Course Descriptions

Leadership Courses

ADL 705 Theories of Leadership (3)

Describes theories of leadership, studies the relationship between leadership style and organizational change, and examines the implementation process of a leader's vision.

ADL 737 Information Technology Administration (3)

Explores the leadership and administration role in the implementation and management of information technology within a professional organization.

ADL 745 Organizational Change (3)

Explores organizational theories and development from a leadership perspective with a focus on change within organizations, groups, and individuals.

One of the following:

ADL 720 History of Education (3)

This course provides a holistic approach and comprehensive "map" of education - from its rudimentary elements in the Fertile Crescent , to medieval societies, to the cybernetics revolution of our present day. Emphasis is given to the historiography of education in several contexts.

ADL 730 Sociology of Education (3)

This course examines the school and university systems as well as other educational organizations, from a social and cultural perspective. Issues related to social, economic, and demographic changes are emphasized.

ADL 739 Ethical Issues in Leadership (3)

This course provides ethical frameworks and components in leadership experiences in both education systems and public service organizations. It provides opportunities to interpret, apply, and evaluate theoretical frameworks, resources for choices, and impacts of decisions.

Research

HSE 703 Philosophy of Science and Theory Development (3)

A critical analysis of philosophy of science and epistemology as applicable to theory development in the human science disciplines.

HSE 705 Qualitative Methods of Inquiry (3)

A critical analysis of qualitative methods of inquiry for the human sciences to facilitate the understanding of the aims, processes, and outcomes of these methods. Prerequisite: HSE 703.

HSE 707 Quantitative Methods of Inquiry (3)

Examines advanced competencies to conceptualize, design, execute, analyze, report and publish quantitative research that delivers new and useful knowledge. Balances its presentations of research theory and computer-based tools with applications to real world problems. Prerequisite: HSE 703.

One of the following:

HSE 706 Advanced Qualitative Inquiry (3)

Seminar discussions of qualitative readings to facilitate an advanced understanding of the qualitative perspective in nursing, education, and social work research. This course is specifically designed to assist students in particular methods for research and practice implications. In depth analysis distinguishes this course from first qualitative course. Prerequisite: HSE 705.

or

HSE 708 Advanced Quantitative Inquiry (3)

Builds on principles of measurement, design and sampling presented in HSE 707. Students learn to code, organize, reduce, and analyze quantitative data, and to interpret and report results. Emphasis on a variety of common statistical procedures, the assumptions underlying each, and the criteria for selecting them. Prerequisite: HSE 707.

ESE Specialization

ESE 770 School Law and the Exceptional Education Student (3)

Designed to provide in-depth information about the laws pertaining to exceptional student education and their appropriate application. Students become familiar with the necessary competencies in dealing with federal and state laws as they pertain to persons with disabilities.

ESE 785 Future Trends and Issues in Exceptional Student Education

Explores and analyzes divergent perspectives about current and future trends and issues in Exceptional Student Education, including innovative programs, inclusion, placement, labeling, future funding, and controversial issues with regard to the effectiveness of Special Education.

ESE 795 Administration and Supervision of Exceptional Student Education Programs

Designed to develop knowledge and mastery of competencies necessary in special education administration. Focuses on the administrative roles in the organization and operation of exceptional education programs as well as management issues in the delivery of effective programs, while emphasizing the administrator's ability to work in inclusive settings.

One of the following:

ESE 775E Seminar in Learning Disabilities, or
ESE 775F Seminar in Mental Retardation, or
ESE 775G Seminar in Emotional Handicaps, or
ESE 775H Seminar in Giftedness

Focuses on advanced theory and research in exceptional student education. Investigates advanced work in social and psychological research about persons with learning disabilities and/or mental retardation and/or emotional handicaps, and/or giftedness. Students focus on advanced theory and research in their area of expertise.

Electives: Four elective courses in ESE.

Dissertation Courses

ESE 798 Dissertation Seminar
ESE 799 Dissertation
ADL 800 Continuous Enrollment

Note: This program may be slightly different for students interested in becoming certified in Educational Leadership. These students take all the courses required for certification in Leadership under the Leadership and Elective courses categories. The courses in the Research, ESE Specialization, and Dissertation categories are the same as those specified in the above program.