doctorate in education and leadership (ed.d.) - healthcare education concentration

ed.d. students will enhance competencies through the program via the following learning outcomes:

• apply knowledge of course design, active learning pedagogies and assessment of learning in higher education classroom-based and online learning environments
• investigate the historical and legal context for higher education
• design program assessment plans aligned with accreditation processes that impact higher education institutions
• prepare for faculty roles and responsibilities in diverse higher education contexts
• demonstrate discipline-based knowledge and skills in education and leadership
• demonstrate applied research skills and ethical conduct of research to produce an individual research manuscript and poster presentation
• no dissertation required

click here for the course catalog page.

doctorate in education students complete their coursework as a cohort over a two-year period. classes are offered one evening per week on campus or online. our doctoral program in education includes 45 credit hours:

• 12 credit hours of research methods
• 15 credit hours of core requirements
• 12 credit hours of elective courses
• 6 credit hours of research capstone

doctor of education degree students are required to have a minimum of 78 total graduate hours beyond a bachelor’s degree. students who have not completed at least 33 credit hours of post-undergraduate coursework prior to admission will take additional elective courses at rockhurst to meet the total hours.

the capstone research experience involves the design and completion of an individual project within the concentration area. doctor of education students engage in the collection and analysis of data and preparation of a scholarly research article that includes a literature review, explanation of methodology, findings, as well as implications and recommendations. a formal poster and presentation of this project is the final step in the program.

doctoral candidates can choose to enroll in a college teaching practicum designed to create a genuine teaching and learning experience. students work closely with a higher education faculty member assigned as a mentor to a guided experience with all aspects of college teaching. elective course options are offered in the school of education, saint luke’s college of nursing and health sciences, and the helzberg school of management.

is an ed.d. worth it?

there is a need for highly qualified and well-trained practitioners to formally transfer their experience and knowledge onto new generations of future professionals through teaching and leadership at the post-secondary education level.

this doctorate in education program prepares graduates to seek to teach and be leaders in healthcare education.