Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program
Coordinator: Dr. Donaldo R. Batiste
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS IN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
UNIVERSITY OF HOLY CROSS—NEW ORLEANS
Thank you for your interest in the doctoral programs offered in the College of Counseling, Education and Business at the University of Holy Cross-New Orleans. The Ed.D. degree and Ph.D. degree are the most advanced and only degrees of these kinds in Executive Leadership that are offered in the New Orleans area. We, in the metropolitan area acclaim these degrees to be one’s “Gateway to Greatness!” Each UHC degree program offers coursework applicable to careers in business, non-profit management and leadership, education, counseling, allied health, government, politics, religion and more! Both degrees emphasize preparing leaders for the 21st century and beyond and promote reflective practice.
STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE
Doctor of Education Degree in Executive Leadership (Ed.D.)
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Executive Leadership is multi-disciplinary by design, and blends rigor, relevance, theory, and applied research with practice. This program is intended to prepare effective leaders for administrative careers in fields of practice. This program is geared for the candidate who wants to become a conscientious transformative leader within his or her organization.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Executive Leadership (Ph.D.)
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Executive Leadership is intended for those who plan an inquiry into the issues of executive leadership through a theoretical framework. Like the Ed.D. program of studies, this program is also multi-disciplinary in its design and blends a stronger reliance on research and theory versus practice. This program is geared toward those planning careers in university teaching, in research departments, state agencies, or in any related professional practice requiring a research orientation.
STAGES FROM APPLICATION TO COMPLETION FOR Ph.D.
- Apply online to UHC’s Admissions Office.
- Submit scores from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).The MAT must have been taken within 5 years of application. Foreign students who do not hold a degree from a United States college or university must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).[1]
- Be accepted by the Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program (DIELP) Screening Committee.
- Take the Departmental Placement Assessment Battery.
- Undergo an oral interview with DIELP Graduate Faculty.
- Receive conditional acceptance into DIELP.
- After 18 hours of coursework (including 9 hours of core courses), write the QUALIFYING EXAMINATION.
- Complete most courses INCLUDING Research Tools.
- Establish a Doctoral Committee.
- Submit a Pre-Dissertation Research Project.
- Write the GENERAL EXAMINATION.
- Propose, complete, and defend the Dissertation.
(*) The screening committee may admit an applicant to take the doctoral core courses if the committee judges the applicant’s background and interests as appropriate for doctoral work, and the applicant submits MAT SCORES that are judged to be acceptable on the internal screening scale. If an applicant has scores less than the minimum, the screening committee may petition the Department Chair to waive this standard on the basis of other information found within the application.
[1] Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
STAGES FROM APPLICATION TO COMPLETION FOR Ed.D.
- Apply online to UHC’s Admissions Office.
- Be accepted by the Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program (DIELP) Screening Committee.
- Take the Departmental Placement Assessment Battery.
- Undergo an oral interview with DIELP Graduate Faculty.
- Receive conditional acceptance into Program of Studies.
- Conduct and present a completed action research project (Chapters 1-5).
- Establish a Doctoral Committee.
- Propose, complete, and defend the Dissertation.
THE QUALIFYING EXAMINATION
A student who has gained unconditional admission into the Ph.D. program will take the Qualifying Examination after 18 hours of coursework, 6 hours of which must be doctoral core courses. A student may take the Qualifying Examination during the semester when he/she is completing the last 9 hours of coursework that constitutes 18 hours. The student must request permission to take the Qualifying Examination through the Program Coordinator.
The Qualifying Examination consists of a few questions about executive leadership issues and/or concepts to which the student is expected to apply literature and learning from prior coursework. The total writing time is three hours. Committees of the faculty in Executive Leadership write and read the examination and judge its quality as doctoral writing. If the committee finds the responses inadequate, an oral interview with the student may be requested, or the committee may ask the student to write a second Qualifying Examination. After two unsuccessful written examinations, the graduate faculty may request the Department Chair to release the student from the doctoral program.
While the primary purposes of the Qualifying Examination are to determine whether a student appears to be capable of successfully completing doctoral study and to discontinue doubtful students at an early date, the examination also serves to identify weaknesses and strengths of a student’s preparation, permitting intelligent planning of coursework and research programs.
The Qualifying Examination should be scheduled early in the program because at least 18 semester hours of coursework must be taken and completed prior to passing this examination. Upon the reporting of successful completion of the Qualifying Examination, a student is fully admitted to the Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program (DIELP).
The Pre-Dissertation Research Project
After a student completes most of the program of coursework and all of the research-tools courses, the student writes a pre-dissertation research project and submits this work to the Program Coordinator. A Master’s degree thesis may be acceptable as the pre-dissertation research project.
The project must involve the major elements of original research, but is carried out on a scale smaller than the dissertation research project. Those elements include the posing of a research question, a review of literature on related research and concepts, the design of an inquiry process, the gathering of data, and the analysis and interpretation of data.
The General Examination
The General Examination is the culmination of a student’s program in coursework. In most cases, the remainder of time following the General Examination is devoted to concentrated work on the dissertation and preparation for the final examination (defense of the dissertation). A committee of three faculty, most appropriate for the interests of the student, is appointed to write questions for the General Examination and evaluate the student’s responses. This committee is usually the same as the doctoral defense committee.
Nature of the General Examination
The General Examination is the most comprehensive test in the program. The examination will take both written and oral forms. The written examination covers the major field (executive leadership courses) and minor or related fields when appropriate. It will be problem-oriented and will require the student to outline a procedure or course of action for real or hypothetical situations facing the executive leader. In the oral exam, the student will be asked to explain and defend positions taken in the written examination.
Purpose of the General Examination
The purpose of the general examination is to make a comprehensive assessment of the student’s learning in the doctoral program. The examination is structured to cover as many content areas as possible. Its objectives are (a) to assess the student’s knowledge in the major field of study; (b) to assess the student’s ability to synthesize, apply, and evaluate knowledge for the major field of study; (c) to assess the student’s ability to synthesize, apply, and evaluate knowledge from selected areas outside the major field of study as it relates to the major field; (d) to assess the student’s knowledge in the minor or related fields of study when appropriate; and (e) to assess the student’s ability to organize, communicate, and effectively defend ideas presented.
Eligibility for the General Examination
A doctoral student becomes eligible for the General Examination after successfully completing the pre-dissertation research project (described above) and demonstrating adequate academic and professional aptitude to his or her advisory committee. In addition, the research tools requirements should be nearing completion. The General Examination may be taken only twice.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS-Ed.D. Track COURSE REQUIREMENTS-Ph.D. Track Minimum of 94 hours beyond the Baccalaureate Degree. Unless otherwise noted, Course Requirements apply both to the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. Programs. All requirements in course blocks are minimum requirements.
THE DIELP FACULTY
Batiste, Donaldo R., Ph.D. Ditcharo, Bobbie, Ed.D.
University of New Orleans Southeastern NOVA University
Professor and Program Coordinator Visiting Professor
Becker, Thomas E., Jr., Ph.D. Douglas, Valencia F., Ed.D.
University of New Orleans Harvard University
Visiting Professor Visiting Professor
Carter-Watts, Alicia, Ed.D. Ducote, Kenneth, Ph.D.
Nova Southeastern University University of New Orleans
Visiting Professor Visiting Professor
Hill, O. Cleveland, Ed.D. Lewis, Henderson, Jr., Ph.D.
University of New Orleans Mississippi State University
Associate Professor Associate Professor
Jones, Leslie F., Ph.D. Muntean, Brooke M., Ph.D.
Louisiana State University University of New Orleans
Professor and Assessment Coordinator Associate Professor
Lee, Silas, Ph.D. Salgado, Roy, Ph.D.
University of New Orleans University of New Orleans
Visiting Professor Professor
Student Learning Outcomes of the DIELP:
Upon successful completion of the Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program, candidates will
- Apply the action research principles developed through dissertation research to solve actual problems in their relevant organizations;
- Develop access to a network of successful executives, senior managers, and effective organizations to support intellectual, professional, and career development;
- Apply and synthesize the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions required of effective executive leaders;
- Apply ethics and integrity in decision-making, especially when facing moral dilemmas; and
- Apply the principles of collegiality and collaboration in planning, goal setting, and developing a vision, mission, and philosophy for the respective organization.
Admission Procedures to University of Holy Cross
Applicants who apply to the Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership must first be admitted to the University. To be considered for admission to the University, applicants must submit the following:
- a completed official graduate application form (online application);
- official transcripts for all prior undergraduate and graduate course work;
A record of graduate-level study predictive of success in a doctoral program requires a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, ideally with a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or proof of equivalent training at a foreign university.
(Official transcripts from every institution ever attended must be submitted to the University of Holy Cross. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from each institution attended.)
- three letters of recommendation written by persons qualified to evaluate academic potential and personal and professional promise; and
- a professional resumé that highlights leadership experience
The above-listed criteria should be received by the Office of Admissions by February 15 for consideration for Summer admission.
Doctoral Program Selectivity
The above-listed criteria for admission to the University should be received by the Office of Admissions. The application is online at www.uhcno.edu and at the Office of Admissions. Applicants who meet the preliminary requirements for admission will be invited to participate in an interview process, which includes both oral and written components.
Admission to the Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership is competitive, and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
Foreign and ESL Students
A foreign or ESL (English as a Second Language) applicant must present evidence of satisfactory proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English. The applicant may do so by presenting a satisfactory score on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). A score of 550 is considered acceptable, or a score of 79 is satisfactory if the iBT (internet-based test) is taken. For information about TOEFL, the applicant is required to write to TOEFL, 1755 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036.
Letter of Good Standing
Students enrolled in graduate programs at other institutions who wish to register for transfer credit must submit a Letter of Good Standing and are not required to submit complete transcripts. The Letter of Good Standing must come from the Dean of the student's graduate school.
Course Load
To be classified as a full-time doctoral student, a student must register for at least nine (9) credit hours in a regular semester and at least six (6) credit hours in a summer term. An overload of three (3) semester hours may be approved by the Chair of the Department. However, the program of study in the Ed.D. Executive Leadership Program is based on nine (9) semester hours in all semesters, including summer semesters.
Exceptions or Special Circumstances
University of Holy Cross has determined that enrollment in one (1) or three (3) credit-hour dissertation classes only is considered equivalent to full-time for enrollment purposes and is recorded as such. The courses included in full-time enrollment are either EXL 819, EXL 802, or EXL 821. This exception is allowable only if a student has completed all other academic course requirements and is at the end of the doctoral program.
Transfer Credits
Doctoral credits from another institution may be transferred to the Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership. These courses must be verified by an official transcript from the institution where the courses were taken. Approval of all transfer credits must be obtained from the Coordinator of the Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program at University of Holy Cross and approved by the Education Department Chair.
GRADE POINT REQUIREMENTS
An overall Grade Point Average of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale is required for the maintenance of good standing in the Doctoral program. Passing grades for Doctoral students are “A” and “B.” A graduate student who earns a “C” in any course is automatically placed on probationary status, and a remediation plan is designed by the Retention Committee of the Graduate Education Faculty. The student's status is then subject to periodic review by the Graduate Education Faculty. A maximum of one grade of “C” may be applied to a program of study. Doctoral students whose semester average in course work is below 3.00 are placed on probationary status. To be removed from probationary status, the graduate student must complete nine hours with an earned grade not less than “B” and a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.00 at the end of those nine hours. If the Doctoral student on probation for falling below a 3.00 overall Grade Point Average is unable to remedy the deficient overall Grade Point Average at the end of nine semester hours of the probationary period, the student is dropped from the Doctoral Program. In order to progress to candidacy, Doctoral students must have an overall graduate GPA of at least 3.50.
Time Limit
A maximum of ten (10) years from the first semester in attendance is allowed in order to complete the requirements for the Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership. If the time limit is exceeded, the graduate student must apply for readmission to the Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership and document in writing the reason(s) for a need of extension. Readmission is an extension and does not qualify the applicant to begin anew the ten-year requirement.
Major Advisor
Each student, upon conditional admission to the Program, is assigned a major advisor. The major advisor aids the student with his or her program of study and registration. The major advisor should not be confused with the major professor, who guides the doctoral student in his or her dissertation journey. Since the major advisor may also serve as the candidate’s major professor, these roles are not mutually exclusive.
REQUIREMENTS BEYOND COURSES, EXAMINATIONS, AND THE DISSERTATION
The Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program involves a serious commitment of time and energy. Requirements for completion of the degree go far beyond completion of courses, examinations, and an action-research dissertation.
General Examination
Students must complete a general examination after all course work is completed, which is designed in collaboration with each student’s major professor. The examination is evaluated by the faculty of the Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program, and students must pass the examination in order to successfully defend their dissertation research.
Dissertation Research
Students must design an action-research study in collaboration with their major professor and dissertation committee. Once the topic of study has been approved, students prepare a dissertation proposal, consisting of the first three chapters, and then orally defend this proposal to their dissertation committee. Once a study has passed the oral defense, it is submitted to the University’s Human Subjects Protection Review Committee (HSRPRC) for approval to begin the study. Once the dissertation research is completed, the final product must again be defended orally.
Application for Graduation
The requirements for graduation, as outlined by University of Holy Cross, must be followed. Applications are available in the office of the Registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to file the Application for Graduation by the due date published in the Academic Calendar and to pay the appropriate graduation fees.
DOCTORAL PROGRAM OF STUDY
Please refer to the Doctorate. in Executive Leadership Handbook for sequencing of the required coursework.
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EXL 800A Research Core Battery I: APA Fundamentals
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EXL 800B Research Core Battery II: Intensive Writing Seminar
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EXL 800C Public Communications
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EXL 801 Applied and Action Research
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EXL 802 Leadership: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives
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EXL 803A Executive Leadership Field Experience I: Action Research
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EXL 804 Introduction to and Application of Statistical Methods in Research
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EXL 805 Change and Entrepreneurship
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EXL 806 Leadership, Forecasting, and Strategic Planning
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EXL 807 Qualitative Research Design and Writing
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EXL 808A Executive Leadership Field Experience: Strategic Planning
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EXL 809 Organizational Assessment and Evaluation
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EXL 810 Human Capital and Human Resource Management
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EXL 811 Financial Stewardship for Executive Leaders
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EXL 812 Doctoral Seminar: Critical Trends in Education, Business, and Health Care
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EXL 813 Guided Dissertation Seminar 1
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EXL 814 Policy, Law, Ethics and Social Considerations
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EXL 817 Leading Globally Diverse Organizations
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EXL 819 Guided Dissertation (A minimum of 9 hours)
EXL 820
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EXL 821
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EXL 822 Special Topics Executive Leadership (if needed)
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EXL 823 Advanced Program Evaluation (Ph.D. track)
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EXL 824 Advanced Statistical Methods in Research (Ph.D. track)
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EXL 825 Advanced Qualitative Research Design and Analysis (Ph.D. track)
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Note: Beginning Summer 2021, all courses transition from EDD to EXL to reflect the focus on knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to Executive Leadership content.
Grade Point Requirements
An overall Grade Point Average of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale is required for the maintenance of good standing in the Doctoral program. Passing grades for Doctoral students are “A” and “B.” A graduate student who earns a “C” in any course is automatically placed on probationary status, and a remediation plan is designed by the Retention Committee of the Graduate Education Faculty. The student's status is then subject to periodic review by the Graduate Education Faculty. A maximum of one grade of “C” may be applied to a program of study. Doctoral students whose semester average in course work is below 3.00 are placed on probationary status. To be removed from probationary status, the graduate student must complete nine hours with an earned grade not less than “B” and a cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.00 at the end of those nine hours. If the Doctoral student on probation for falling below a 3.00 overall Grade Point Average is unable to remedy the deficient overall Grade Point Average at the end of nine semester hours of the probationary period, the student is dropped from the Doctoral Program. In order to progress to candidacy, Doctoral students must have an overall graduate GPA of at least 3.50.
Procedures for Dismissal for Other Than Academic Reasons
In addition to terminating students for academic failure, students may be dismissed for ethical violations and/or personal unsuitability for the profession.
Time Limit
A maximum of ten (10) years from the first semester in attendance is allowed in order to complete the requirements for the Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership. If the time limit is exceeded, the graduate student must apply for readmission to the Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership and document in writing the reason(s) for a need of extension. Readmission is an extension and does not qualify the applicant to begin anew the ten-year requirement.
Major Advisor
Each student, upon conditional admission to the Program, is assigned a major advisor. The major advisor aids the student with his or her program of study and registration. The major advisor should not be confused with the major professor, who guides the doctoral student in his or her dissertation journey. Since the major advisor may also serve as the candidate’s major professor, these roles are not mutually exclusive.
Requirements Beyond Courses, Examinations, and the Dissertation
The Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program involves a serious commitment of time and energy. Requirements for completion of the degree go far beyond completion of courses, examinations, and an action-research dissertation.
General Examination
Students must complete a general examination after all course work is completed, which is designed in collaboration with each student’s major professor. The examination is evaluated by the faculty of the Doctorate in Executive Leadership Program, and students must pass the examination in order to successfully defend their dissertation research.
Dissertation Research
Students must design an action-research study in collaboration with their major professor and dissertation committee. Once the topic of study has been approved, students prepare a dissertation proposal, consisting of the first three chapters, and then orally defend this proposal to their dissertation committee. Once a study has passed the oral defense, it is submitted to the University’s Human Subjects Protection Review Committee (HSRPRC) for approval to begin the study. Once the dissertation research is completed, the final product must again be defended orally.
Application for Graduation
The requirements for graduation, as outlined by University of Holy Cross, must be followed. Applications are available in the office of the Registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to file the Application for Graduation by the due date published in the Academic Calendar and to pay the appropriate graduation fees.
Doctoral Program of Study
Please refer to the Ed.D. in Executive Leadership Handbook for sequencing of the required coursework.
Required
EDD 819: A minimum of 9 hours