Collaborative Doctoral Program with UNT to Begin this Fall
Education

Collaborative Doctoral Program with UNT to Begin this Fall

  • 15 August 2013
  • 2 min read

Midwestern State University and the Wichita Falls Independent School District are pleased to announce a collaborative doctoral program with the University of North Texas. The program at Midwestern State University is an extension of UNT's existing doctoral program in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.).

The degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in positions that provide direct leadership to educational institutions including school principal, district administration, district superintendent, and private school director. An initial survey of district employees indicates that 45 teachers and staff are interested in pursuing an Ed.D in Educational Administration.

 "Our strongest support for the program comes from principals in our region, particularly the Wichita Falls ISD," said Dr. Matthew Capps, Dean of the West College of Education at MSU. "This is the fourth such opportunity we have had to work with the University of North Texas to ease the burden of travel for educators interested in pursuing doctoral study."

An initial cohort of 12-14 students is scheduled to begin this fall. The 60-hour program will provide six courses per calendar year with most courses offered on the MSU campus. One summer institute and one class each spring will be offered on the UNT campus. The spring class will be offered in a blended format.

"One of our goals as a district is to attract, develop and retain high-performing employees.  As a part of the staff development process, we want to identify and train our future leaders," said Dr. John Frossard, Superintendent of Wichita Falls ISD.

Five faculty members from UNT will be assigned to serve as major professors to the initial cohort. In addition, Capps, Dr. Jane Owen, Dr. Jeff Blacklock, Dr. Keith Lamb, and Dr. Suzanne Lindt from MSU along with the WFISD's Dr. Tim Powers will serve in teaching roles. Capps and Dr. Bill Camp, professor of Teacher Education and Administration at UNT, will oversee the administration of the program.

Students enrolled in the program will have access to MSU and UNT library and media services, augmented by internet access to UNT's collection and interlibrary loan services.

For more information about the program, contact the Gordon T. and Ellen West College of Education at Midwestern State University at (940) 397-4313.