Program Guidebook
Welcome
Welcome to the Ed.D. in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership Guidebook!
Purpose of the Program Guide
This guidebook serves as a resource for the faculty and students in the Ed.D. program. It is updated frequently; so, expect updates and changes. The handbook is intended to aid the student’s orientation to and progress in the program. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the procedures outlined in this guide and to stay informed about program changes, requirements for the degree, and the policies and procedures of the Graduate School.
Program Overview
Program Description
Ed.D.
The terminal degree program is designed for professionals who are effective leaders and value diversity. The program provides doctoral-level training for building- and district-level administrators; two- and four-year college teachers and administrators; and community and government leaders with professional interests in primary, secondary, and/or higher education including economic factors, public health issues, and the impact on learning of local, regional, and state government policies. The program emphasizes the challenges and opportunities facing educators and leaders serving rural and diverse populations. The program takes an integrative approach to educational leadership, recognizing educators in rural and diverse communities must possess a depth of understanding of factors shaping students in rural schools, colleges, and communities.
- 100% online.
- 60 Credit Hours.
- Three focus areas: K-12 Superintendency Leadership, K-12 Teacher Leadership, Higher Education & Community Leadership.
- Continuous Enrollment: Students must maintain continuous enrollment in the program.
- Comprehensive Exam Course: Comprehensive exams are given through the program.
- Students are required to apply for doctoral candidacy after successfully completing the course Comprehensive Exams.
- Students are required to take a minimum of nine dissertation hours. The dissertation research topic must be approved by the dissertation committee, which is comprised of four members including a) chair, b) methodologist, c) content expert, and d) member-at-large. The dissertation committee chair will guide and supervise the candidate through the dissertation process. To complete the dissertation, candidates will be required to successfully defend their research proposal, receive approval to proceed from the Southern Arkansas University Institutional Review Board (IRB), and successfully defend their dissertation by oral presentation. The oral defense is conducted by the dissertation committee and is open to invited guests of the dissertation committee and the candidate.
- The degree must be completed within seven academic years from enrollment in the first course. Students anticipating exceeding the time limit because of extenuating circumstances (e.g. military deployments, health issues, etc.) may apply to the Graduate Council for an extension.
Faculty/Staff Contacts
Dr. Katherine Berry, Ed.D. Program Director
870-235-4379
katherineberry@saumag.edu
Mr. Drew Glover, Director of Online Learning
870-235-4159
drewglover@saumag.edu
Content Area Specialists:
Superintendent Leadership:
Clinton Petty, EDAS Program Director
870-235-4249
clintonpetty@saumag.edu
Teacher Leadership:
Dr. Denise Moseley, Instructional Facilitator/LEAD Teacher Program Director
870-235-4152
dsmoseley@saumag.edu
Higher Education/Community Leadership:
Dr. Katherine Berry, Ed.D. Program Director
870-235-4379
katherineberry@saumag.edu
Focus Area Plan of Study/Course Rotation
K-12 Superintendent Focus Area
| YEAR ONE | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| EDFN 7013 Introduction to Doctoral Studies EDFN 7023 Doctoral Research Foundations* | EDFN 7103 Quantitative Research Methods EDFN 7193 Organizational Development, Evaluation, and Theory | EDAS 7113 Strategic School Financing in Rural and Diverse Settings EDAS 7123 The Superintendency |
| YEAR TWO | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| EDFN 7183 Qualitative Research Methods EDFN 7123 Educational Law and Accountability | EDFN 7143 Applied Data Analysis EDFN 7163 Ethical Leadership in Diverse and Rural Communities | EDAS 7173 Administration and Assessment of Curricular Programs EDAS 7143 Leadership Systems in Human Capacity |
| YEAR THREE | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| EDAS 7183 Educational Leadership in Rural and Diverse Communities EDFN 7803 Comprehensive Exam | DISS 7903 Advanced Research Methods and Design Elective | DISS 7993 Dissertation Elective |
| YEAR FOUR | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| DISS 7993 Dissertation | DISS 7993 Dissertation *Expected Defense |
K-12 Teacher Leadership Focus Area
| YEAR ONE | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| EDFN 7013
Introduction to Doctoral Studies
EDFN 7023 Doctoral Research Foundations* |
EDFN 7103 Quantitative Research Methods EDFN 7193 Organizational Development, Evaluation, and Theory | EDUC 7253 Foundations of Teacher Leadership EDUC 7213 Curriculum Planning |
| YEAR TWO | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| EDFN 7183 Qualitative Research Methods EDFN 7123 Educational Law and Accountability | EDFN 7143 Applied Data Analysis EDFN 7163 Ethical Leadership in Diverse and Rural Communities | EDAS 7173 Administration and Assessment of Curricular Programs EDAS 7023 Supervision of Instruction in Elementary/Secondary Schools |
| YEAR THREE | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| EDAS 7183 Educational Leadership in Rural and Diverse Communities EDFN 7803 Comprehensive Exam | DIS 7903 Advanced Research Methods and Design Elective | DIS 7993 Dissertation Elective |
| YEAR FOUR | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| DIS 7993 Dissertation | DIS 7993 Dissertation *Expected Defense |
Higher Education/Community Leadership Focus Area
| YEAR ONE | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| EDFN 7013 Introduction to Doctoral Studies EDFN 7023 | EDFN 7103 Quantitative Research Methods EDFN 7193 | HECL 7133 Advanced Leadership and Dev in Diverse and Rural Communities |
| HECL 7173 Planning Programs for Adults Learners | ||
| YEAR TWO | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| EDFN 7183 Qualitative Research Methods EDFN 7123 | EDFN 7143 Applied Data Analysis EDFN 71633 | HECL 7113 Fiscal Management of Educational and Community Agencies |
| HECL 7153 Inclusive Leadership: Leading Effectively Across Differences | ||
| YEAR THREE | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| HECL 7183 Contemporary Issues in Leadership EDFN 7803 Comprehensive Exam | DIS 7903 Advanced Research Methods and Design Elective | DIS 7993 Dissertation Elective |
| YEAR FOUR | ||
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
| DIS 7993 Dissertation | DIS 7993 Dissertation *Expected Defense |
Dispositions Handbook
Dissertation Manual
Program Milestones
Dissertation
Faculty Approved to Serve on Dissertation Committee
Please contact the Program Director to discuss all off-list dissertation committee member requests
- Dr. Katherine Berry katherineberry@saumag.edu
- Dr. Trey Berry tcberry@saumag.edu
- Dr. Richard (Cort) Casey RICHARDCASEY@saumag.edu
- Dr. Karen Ferneding kaferneding@saumag.edu
- Dr. Elizabeth Gloyd elgloyd@saumag.edu
- Dr. Roger Guevara rcguevara@saumag.edu
- Dr. Melody Mayo mamayo@saumag.edu
- Dr. Denise Moseley dsmoseley@saumag.edu
- Dr. Lisa Oden lmoden@saumag.edu
- Dr. Amber Overholser amberoverholser@saumag.edu
- Dr. Clinton Petty clintonpetty@saumag.edu
- Dr. Jennifer Rowsam jlrowsam1042@muleriders.saumag.edu
- Dr. Jessica Samples jrsamples@saumag.edu
- Dr. Angela Stanford agstanford@saumag.edu
- Dr. Connie Wilson clwilson@saumag.edu
Adjunct Faculty Approved to Serve on a Dissertation Committee
- Dr. Kim Bloss kbbloss@saumag.edu
- James Borsig JAMESBORSIG@saumag.edu
- Katherine Borsig KATHERINEBORSIG@saumag.edu
- Kay Calvert MariaCalvert@saumag.edu
- Dr. Bobby Hart bobbyhart@saumag.edu
- Barbara Jones BarbaraJones@saumag.edu
Student Resources
Title IX
SAU Policy:
No person shall, on the grounds of race, age, color, sex, disability, religion, or national origin, be denied admission to or employment at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, or be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity sponsored by the University. https://www.saumag.edu/title-ix/
Disability Support Services
The mission of the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) is to coordinate services and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure accessibility and usability of all programs, services, and activities. Disability Support Services also serves as a resource for information and as an advocate for students with disabilities for full participation in all aspects of campus life. https://www.saumag.edu/testing/disability-support-services/
Academic Dishonesty and Integrity Policy
The mission of Southern Arkansas University empowers all members of the University community to develop and encourage learning environments that create, expand, acquire, share, evaluate, and communicate knowledge. Academic integrity at SAU is an organizational and individual responsibility. Students, faculty, and staff share responsibility for maintaining the highest standards for academic integrity. https://www.saumag.edu/academics/dishonesty-and-integrity/
Library Resources
The mission of the John F. and Joanna G. Magale Library is to support the mission of Southern Arkansas University, that is, to provide “opportunities for intellectual growth, individual enrichment, skill development, and meaningful career preparation.” The library realizes its purpose by providing access to materials and information supporting the instructional, service, and research programs of the University. Magale Library addresses these services primarily to the students, faculty, and staff of the University, and secondarily to citizens of the state and region.
Dr. Del Duke, Magale Library Director
870-235-4171
dgduke@saumag.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Program of Study?
Program of Study is a plan for completion of your doctoral degree. It lists the courses you are required to take.
Who should be on your dissertation committee?
Your committee is a group of faculty members who will assist you through your dissertation process. The committee is composed of at least three faculty members, including your chair. The student must secure the consent of all members to serve in this capacity. Your academic advisor will help you to navigate the selection of committee members.
How soon in the program do I need to know my dissertation topic?
All coursework is relevant to your career development. You can choose to focus on a specific topic of interest (TOI) throughout the program. In addition, you can choose to identify a TOI later in the program. Our faculty will support you through either process.
How soon in the program do I need to know my dissertation topic?
All coursework is relevant to your career development. You can choose to focus on a specific topic of interest (TOI) throughout the program. In addition, you can choose to identify a TOI later in the program. Our faculty will support you through either process.
What are comprehensive exams?
Comprehensive Exams are part of the general program and are aligned with a specific course in the program, EDFN 7803. This course is designed to support your success in the completion of the exams which are based on the Educational Foundations (EDFN) coursework, and one Focus Area question. The successful completion of the Comprehensive Exams course marks the transition from completing coursework into the phase where students begin to work on their dissertation. This is called “advancing to candidacy.”
What are the keys to success in this program?
As with any endeavor, the depth of your commitment to a personal vision establishes the pathway to success. Ask yourself: How can I dedicate myself to success in this program? Consider ways to embrace the opportunity to engage in intensive self-development. Understand that dedicating your time to doctoral study is an opportunity for deepening your personal and professional growth. Know that faculty and staff are committed to supporting your success.
What happens if I don't complete my degree within a four-year timeframe?
You can still complete the Ed.D. degree. You will work with your advisor to develop an alternate plan. However, this will delay graduation. The program must be completed within 7 years.
University Related Information
Mission Statements
Southern Arkansas University
The mission of Southern Arkansas University is to educate students for productive and fulfilling lives in a global environment by providing opportunities for intellectual growth, individual enrichment, skill development, and meaningful career preparation. The University believes in the worth of the individual and accepts its responsibility for developing in its students those values and competencies essential for effective citizenship in an ever-changing, free, and democratic society. Further, the University provides an environment conducive to excellence in teaching and learning, scholarship, creative endeavors, and service.
College of Education
Our mission is to prepare candidates who attain educational achievement through collaboration and reflection. The department collaborates with K-12 schools, Educational Service Cooperatives, Educational Renewal Zones and other local, state, and national organizations to inculcate high standards of educational achievement for all students. Through initial teacher preparation programs for Elementary, Middle, and Secondary teachers, the Department engages pre-service teachers to excel in teaching, leadership, scholarship, service, and dispositions.
School of Graduate Studies
The mission of the Southern Arkansas University School of Graduate Studies is to prepare individuals for positions of leadership in a variety of professions by providing advanced and specialized education. The curricula and instructional technologies are designed to meet the needs of students in our region and to prepare them to compete in a diverse and dynamic society.
