Doctor of Education Core Courses

EDUO 800: Academic Residency Methods of Inquiry
(3 credit hours, Year 1: 3 credit hours, Year 2; 6 credits total)

Student pursuing a doctoral degree are required to complete two academic residencies, with each being two weeks in duration in residence on the Winona State University Winona campus. The goal of this on campus experience is to develop academic scholars with advanced skills in methods of inquiry and it is integral to acquiring deeper practice-scholar competencies the skills and dispositions of education. Each 6 credit residency provides an in-depth, customized experience specific to the pursuit of the education doctorate, and the opportunity to extend and refine knowledge & skills acquired in the curriculum. Students may participate in learning experiences that include a focus on theory development, action research, policy development, organizational administration, and advanced clinical practice, in the emphasis area.

EDUO 801: Current Trends and Issues in Education (3)

This course examines current and emerging issues and trends in education that have the potential to influence the future direction of education. Emphasis will be placed on research and analysis of organizational practices related to improving learner outcomes. Students will be able to identify and analyze issues and trends such as changing national standards, school policy, culture and diversity, technology and instructional learning, school choice, educator compensation and school reform.

EDUO 802: Transforming Education through Technology (3)

This course explores technology tools, applications, media, and environments in education, to stimulate positive changes in education. It also examines how educators can increase productivity by using technology to accomplish 21st century learning objectives for communication, collaboration and creativity among colleagues, staff, parents, students, and the larger community. Students will examine the benefits and possible drawbacks of technology use and learn how to integrate technology effectively achieving education outcomes. Students will also have the opportunity to learn how to incorporate the latest technology and software into the curriculum to support learning.

EDUO 803: Multiple Perspectives of Teaching and Learning (3)

This course is intended to assist online learners to better understand educational practices leading to students’ success in today’s global society. Current issues at the individual, classroom, school system, community, and national levels will be evaluated using educational theories and related perspectives. The course materials and activities will assist online learners with identifying and evaluating the pedagogical, curricular, administrative, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors impacting quality education for 21st century students. Online learners will have opportunities to reflect on their current educational practices through critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration with the instructor and peers. This course provides the foundation for online learners to better conceptualize ways to positively impact educational policies and practices as future leaders.

EDUO 804: Policy, Politics, and Change in Education (3)

This course explores policy and politics affecting national, state and local educational issues. Through this course, Ed.D students will critically review current policy issues and policy decisions made at the district, state and federal levels that affect what happens in classrooms and educational organizations. The major emphasis throughout the course will be on methods of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating policy issues in terms of relevance for the continued improvement and development of education institutions, programs, and services.

EDUO 805: Multicultural Perspectives in Community and Educational Practice (3)

This course explores the complex issues of diversity, equity and multicultural educational issues. Students will engage in analysis of structural issues involved with power, poverty and privilege and how these issues affect learner outcomes. Through the study of research and theory, students will acquire the skills and dispositions needed to build cross-cultural relationships across multiple constituents with the goal of improving student performance, promoting social justice and creating educational equity.

EDUO Research Courses

EDUO 808: Program Evaluation (3)

This course will provide an introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of program evaluation in education and other institutional settings. Numerous evaluation models will be examined. The focus of the course is on critical analysis and understanding various research design frameworks as applied to educational and related settings. Emphasis area include program evaluation principles, research design models, and critical analysis

EDUO 810: Qualitative Research Methods (3) 

This purpose of this course is to introduce and equip students to the methods and practice of qualitative research in the field of education. Upon completing the course, students will be able to locate, understand, evaluate, interpret, and perform qualitative educational research and use these skills to identify possible research projects.


EDUO 811: Quantitative Research Methods (3)

The purpose of this course is to introduce quantitative research approach along with different types of variables, fundamental statistical concepts and procedures, and different types of quantitative research designs and methodologies. The primary course objective of this course is to help doctoral students to prepare for a dissertation proposal by using quantitative research designs and methodologies. A dissertation proposal will include (1) the introduction (2) the review of the literature and hypotheses and (3) the design and methods.


EDUO 898: Dissertation Research Seminar (3)

Dissertation Research Seminar deals with both the theoretical and practical aspects of designing dissertation research and successfully defending the selected research design. This course assists doctoral students in the preparation of a dissertation proposal and facilitates the transition from course work to dissertation writing. This course reviews dissertation proposal components, with particular emphasis on research design, theoretical framework and developing the literature review, the course also focuses on key issues such as dissertation format standards and publication requirements.

EDUO 899: Dissertation
(12; continuous enrollment required until successful oral defense of the dissertation)

This course is designed for candidates who are preparing a doctoral dissertation. This course must be repeated until the dissertation is complete. The preparation of the dissertation should begin early in the program and evolve over the course of study. The dissertation should reflect high-level analytical and research competence, and represent an original contribution to the field. The dissertation constitutes the final phase of the program. The first semester after completion of program coursework, students must register for Dissertation Research. Dissertation Research is a variable credit course and students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation.

Area of Emphasis Courses (12 Credits)

Students will work with the academic advisor in customizing the desired specialization area consisting of twelve credit hours to support the development of their area of expertise.