Evangel University Successfully Launches First Doctoral Program

Evangel University launched its first doctoral program during the fall 2014 semester, offering an Ed.D. of Educational Leadership in Curriculum & Instruction.
 
"The focus of this program is on training educators for the emergence of instructional technology," said Dr. Colleen Hardy, education department chair. "In all coursework, use of technology as an instructional tool is emphasized and articulated."
 
Evangel's new Ed.D. program is approved by the Higher Learning Commission and requires 48 hours beyond a master's in education. It uses the cohort model with a blended delivery of courses — one online and one seated course per semester.
 
According to Hardy, the new program is designed with working professionals in mind.
 
"We want to help teachers and administrators do their current jobs more effectively, as well as prepare them for future leadership positions," she said.
 
There are 15 students participating in the first cohort, and the program is expected to take three years to complete.
 
"This program is built around practical, job-related issues in the field of education," said Dr. Gordon Pace, gradate education.
 
With an emphasis in curriculum and instruction, the degree would provide the education and training for an individual to be a curriculum specialist, an assessment officer, a secondary level department chair, lead administrator in a K-12 school district, or a university professor.
 
Funds provided by a Cargill Foundation Grant were allocated to develop and launch the Ed.D.
 
"Although doctoral programs are offered through our embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, the education department is the first Evangel University academic department to provide bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees," said Hardy.
 
"Through coursework and a comprehensive assessment system, we are focused on developing competent, caring and committed educators who will shape the future," she said.
 
To learn more about Evangel's graduate programs, contact Dr. Matt Stringer at (417) 865-2811, ext. 8563 or [email protected].