Missouri State's College of Education prepares to launch first doctoral degree program

The College of Education at Missouri State announced Wednesday that it will offer its first doctoral degree a year from now, in fall 2025.

This year, the university will finalize plans for the program: a Doctor of Education in Leadership, Learning and Education Change.

Overcoming limitations placed by state law, Missouri State has become a doctoral-granting university recognized by the State of Missouri, Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education and Higher Learning Commission.

“This degree is for individuals who want to assume leadership in not just schools, but also in universities and education-related nonprofits,” said Nicole West, associate professor director of the doctoral program, in an Aug. 14 news release. “This degree is less about any particular educational institutional type, as it is about impacting and transforming education.”

West added: “It is in direct alignment with the university’s public affairs mission to create culturally competent, ethical leaders who are community engaged. Developing this program is living out our mission in a tangible way.”

More: This bill would let more Missouri universities offer research, doctoral degrees

Applications for the first cohort of 15 students will open Sept. 5.

The part-time program is seated and cohort-based. It is designed to take three years and include 55 credit hours plus a dissertation-in-practice. Here are the details:

• Core curriculum of 25 credit hours;
• A specialized area of interest involving 18-28 credit hours;
• Dissertation-related coursework of 12 credit hours.

“This curriculum was built with adult learners and working professionals in mind,” West said. “It can be tailored to each student’s specific interests and aspirations.”

In preparation for the launch, Missouri State was invited to join the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, a network of more than 135 institutions working to improve programs and education.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State's College of Education prepares to launch first doctoral degree program