Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership

Iowa State University

The School of Education at Iowa State University offers a Doctor in Education (Ed.D.) with an emphasis in Community College Leadership. The program is designed to prepare transformational community college leaders. This program prepares students to become leaders in community colleges, state departments of education, and other community college-related educational organizations. New students are admitted to start every summer (mid-May). The program includes two years of cohort-based coursework, followed by a dissertation in practice. This dissertation involves empirical inquiry to address complex problems in the field. Students also gain a deep understanding of the position of the community college within the P-20 schooling continuum through a core curriculum that explores the foundations and inter-relationships of the education spectrum. Designed for working professionals, the program offers a hybrid format with limited in-person classes combined with synchronous and asynchronous online learning. The cohort model encourages the development of professional networks and dialogue among emerging leaders. The hybrid format ensures that students can balance their professional commitments with their academic pursuits. Students will convene with their cohort and faculty on campus twice a semester for a Friday-Saturday course session (6 times per year).

School of Education