Ph.D. in Higher Education Degree Requirements Curriculum The doctoral curriculum is comprised of six elements: (1) substantive common core, (2) research core, (3) area of concentration, selected from among five possibilities, (4) graduate electives, (5) comprehensive exams, and (6) dissertation. (1) Substantive Common Core (24 sh) Designed to constitute a general knowledge base that all students master -- regardless of career goals and interests -- this core curriculum reflects an important foundational understanding of higher education today. The following courses must be taken at the University of Iowa.
(2) Research Core (15 sh) The purpose of the research core is to assure a level of scholarly autonomy and initiative. All students take the following two prescribed common courses, or their equivalent, as approved by the advisor and the course instructor.
In addition, students and their advisors choose at least three additional research courses appropriate to the student’s research interests from a menu of options, including courses such as:
(3) Areas of Concentration (15 sh) The concentration area provides an opportunity to develop a particular expertise. Students may complete up to 24 semester hours of study before declaring a concentration within the program. Students will choose from one of the following five areas (course options in each concentration are presented below):
(4) Graduate Electives (24 sh) (5) Comprehensive Exams The comprehensive exam is viewed as a culminating experience for doctoral students. It consists of a set of four take-home questions with a limited time to respond. Three questions are based on the substantive core, one question is based on the student’s concentration, and the research core content is integrated throughout the entire exam. (6) Dissertation Research (12 sh)
Summary of credits:
Higher Education as a Minor or Related Field Students majoring in another field and desiring to complete a minor or related field in higher education should consult with a higher education advisor early in their studies. Plans of study involving higher education as a minor or related field are developed individually for each student, but will ordinarily involve a concentration in one of five areas:
At the doctoral level, a minor in higher education will constitute approximately one-third of the student's degree program. A related field in higher education will consist of a minimum of 12 semester hours in higher education and supporting fields. |
Higher Education
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