Today’s careers rarely fit neatly within one discipline. A school superintendent may need expertise in leadership, technology and workforce development. A healthcare leader might draw from public health, instructional design and organizational psychology.
Yet, traditional doctoral programs often require professionals to pursue their interests within a single field. For experienced leaders whose work crosses those academic boundaries, that structure may not reflect the complexity of their careers or the problems they want to solve.
Old Dominion University’s new Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Interdisciplinary Studies for Professionals offers another path. The program allows students to build personalized courses of study that combine graduate coursework in education with doctoral coursework from across the University, resulting in degrees shaped around their professional experience, goals and interests.
“This new doctoral program empowers experienced professionals who are ready to expand their leadership, deepen their expertise and make a greater impact in their careers and communities,” said Tammi Dice, Ph.D. (B.S. ’96, M.S.Ed. ’00), dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. “We are excited to support these life-long learners as they explore their personalized curriculum that aligns with their goals and needs in a rapidly evolving workforce.”
Housed within the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, the program is Old Dominion University’s latest effort to create new educational opportunities for professionals at the forefront of their fields. It follows the launch of other innovative offerings, including the University’s new Ph.D. in cybersecurity. The Darden College of Education and Professional Studies helps students and professionals take their knowledge, skills and talents to the next level — evident through its mission to prepare students for impactful careers.
“This is really for someone who already has exceptional professional expertise and is looking for something to continue their trajectory,” said Maggie Barber, Ed.D., director of workforce development and assessment in The Center for Educational Partnerships.
Previously, as associate dean for academic programs and assessment in the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Dr. Barber shepherded the new curriculum through approvals to meet the needs of these professionals.
All students in the program will take core education classes to gain experience in qualitative and quantitative research. Most of the remaining curriculum will be developed in collaboration with program advisors across the University, based on the student’s professional experience and goals.
For example, a leader at a nonprofit may want to earn a doctorate to facilitate professional growth and highlight expertise but find that a traditional Ph.D. program does not meet their needs. A nonprofit or healthcare leader could create a course of study that prepares them to continue making an impact in their field and community.
The program reflects Old Dominion University’s commitment to lifelong learning. As the workforce evolves, new degree pathways prepare students to make an impact in their professions and communities.
Learn more about the program online.