Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology

Qualifying Course Descriptions

EDU 602 PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF EDUCATION
4 Semester Units

This course provides an overview of the dominant philosophical perspectives which have framed the evolution of education, from the time of Plato, to the present day.  The major philosophers throughout history have included the nature and purpose of education in their writings.  This course illustrates the historical, social, cultural, and educational contexts of the most prominent of those writings, and discusses their implications for the evolution of education over the last 2,500 years.

EDU 610 LEARNING THEORY
4 Semester Units

This course examines theories of learning and the functions of the human brain which have evolved over the past century.  Information processing, memory, conditioning, motivation, developmental characteristics, transfer, problem-solving, social aspects of learning, and classroom applications are covered in a comprehensive overview.

EDU 614 HISTORY OF EDUCATION
4 Semester Units

This course provides an overview of the history of American education, including the most important persons, dates, events, and movements that shaped the nation’s system of education. Students are introduced to historical research through engaging historical studies. The basic concepts and theories that underlie current educational practice are presented in comprehensive form. Also included is treatment of new educational delivery systems such as distance learning, online resources, computer based research and emerging educational technologies as well as international and global influences and trends in education.

Core Course Descriptions

EDU 618 ANALYSIS OF CURRENT ISSUES IN EDUCATION
4 Semester Units

This course provides the student with an opportunity to examine controversial topics in education such as finance, zero tolerance school discipline, and school reform. Emphasis is placed on uncovering the underlying the social and ideological philosophies that lie below the surface of each issue.

EDU 621 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR AND ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP
4 Semester Units

This course relates the study of organizational behavior and how it impacts educational leadership and how leaders can embrace the challenge of effective school reform. The course encompasses the paradigms of the evolution of educational thought, organizational theory, human capital and decision-making that educational leaders face in a hypercompetitive global educational environment.

EDU 591 PUBLIC POLICY
3 Semester Units

This course reviews educational policy from a micro and macro perspective.  It reviews the general concepts of public policy, and looks at the socioeconomic context of the school, as it relates to economics, demographics, politics, culture and values.  It also analyzes the policy process, the key players, and the typical issues involved, as well as a historical perspective to aid in understanding the current education reform climate.

EDU 592 LEGAL ASPECTS OF EDUCATION
3 Semester Units

This comprehensive course explores the legal aspects of education. It emphasizes a variety of school law issues faced by school administrators today and expands on the legal implications of recognizing diversity in a multi-cultural society. Emphasis is placed on areas of school law that are most likely to be used by school administrators.

EDU 652 EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
4 Semester Units

A required course completed by all Doctoral students to prepare them for the development and writing of a Proposal and Dissertation. The course presents a balanced presentation of quantitative and qualitative research. It examines the fundamental issues of research so that students learn how to begin to conduct research as well as to read and evaluate research studies. By using the concepts and research techniques presented in this course, students and faculty will work together to develop the student’s knowledge of the Dissertation process.

Specialization Course Descriptions

EDU 624 GROUP DYNAMICS
4 Semester Units

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of theory and research related to group dynamics. It begins with an examination of the current theory and research findings needed in order to make groups function effectively and provides exercises to practice the skills required to apply that knowledge in practical situations. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the integration of knowledge and skills toward the goal of developing expertise in working with groups. This course provides a balanced approach to group dynamics and focuses on the characteristic dynamics found in virtually all groups and in all walks of life.

EDU 640 MOTIVATION AND LEARNING
4 Semester Units

This course is designed as an overview of motivational research in psychology and education. The course focuses specifically on different theories of motivation, and how classroom, school, work, and social environments shape and influence individuals’ motivation. Students explore what motivates students to learn, and examine strategies, techniques and interventions that promote and sustain learner motivation.

EDU 646 EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT
4 Semester Units

This course will focus on five major concepts – Objectivity, Standardization, Reliability, Validity and Score Reporting. How these major concepts are applied in major domains of testing and by specific major commercially available tests will also be reviewed.

EDU 649 ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
4 Semester Units

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the concepts and theories of psychology related to instructional practice and offers a wide variety of classroom strategies to help students of all ages succeed in the classroom. The course focuses on aspects of psychology such as thinking, learning, human development, motivation, and assessment that have particular relevance to classroom practice. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the use of research evidence in planning, implementing, and assessing instruction.

Comprehensive Examination Description

EDU 687 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
2 Semester Units

Candidates will complete a written Comprehensive Examination.  This final requirement will be in the form of an essay examination, based upon major areas of education.  Students are asked to integrate course information, professional experience and outside source materials into a comprehensive framework, reflecting their accumulated knowledge in the field of education.

Research and Dissertation Phase Descriptions

GRM 712 PROPOSAL

This course focuses on the preparation of research. This includes conceptual tools, techniques for conducting scientific research, evaluation of the value of research proposals and planning and executing research projects. The student will learn how to organize knowledge within his/her field for presentation in a standardized, scholarly fashion. This course requires that the student present an acceptable proposal for review and analysis in lieu of a final course examination.

GRM 715 DISSERTATION AND ORAL DEFENSE
12 Semester Units

The Proposal (GRM 712) must be successfully completed and approved before a student is permitted to begin work on this course. The candidate will develop and compile an original work, demonstrating ability to add to the body of knowledge in his or her field for presentation to and acceptance by the University. After the student’s Dissertation is approved and bound, the candidate is responsible for appearing before their Dissertation Committee in person for the purpose of orally responding to committee member questions as they pertain to the candidate’s Dissertation.