educational leadership. Explore contemporary research, appropriate methodologies for conducting research, and practical experience working with a research team on real research for a learning organization and to make analysis and recommendations to that organization.

The framework provides students with opportunity to question and debate the wisdom of varied educational leadership practices as well as emerging educational policies and practices and consider methods for leading strategic change within learning organizations. Ultimately, we seek to help you develop and organize your thoughts, values, and convictions about the elements, craft, and practice of effective educational leadership.

The Doctor of Education program culminates with practical, collaborative capstone research that addresses real questions in authentic settings for the purpose of informing educational practice. Capstone research involves collaboration between members of the research team, the research coordinator, Ed.D. faculty, the doctoral committee, the university IRB, the educational organization for which the research is being conducted and additional IRB or research approval entities associated with the client organization. Lipscomb University has accepted research proposals from over 60 educational organizations that have been or are currently being served by students through their doctoral research. This represents critical engagement between the Doctor of Education program, its students, and the education community.

The capstone research teams are comprised of 2 to 3 students.

During the program students will be asked about their research interests by the Doctor Research Coordinator who will use that information while recruiting and reviewing proposals from potential client organizations (see the Ed.D. Capstone Manual for more information).

Travel Opportunities

In an increasingly diverse educational landscape, we believe in the importance of examining educational leadership with a global perspective. That's why the program offers a 10-day international experience in Europe during which students will meet and interview educational leaders, policy makers, and practitioners, while studying and considering educational policy reform initiatives at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. 

Students will be challenged to consider educational systems and institutions as they relate to their national, international and global context as well as their political economic, and cultural context. The trip exposes students to educational challenges and initiatives that are taking place around the globe to consider how others are approaching the educational challenges that they face.