Introduction

The Doctor of Education in Leadership, Learning, and Educational Change program is dedicated to fostering the development of innovative, insightful, and impactful leaders in education. Through an interdisciplinary and flexible curriculum, the program aims to cultivate educators who are not only adept in their field but are also equipped with the skills to challenge existing paradigms, advocate for equitable practices, and lead transformative change in various educational settings. Emphasizing a global perspective, the program encourages intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to addressing contemporary educational challenges through research-informed practice. 

Graduates of the Missouri State University Doctor of Education in Leadership, Learning and Educational Change program will be able to:

1. Critically analyze and evaluate educational practices and paradigms, using research-informed insights to propose and justify strategies for transformative change within educational systems.
2. Apply interdisciplinary knowledge to design and implement equitable solutions to specific, complex problems of practice, with a focus on promoting social justice and ethical leadership.
3. Design, implement, and assess inclusive educational policies and practices that address the diverse needs of learners across global contexts, providing evidence of effectiveness.
4. Lead and document collaborative efforts that build partnerships and engage diverse communities, demonstrating effective communication and shared decision-making strategies.
5. Integrate theoretical frameworks with practical experience to develop and present new knowledge and innovative approaches for driving educational change.
6. Formulate and investigate inquiry-based research questions related to contemporary educational challenges, gathering and analyzing data to support evidence-based solutions.
7. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and continuous learning by producing reflective work or artifacts that incorporate a global perspective in addressing educational challenges.
8. Develop and lead initiatives that implement transformative changes in educational organizations, demonstrating measurable impact on equity and learning environments.
9. Contribute to a cohort-based learning environment by actively engaging in collaborative projects, providing feedback, and demonstrating professional growth through peer interactions.
10. Complete a Dissertation in Practice that addresses a specific, contextualized problem of practice, demonstrating how the proposed solution contributes to positive educational outcomes.

We envision a cohort that embodies intellectual curiosity, cultural humility, and resilience. Our students will be diverse professionals from various educational backgrounds, driven by a commitment to equity, innovative thinking, and collaborative leadership. They will be adaptable intellectuals, eager to engage with complex societal challenges and to learn continuously from differing perspectives. Our ideal candidates are not only academically excellent but also bring rich experiences that enhance collective knowledge and foster transformative experiences for all.

Our mission is to cultivate a community of scholars who are perpetual learners and innovative leaders, committed to advancing knowledge through rigorous research and interdisciplinary inquiry. We aim to empower our graduates to promote equity and drive educational transformation, equipping them with strong communication skills to inspire and effect sustainable change. Graduates will be recognized for their intellectual and cultural competence, prepared to address complex challenges and to advocate effectively for the disenfranchised within the global educational landscape.