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Leadership Studies

[1] Vision

The University of Central Arkansas Interdisciplinary PhD in Leadership (LEAD) program prepares scholar leaders to research and act for the common good. Recognizing that complex challenges require an integration of responsible leaders from various community sectors, program graduates will transform education and government/nonprofit organizations to strengthen human and community capabilities.

[2] Mission

The LEAD enlists the Human Development Index (HDI) and other indicators of limited living conditions to gauge vitality and need in the state and region. With knowledge of networking, decision-making, and research, graduates advance community and human development by targeting educational attainment, community vitality, public health, cultural/fine arts, environmental sustainability, and other developmental factors.

[3] Objectives

The Interdisciplinary PhD Leadership program is designed to provide an interdisciplinary intensive preparation for evolving educational and community leaders who have a willingness to address community problems. The program will examine considerations such as

  • Leadership for civic service and the collective good;
  • Different beliefs in and responses to this freedom and the resulting developmental limitations and inequities within communities;
  • Research as a tool to understand and address human and community capabilities and development;
  • The evolution of leadership as an integrative effort across various public arenas;
  • Leadership action that requires data, networking, and ethical decision-making.

Upon completing the program, the PhD Leadership graduate should be able to

  • Articulate the complexities associated with leadership, the conditions under which leadership occurs, and the approaches to examination of leadership ranging from traditional to more contemporary theories;
  • Analyze concepts, theories, and models required by leaders in the 21st century global environment to advance organizational success and foster organizational growth;
  • Recognize and assess community and human capabilities and development;
  • Conduct scholarly research that contributes to the body of leadership knowledge;
  • Address community and human development through research and action development;
  • Adhere to ethical standards in the scholarship and practice of leadership that foster collaboration, higher levels of organizational performance, and mentorship.

[4] Admission Requirements: Admission is limited and competitive

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

  • Submit all documents required by the UCA Graduate School including official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts and competitive GRE scores that have been taken within the last five years;
  • Have completed a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00;
  • Submit a competed application to the Interdisciplinary PhD Leadership program that includes (a) a current vita or resume, (b) a type-written statement of intent, and (c) three letters of recommendations that describe the student’s suitability for the program.

[5] Program of Study

The Interdisciplinary PhD in Leadership curriculum comprises 60 semester hours of graduate credit built upon appropriate master’s degree. These 60 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:

  1. Leadership Core (18 hours):

    LEAD 6302 Leadership Communication in Organizations
    LEAD 7303 Leadership and Complex Organizations
    LEAD 7304 Leadership and Ethics
    LEAD 8305 Foundations of Leadership Theory
    LEAD 8308 Major Area Research
    LEAD 8334 Leadership and Change

  2. Research Core (15 hours):

    PSYC 6330 Advanced Psychological Statistics
    PSYC 6331 Research Design
    LEAD 8302 Advanced Qualitative Research
    LEAD 8309 Seminar in Leadership Inquiry
    PSYC 7320 Regression and Multivariate Analysis or LEAD 8332 Leadership in the Global Society or LEAD 8336 Contemporary Issues in Leadership or LEAD 8338 Independent Readings and Research in Leadership

  3. Cognate (15 hours): approval of the Committee Chair and Department Chair required
  4. Dissertation (minimum 12 hours): LEAD 9110-9910 Dissertation in Leadership Studies (9110, 9210, 9310, 9410, 9510, 9610, 9710, 9810, 9910).

[6] Courses in Leadership Studies (LEAD)

Follow this link for LEAD course descriptions: course link.