The University of Central Arkansas is developing the state’s and region’s first interdisciplinary doctor of philosophy program in the field of leadership. The new program is slated to begin this fall.
“The program will focus on the complex organizations that are found within education and government/non-profit settings. It is specifically geared toward training persons who are already practicing in these fields to take on increasingly responsible roles as leaders,” said Dr. Elaine McNiece, associate vice provost and dean of Graduate Studies at UCA.
The program will provide opportunities for practicing professionals to benefit from scholarly endeavors, while those preparing for academic pursuits such as research, teaching or administration can gain an understanding of the world of practice.
“The diversity of students represented by these fields will allow for a rich exchange of ideas,” said McNiece.
Using an interdisciplinary approach, faculty from a variety of disciplines will teach the broad-based curriculum. The curriculum will focus on those skills that are most relevant to today’s leaders, including communications, decision-making, ethics and change.
The degree includes a minimum of 60 semester hours beyond the master’s degree, which may be completed as a part-time or full-time student. Along with the leadership core of 18 semester hours, the program will include a research core of 15 hours. Students will take an additional 15 hours of courses related to either education or government/non-profit leadership. The dissertation phase will account for the final 12 hours of the program.
Graduates will have an understanding of how investigative findings may be applied in a broad range of work environments while understanding how practice can inform research. “These ‘scholar leaders’ will understand their roles in conserving, expanding and transforming the discipline of leadership studies and their responsibilities for informing the world of practice,” said Dr. McNiece.
Acceptance into the program will be competitive. The deadline to apply is April 1. Application requirements and program information can be found by visiting uca.edu/phdleadership or calling the UCA Graduate School office at (501) 450-3124.
