DOCTOR OF EDUCATION in Educational Leadership
Developing Christian Education Servant Leaders with Global Vision
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
EDU 9150 Contextualizing Christian Education in Diverse Settings (3) This course examines philosophical, sociological, religious, and cultural variables which impact Christian schooling in contemporary culture. Attention is given to diverse environments in which Christian education occurs, including urban settings and culturally/linguistically diverse (international) arenas. Biblical principles relevant to trans-cultural relationships are studied, along with models of successful Christian schooling in these settings. Students will address the Christian school mission and educational emphases which are needed in light of the current and future societal environment.
EDU 9200 Historical and Philosophical Perspectives on Education (3) This course surveys and analyzes the historical and philosophical ideas that guide educational theory and practice in schools today. The course focuses on the study of nations, leaders, ideas and movements and their developmental effects on current educational settings in the United States. In addition, Christian philosophical perspectives which are the foundation of Christian education are examined.
EDU 9300 Biblical Foundations for Curriculum and Pedagogy (3) This course will enable both teachers and administrators to use the Bible as their primary document for curriculum and instructional design. Students will learn to utilize basic hermeneutical principles when integrating faith and learning, design Biblically integrated instruction, write Biblical standards and objectives, and teach Christian critical thinking and worldview. Products from the course will include a comprehensive list of Biblical standards for education, a list of Christian critical thinking skills, a knowledge of models for Biblical integration and examples of integrated lessons. The course will utilize both historical lectures (video) from the International Institute for Christian School Educators and a team of CIU professors.
EDU 9310 Curriculum Theory and Design (3) This course provides theoretical frameworks for evaluating and developing effective courses of study. Curricular emphases throughout history, philosophies, theories and strategies will be examined in planning and developing long- and short-range units.
EDU 9320 Teaching and Learning Theory (3) This course compares various pedagogical models and their accompanying assumptions about the nature of learning. At the same time, biblical perspectives on teaching and learning are integrated into an understanding of effective, differentiated instruction.
EDU 9330 Measurement and Assessment Theory (3) This course examines important components of measurement and assessment theory as they relate to program development and student assessment on an institution-wide basis.
EDU 9340 Spiritual Formation in Higher Education (3) This course studies biblical principles guiding spiritual development with particular application to students in higher education. Examples of philosophies and programs aimed at students' spiritual growth are examined. Students synthesize learning into practical models for effective implementation in their institutions. (for Higher Education emphasis only)
EDU 9410 Information and Communication Technology in Education (3) This course will provide students with knowledge of the technology available to build systems useful in Christian educational institutions and will show how technology is used to create a systems architecture that meets information processing needs.
EDU 9510 Biblical Leadership (3) Educational leadership, based on Judeo-Christian ethics and core values, is assessed and developed. An analysis of biblical, historical, and contemporary leadership models provides the framework for personal leadership formation.
EDU 9515 Leadership and Organizational Behavior (3) This course examines the relationship dynamics which occur in organizations between leaders and followers, and between work groups in light of biblical principles. Attention is given to theories of effective leadership, motivation, decision-making, organizational change, and organizational systems.
EDU 9520 Supervision and Instructional Leadership (3) This course investigates the dynamics of developing instructional leadership in Christian schools which lead to lasting school improvement. Attention is given to leadership principles and strategies, techniques of working with teachers, and focusing on growth in student learning.
EDU 9521 Developing and Evaluating Faculty (3) This course explores models for developing and evaluating higher education faculty. Included are such topics as peer evaluation, setting annual objectives, use of student feedback, professional development activities, induction and orientation, multiple-year contracts, and roles of department heads and deans in faculty development. (for Higher Education emphasis only)
EDU 9525 Principles of Organizational Team Building (3) This course examines models and strategies for building team unity within organizations. Biblical principles, the role of leadership, new team development, inter-group relations, large group interventions, and goal setting are studied.
EDU 9535 Leadership and Governance in Higher Education (3) This course examines policies, organizational structures, and relationships necessary for effective functioning of institutional boards, presidents, and vice presidents/deans, while focusing on biblical principles which are foundational to the roles of academic leaders. Consideration is also given to the role of faculty in institutional and academic governance. (for Higher Education emphasis only)
EDU 9540 Models of Strategic Planning and Organizational Assessment (3) This course examines various models for conducting strategic planning and for assessing the effectiveness of organizations in accomplishment of their missions. Special attention is given to linking mission, vision, goals, planning, budgeting, and assessment in Christian educational institutions.
EDU 9545 Non-Traditional Educational Delivery Systems (3) This course involves study and analysis of non-traditional strategies for ministry preparation. Students examine various delivery systems such as technology-mediated learning, modular course formats, cohorts, collaboration with local churches, mentoring, internships, etc. (for Higher Education emphasis only)
EDU 9550 The Legal Environment and the Christian School (3) This course examines the philosophies and trends which have surfaced in through court decisions and legislation relating to education in general, and private or sectarian education in particular. The implications for Christian school practice are reviewed.
EDU 9555 Developing Institutional Support (3) This course addresses various philosophies and approaches for building strong public relations programs and for generating non-tuition funds for operations and capital growth.
EDU 9570 Business Affairs of the Educational Enterprise (3) This course examines factors necessary for effective management of financial affairs and human resources in religious, not-for-profit educational institutions. Students examine financial and human resource management concepts and analytical skills for generating principle-driven business decisions while making effective use of information and communication technology.
EDU 9610 Advanced Educational Research Design (3)This course equips students with the research tools required to design the study of a doctoral dissertation topic. It prepares students to select a topic, review literature, design a study, collect quantitative data, analyze and interpret data, and report and evaluate research. Emphasis is on quantitative studies including experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, and survey designs.
EDU 9620 Qualitative Research (3) This course is designed to equip students to construct and implement qualitative research designs. The various types of qualitative approaches are studied, as well as data collection and analysis methods.
EDU 9630 Research and Authorship for Publication (3) This course equips the candidate to assimilate research findings and to prepare research reports suitable for publication in refereed journals or non-refereed publications.
EDU 9700 Doctoral Dissertation (12) In this course the candidate implements the research proposal developed in the Applied Research course. A full research report (dissertation) is written and orally defended before a panel of faculty.