South College has a new Doctor of Education (EdD) program with an interesting format that allows students to accelerate at their own pace and apply existing knowledge and prior experiences to show mastery throughout the program.
Developed by Dr. Michael Patrick, Vice President of Academic Improvement, the program is offered fully online and designed on a competency-based education (CBE) format, which allows students to progress at their own pace to accommodate different learning abilities and situations. Dr. Patrick provided great insight about the program.
“There are many aspects that set this program apart,” Patrick shared. “But I can’t say enough about the benefit that students will have with a one-on-one faculty mentor throughout the program. These are seasoned industry and subject matter experts within their field who understand that every student starts at different places and learns at a different paces. Their desire is to see students excel in the program.”
Another unique feature of the EdD program is that it is offered in a subscription-based model. “Students pay one flat rate per six-month term and can take as many classes in that term as they want to take,” Patrick said.
The result is a more affordable program in which motivated students who want to advance quickly can complete the program more quickly – including dissertation – or take a slower approach with two classes every term.
The program requires satisfactory completion of 10 classes totaling 90 quarter hours and offers four specialties: Adult Learning and Development; Higher Education Leadership; Teaching and Learning; and Organizational Leadership. The programs do not lead to licensure.
Each specialty was designed by a combination of subject matter and CBE experts and institutional leaders and is based on industry standards within each specialization. “The goal was to design an affordable program in which students could accelerate and excel using experience and knowledge to earn a degree without the pain points that many doctoral programs have,” Patrick said. “We’ve worked to moved a lot of those barriers.”
The program fits into the larger South College mission to develop career-ready practitioners. “This degree program is aimed to help working professionals develop practical application in order to excel in their field into administration or executive areas,” Patrick added. “There is a need for people with these skills in industry, education, and organizations, and we’re here to help fill that gap.”
One area where the need is apparent is the adult learning and development sector. “It’s a huge job market, and it’s underserved in doctoral degrees,” Patrick said. “The EdD degree fulfills the need and allows graduates to stand out from their peers.”
If you would like to learn more about the Ed.D. program at South College, visit South.edu.