Program Purpose
This doctoral degree program is the first independent Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) program offered by San Diego State University. It prepares community college leaders who are committed to educational justice, providing them with the skills, knowledge and attitudes essential to transform community colleges so that all students are learning at high levels. University faculty and local practitioner experts collaborate to create a vibrant learning community that draws upon issues and challenges facing community colleges. Doctoral candidates will tackle real-world problems through their dissertation research and serve their colleges at the same time by informing and improving practice.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Ed.D. program, graduates will demonstrate the following outcomes:
1. Organizational Strategy: Strategically improve the quality of PreK-12 and Community College/Postsecondary Education by promoting the success of all students while sustaining the PreK-12 education and Community College/Postsecondary Education mission, based on knowledge of the organizations, their cultures, environments and future trends.
2. Resource Management: Equitably and ethically sustain people, processes and information, as well as assets to fulfill the mission, vision and goals of the PreK-12 educational systems and Community College/Postsecondary Education institutions.
3. Instructional Leadership: Possess the knowledge and ability to promote the success of all students by fostering a positive organizational culture, effective curricular programs, a student-centered learning environment and encouraging the growth of all staff
4. Communications: Use clear listening, speaking, and writing skills to engage in honest, open dialogue.
5. Collaboration: Develop and maintain responsive, cooperative, mutually beneficial, and ethical internal and external relationships that nurture diversity, promote student success and sustain the organization’s mission.
6. Organizational Advocacy: Recognize, commit to and advocate for the mission, vision, and goals of the organization.
7. Professionalism: Set high standards for self and others, continuously improve self, demonstrate personal accountability, and ensure the long-term growth of self and the organization.
8. Financial and Legal Forces: Identify and understand the financial and legal forces impacting on leadership in PreK-12 and Community College/Postsecondary Education.
9. Decision Sciences: Engage in scientific methods to assess practice, examine results and promote sound decision-making.