Educational Leadership, Ed.D.

The University of Hartford’s Doctoral Program in Education (Ed.D.) focuses on higher education and reflects the latest thinking and research on leadership, organizations, and institutional change. Participants benefit from the rich interactions of our diverse student body, drawn from colleges and universities, public and provate schools, health-related professions, government and human service organizations. What these individuals have in common is a dedication to the improvement of possibilities for their respective constituencies through change and enhancement of their service delivery systems.

The Department of Education takes pride in the following mission statement: To create a learning environment through which learners build on their knowledge and skills in ways that enable them to shape their work settings into dynamic learning environments, creating schools, organizations, and communities wherein energies are devoted toward excellent achievement and outcomes.

A variety of experiences have been infused into the doctoral program of study, enabling students to acquire cognitive understanding and to strengthen their personal leadership skills. Students who successfully complete this program are awarded a Doctor of Education, with a specialization in higher education educational leadership.

Special Features

Diversity of Students. Most students are mid-career adults, who balance family and professional responsibilities with their pursuit of the doctoral degree. They work in colleges, universities, schools, and in health care, government, and human service organizations. Thus, the educational leadership learning community benefits from interdisciplinary problem solving as we address the complex issues confronting educational leaders today.

Cohort Group Structure. Students are admitted in cohort groups each summer. These groups serve as a support network as students advance through the program. To the extent possible, courses are scheduled to enable students to complete their programs together with colleagues. Active enrollment in summer courses allows students to move through courses rapidly and replaces the residency requirement in more traditional doctoral programs. Also, students have ongoing formal and informal opportunities to integrate and exchange ideas with colleagues, faculty, and other members of the University community.

Doctoral Advisement Process. Upon matriculation into the doctoral program, each student is assigned a program advisor. Program advisors meet with students regularly as a demonstration of the doctoral program’s commitment to matriculated students. In addition, faculty assist students with the development of their programs of study and develop mentoring relationships with students.

Information Technology. The doctoral program includes training and support in electronic information technology. Students use Blackboard and the University online support system to enhance their classroom experiences. The Mortensen Library website offers a wealth of tools for conducting research on the Internet.

Also, students learn to use computer applications to enhance their work, including spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. The goal of this component of the program is to produce leaders who are familiar with the tools of information technology and who are prepared to use them in instructional and administrative settings.