Carey to offer doctor of education degree
William Carey University is expanding its degree options.
In November, the university's School of Education will offer the doctor of education (Ed.D.) in educational leadership K-12 — pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ben Burnett, Carey's School of Education dean, said he expects 40 to 50 students to enroll in the inaugural program.
"There's a need for people to lead schools to the next level," said Burnett, who added the doctor of education is not only for administrators.
"Classroom teachers or lead teachers can benefit from this program, it's not just for those seeking administrative positions. The degree can equip teachers to do a better job."
Dr. Liesa Weaver, chairwoman of Carey's Department of Educational Leadership, said there has been an overwhelming response to the announcement.
"We have a wide variety of prospective students interested, ranging from an author of children's books to superintendents to classroom teachers," she said.
The degree is offered primarily in an online format with 61 required course hours, including the dissertation, Burnett said. Candidates with a master's degree must complete all 61 course hours, but those with a specialist of education (Ed.S.) degree can complete the program with 31 hours.
The Ed.S. is an advanced degree between a master's and doctoral degree with a focus on elementary education. When complete, teachers can add a triple A certification to their educator licensure. A bachelor's degree is a single A certification; a master's is a double A; and a doctorate is a four A certification.
In fall 2014, Carey started an Ed.S. program, and Burnett said some students from that program have expressed an interest in the doctoral program.
Educators with an Ed.S. degree can complete the program in six to eight trimesters, Burnett said. Those with master's degrees can earn their doctorate in about three years.
Cost of the specialist degree is $340 per credit hour, however the doctoral credit hour charge is being set now, Burnett said.
One of those Ed.S. students — Leslie Provost — plans to enroll in the doctoral program once she earns her specialist degree in instructional leadership.
"My career goal is to supervise public and private student-teachers statewide," said Provost, who taught in Jones County School District for more than 20 years and is an adjunct professor at Carey. "The announcement of the new doctorate degree has really boosted the program."
She said the online format is very accommodating, and the support students receive at Carey helps.
"I can put on my sweatpants anytime that is convenient for me and do classwork," she said. "With the program, you take two five-week classes during a trimester, so you get your classes done and earn your degree quicker."
She added the Ed.S. and doctoral programs can be beneficial to anyone in a leadership position — not just educators.
"They work to prepare students to become productive and successful leaders in any workplace," Provost, 53, said. "I would encourage anyone, no matter what their age, in a management position to enroll in the classes here."
At a glance
William Carey University's School of Education will offer the doctor of education in educational leadership K-12 beginning in November.
The degree is offered primarily in an online format with 61 required course hours, including the dissertation.
The School of Education also offers a specialist of education degree with a concentration on educational leadership that can lead directly into the new doctoral degree. In addition to the new doctorate, the School of Education offers an Ed.D. or doctor of philosophy in higher education administration, five Ed.S. concentrations, the master of education with 15 concentrations and numerous undergraduate education programs.
For more information, contact Liesa Weaver, assistant professor of education and chair of educational leadership, at lweaver@wmcarey.edu or (601) 316-6600.