In addition to course work that emphasizes the study of leadership, theory, ethics, technology and organizations, program evaluation and research methodologies, the Ph.D. program provides opportunities for development as a research scholar with a research intensive apprenticeship experience. In the final year of the program, Ph.D. students work closely with their faculty mentors in an apprenticeship. While focused on enhancing and expanding the Ph.D. student’s research skills and knowledge, faculty mentors work with their mentees to identify and design apprenticeship activities based on the Ph.D. student’s professional goals and discipline. Some examples of apprenticeship activities include curriculum development, grant writing, conference proposals and presentations, writing for publication, teaching, learning advanced research methods not covered in the program’s four research courses, and leading workshops on topics related to the student’s expertise.
Developed for working professionals, courses are held in a weekend format on Drake University’s campus, so you can continue to work full time. The program is a minimum of 54 credits with no transfer credits accepted. Students must graduate with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Course | Credits |
DOC 301 - Doctoral Seminar | 3 |
DOC 302 - Doctoral Seminar (Ethics, Diversity, and Leadership) | 3 |
DOC 305 - Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
DOC 306 - Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
DOC 345 - Advanced Leadership | 3 |
DOC 350 - Philosophies and Epistemologies in Education | 3 |
DOC 360 - Technology and Organizational Leadership | 3 |
DOC 370 - Program Evaluation and Assessment | 3 |
DOC 380 - Doctoral Apprenticeship (with advisor) | 9 |
DOC 390 - Dissertation Seminar | 3 |
DOC 395 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
DOC 396 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
DOC 399 - Dissertation | 12 |
*Students enroll for 1 credit of DOC 399 each semester until | |
dissertation is complete. |
All courses in each of the doctoral programs are taken as a cohort. Cohorts begin each fall.
In order to complete the application process, submit the following:
Online application materials will automatically be forwarded to the School of Education. Please mail transcripts and test scores to:
Coordinator of Graduate Admission
Drake University School of Education
2702 Forest Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
In addition to the above items, those applying to the Ph.D. program will need to submit a 1-2 page essay explaining their research interests and reasons for pursuing a research intensive degree.
The information in this catalog does not constitute a contract between the university and the student. The university reserves the right to make changes in curricula, admission policies and processes, tuition and financial aid, academic standards and guidelines, student services and any other regulations or policies set forth in this catalog without giving prior notice.