Program Description
As the world changes with dramatic demographic shifts, the field of occupational therapy is becoming more complex.
Strengthen your professional skills and learn to diversify your practice to make a lasting impact for future generations with the online Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership for Changing Populations from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Created for individuals who have earned a master's in occupational therapy, the online Ph.D. program with an Occupational Therapy focused track utilizes a curriculum firmly focused on leadership for changing populations and delivers the expert knowledge needed to become a leader for change in the occupational therapy field. This program also delivers the expertise needed to become an occupational therapy administrator or educator, plus the advanced skills to transform your career into a position of leadership with diverse professional capabilities.
*Students may transfer 9 credits to the program from previous coursework in occupational therapy from a master’s or doctoral program.
- 100% online coursework with no residency requirement
- Affordable tuition and values-based curriculum
- Rolling admission and multiple start dates
- One weekend on campus for comprehensive exams
Potential Careers
- University administrator
- Dean
- Education researcher
- College professor
- Clinical leadership
- Consultant
- Occupational therapy administrator
- Occupational therapist
Courses
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- EDU-697 Language and Intercultural Communication for Changing Populations (3)
- EDU-715 Educator as a Change Leader (3)
- EDU-772 Changing Populations in Historical Perspective (3)
- EDU-775 Democracy and Education: Three Philosophical Perspective (3)
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- EDU-802 Organization and Governance in Higher Education (3)
- EDU-803 Assessment, Evaluation, and Accreditation (3)
- EDU-804 Finance, Philanthropy, Budget, and the Strategic Planning Process in Higher Education (3)
- EDU-805 Curriculum Development for Changing Populations (3)
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- EDU-695 Research Design (3)
- EDU-701 Methods of Quantitative Research (3)
- EDU-703 Methods of Qualitative Research (3)
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- EDU-705 Dissertation Seminar (3)
- EDU-706 Dissertation Methodology (3)
- EDU-801 Dissertation (6)
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Prior to undertaking the dissertation, candidates must pass oral and written comprehensive examinations demonstrating knowledge both of the broad conceptual and procedural aspects of instruction for changing populations and in-depth knowledge in the area of specialization in which the candidate proposes to undertake the investigations that will result in the doctoral dissertation.
The exams require students to write essay answers demonstrating proficiency in writing, critical thinking, and holistic perspectives, and to demonstrate their ability to articulate their perceived roles as agents of change in education.
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The dissertation is the culmination of the candidate’s doctoral studies. In this extensive work of original and independent research, the candidate addresses a problem or issue relevant to education, conducts research that is quantitative or qualitative (depending on the chosen subject), and develops a dissertation that adds to knowledge in the field. After identifying the research topic and receiving approval from the dean of education, the candidate works closely with a dissertation advisor to complete each stage of the dissertation process. The candidate defends the dissertation before a committee formed by the dean of education in consultation with the advisor and the candidate. The committee includes faculty from the School of Education, and if relevant to the student’s research topic, the committee may include a faculty member from a complementary discipline.
Admissions Requirements
- Completed Ph.D. application
- Official transcript(s) – Please provide all official transcripts from undergraduate, graduate and/or community college coursework. Students with degrees from universities outside of the United States should submit an official translated transcript. For information about a World Education Services (WES) course by course evaluation, please visit wes.org.
- Two letters of recommendation (see recommendation forms)
- Personal statement
- GRE or Miller Analogy Test scores (if needed – please consult with your enrollment manager)
Tuition And Financial Aid
- Tuition: $575 per credit
- Registration/Technology Fee (nonrefundable): $185 per term
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