Change Leadership

[1] Vision

The PhD in Change Leadership at the University of Central Arkansas prepares active professionals from education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit settings to contribute to the body of knowledge in leadership studies and to enhance social change through their research and service.

[2] Mission

The PhD in Change Leadership prepares students for K-12 leadership, academic positions, and leadership roles in complex organizations found in public and nonprofit sectors. Graduates will understand their roles in conserving, expanding, and transforming the discipline of leadership studies, research methodologies, and leading toward an improved quality of life for all.

[3] Objectives

The PhD in Change Leadership is designed to provide an interdisciplinary intensive preparation for evolving school and community leaders who have a willingness to address social challenges. Within the program, students will examine considerations such as

• leadership as an evolving field of study;
• leadership for public and the collective good;
• leadership as an integrative effort across various public arenas;
• research skills necessary to consume, generate, and communicate existing and new knowledge in the field of leadership studies;
• leadership as an action that requires research, networking, and ethical and moral imperatives.

Upon completion of the program, graduates of the program should be able to

• articulate the complexities associated with leadership, the conditions under which leadership occurs and emerges, and the approaches to leadership research ranging from traditional to more contemporary theories;
• analyze communicative and change concepts, theories, and models required by leaders in the 21st century to advance organizational success and foster organizational growth;
• recognize and assess the relationships between and among leadership, community and human capabilities, and quality of life;
• conduct scholarly research that contributes to the field and practice of leadership;
• adhere to ethical standards in scholarship and leadership practice that foster collaboration, higher levels of organizational and individual performance, and social justice.

[4] Admission Requirements

Admission is limited and competitive.

To be considered for admission, applicants must

1. Have completed a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
2. Submit all documents required by the UCA Graduate School, including official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
3. Submit a completed application to the Change Leadership program that includes
   1. contact information for three references and
   2. responses to writing prompts.

[5] Program of Study

The PhD in Change Leadership curriculum comprises 63 semester hours of graduate credit built upon an appropriate master’s degree. These 63 hours, which can be completed as a full-time or part-time student, are distributed into the following curricular areas, each with a distinct purpose.

[5.1] Leadership Core (15 hours)

[5.2] Research Core (15 hours)

[5.3] Concentration (21 hours)

The student selects one of the following concentrations.

[5.3.1] K-12 Education Leadership Concentration

In this concentration students will focus on issues of leadership in K-12 education. The concentration requires taking 21 credits from the following.

[5.3.2] Digital Age Curriculum and Instruction Concentration

In this concentration students focus on issues of teaching and learning in the digital age. The concentration requires taking 21 credits from the following.

[5.3.3] Community Leadership and Change Concentration

In this concentration students focus on issues of leadership in the community such as government, non-profit organizations, and private business. The concentration requires taking 21 credits from the following.

[5.4] Dissertation (minimum 12 hours)

[6] Graduate Course Links

Follow this link for CLEI course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for EDDL course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for EDLP course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for ITEC course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for LEAD course descriptions: course link.
Follow this link for SLMA course descriptions: course link.