Doctoral Program in Adult and Continuing Education (Ed.D.)
The Doctoral Program takes as its primary concern the study of how adult educators practice their craft, in particular the study of how they become critically reflective practitioners. A critically reflective practitioner is one who makes a determined and consistent attempt to identify assumptions undergirding his or her own educational work and reflects on when and under what conditions these practices are antithetical to adult education.
The Program is three years in length including an integrated dissertation process. Coursework is offered over the initial two years and six months of the Program. Student participation in course work requires attendance at three residential summer programs (two weeks each summer) and one weekend for each of eight months(Friday night, Saturday, Sunday morning). Guided study over the internet is prominent in the Program and occurs during and between participation in weekend and summer sessions. After completion of course work, monthly dissertation clinics are required to facilitate the completion of both the course work and dissertation within three years.
Students participate in the Program as members of a cohort of approximately 25 learners. They are encouraged to conduct their doctoral work, including dissertation, within a group support and learning model. This group learning model is reinforced by a residential format which provides an immersion experience in doctoral study.
The Program is designed for people working in the adult education field. Its unique delivery system integrates academic study with practice and gives students the benefits of collaborative resources without interrupting their personal and employment obligations.
Course Requirements: 66 SH
Summer/Year 1
| ACE600 |
Introduction to the Adult Education Doctoral Program |
3 |
| ACE601 |
Advanced Seminar: Critical Reflection and Critical Thinking |
3 |
| ACE602 |
Life History and Adult Education |
3 |
Fall/Year 1
| ACE603 |
Advanced Adult Development and Learning |
3 |
| ACE604 |
Adult Education: Core Concepts and Processes |
3 |
| ACE605A |
Reflective Practice Seminar I |
3 |
Spring/Year 1
| ACE610 |
Research Methods in Adult Education |
3 |
| ACE620 |
Understanding Adult Education Practice |
3 |
| ACE605B |
Reflective Practice Seminar II |
3 |
Summer/Year 2
| ACE640 |
Research: Critical Engagement Project Proposal Seminar |
6 |
Fall/Year 2
| ACE650 |
Research: Literature Review Seminar |
3 |
| ACE655 |
Philosophy of Adult Education |
3 |
| ACE605C |
Reflective Practice Seminar III |
3 |
Spring/Year 2
| ACE660 |
Research: Critical Engagement Project Methodology |
3 |
| ACE661 |
Educating in a Social and Political Context |
3 |
| ACE605D |
Reflective Practice Seminar IV |
3 |
Summer/Year 3
| ACE670 |
Research: Advanced Data Collection and Analysis |
3 |
| ACE605E |
Reflective Practice Seminar V |
3 |
Fall/Year 3
| ACE699A |
Dissertation: Critical Engagement Project I |
6 |
Spring/Year 3
| ACE699B |
Dissertation: Critical Engagement Project II |
6 |
