Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy
Community College Leadership Program (EdD)
Director's Welcome
On behalf of the faculty and staff, I welcome your inquiries about this progressive and dynamic program. The Community College Leadership Program began with a single cohort of nineteen scholars in 1998. Now, more than twenty years later, there have been cohorts in excess of 60. We are as primed, determined, and focused as ever! It is no surprise that more than 200 doctoral degrees have been awarded since the inception of the program. Our scholars are professional people who are working, full-time while pursuing their degree. We have graduates serving in all levels of the organizational structure.
The Community College Leadership Program will reach a milestone in 2023- 25 years of educating the next generation of community college leaders.
As you can see, there is much to be excited about – and much for you to do! Contact us today to get started on your journey toward a successful career as a 21st century community college leader.
Dr. Myrtle Dorsey, PhD
Objective
The degree program leading to a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Community College Leadership is designed to prepare students for senior level leadership roles and professorial positions within the community college setting. This intense program of study focuses on training professionals for the unique situations encountered by senior administrators and faculty serving in community colleges. In addition, a major emphasis of the program is to support and inspire research that is relevant to contemporary issues and concerns of the nation's 21st century community colleges.
Program Foundation
The degree pathway offers students a stimulating and highly structured program of study. It is designed for working professionals who are committed to attaining a Doctor of Education degree. Morgan's mission is to serve a multiethnic and multiracial student body and to help ensure that the benefits of higher education are enjoyed by a broad segment of the population. To help fulfill the university's mission, our esteemed faculty prepare students to emerge from the program equipped to handle the unique and diverse leadership challenges associated with leading and teaching in the 21st century community college. This pathway is based on the belief that community college leadership requires the following specific knowledge base and competencies (American Association of Community Colleges, 2022):
Institutional and Cultural Awareness
Governance, Local, State, and Federal Policy
Student Success
Leadership
Institutional Transformation
Advocacy
Partnerships and Collaboration
Communication
Educational Learning and Cohort Model
The Educational Leadership Learning and Cohort Model used in the program creates an environment that prepares students to take advantage of many professional opportunities available in the nation's community colleges. Throughout the program of study, the learner investigates and works on issues relevant to community college leadership and instruction. Students work collaboratively in teams to research trends and issues that will aid in the resolution of problems relating to community colleges.
Institutional and Cultural Awareness
- Embraces the mission, vision, and values of the community college.
- Respects and values the institution's past and present, always with any eye toward the future.
- Actively focuses on ways to eliminate structural bias in the institution's design so that all students, regardless of their personal circumstances, have the resources that they need to achieve their educational goals
Governance, Local, State, and Federal Policy
- Knowledgable about how the institution works, as well as local, state, and federal policies and how they impact student success.
Student Success
- Supports student access and success by meeting the students wherever they are so they can achieve their educational goals.
Leadership
- Understands that employee success depends on harnessing individual leadership skills and working as part of a team.
Institutional Transformation
- Understands the importance of implementing profound change within the institution that has significant impact on the communities that the institution serve.
Advocacy
- Understands and embraces the role of champion with regard to public and government relations advocacy and mobilization of stakeholders to support community college core values.
Partnerships and Collaboration
- Cultivates partnerships by investing time in mutually beneficial, ethical relationships where collaboration supports student success
Communication
- Demonstrates effectual communication skills
Graduate Tuition
For graduate tuition information, please click on the following link: Tuition & Fees
Admissions and Financial Aid
For inquiries about the graduate admissions process and/or graduate funding, click on the following link: School of Graduate Studies
Are the courses offered online as well as face-to-face?
Both the Community College Leadership doctoral degree pathway and the Community College Master of Education in Administration and Instruction degree pathway, are offered online utilizing the Canvas learning management system. The programs also offer traditional face-to-face pathways for those who prefer this method of learning.
Is this program accredited?
Yes, Morgan State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; the online doctoral program is also recognized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Can I complete my entire doctoral degree online?
Yes, students have the option of choosing to join a face-to-face or an online cohort.
What educational platform does the university use?
The online educational platform that Morgan uses is Canvas, which is a highly integrated learning management system. Canvas is an accessible and accommodating learning management system that supports students with a variety of personal challenges.
Are there online library resources?
Yes, the Earl S. Richardson Library provides services that students can access from off-campus locations.
What kind of support is available from faculty and academic advisors?
Faculty members designate their office hours as well as their contact preferences. The Student Support Specialist is also a resource for students. These individuals provide guidance throughout the program and the dissertation committee chair provides all of the support necessary to assist with dissertation completion.
When are classes held?
Courses are offered in five-week sessions. Students pursue three courses within each 15 week semester. This allows students to pursue nine credits per semester with the added benefit of focusing on one course at a time.
Why does the Community College Leadership Program (CCLP) use a Cohort Model?
The Educational Leadership Learning and Cohort Model creates an environment that prepares students to work collaboratively in teams to research trends and issues. But more importantly, the cohort model is a proven asset to students pursuing fast paced and highly dynamic online courses. The personal support that develops within the cohort model increases student persistence and leads to higher program completion levels.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
Our data indicate that six years is the average time it takes to complete the doctorate program, but that timeframe is also dependent on students' responsibilities outside of the program. Many of our students balance demanding careers, as well as family and personal obligations, which may impact time to completion.
What are the general degree requirements?
• All candidates pursuing the EdD must complete a minimum of sixty (60) credit hours at Morgan after admission to the program. Previously completed credits may not be used to reduce the minimum requirements.
• In addition, all candidates must select a specialized internship or practicum in a community college. The internship must be approved prior to beginning the internship.
• All doctoral candidates must pass a written comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination may be repeated only once. To be eligible to take the comprehensive examination, the student must have completed a minimum of 45 credit hours, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with no "I" or "F" grades. Grades of "C" are not acceptable.
• Each student must submit a dissertation concept paper at the end of the second year of study. Successful completion of the concept paper triggers the final set of requirements of the program, including the written comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal and defense, IRB approval, and the final defense of the dissertation.
• All students must submit a dissertation study. When the dissertation has been completed to the satisfaction of the committee chairperson, the committee members, in addition to CCLP administrators, and the DASLP department chair, a dissertation defense will be scheduled during which the student must orally defend his/her work before the entire dissertation committee.
• All requirements for the EdD degree must be completed within a period of seven consecutive years. The granting of a leave of absence by the School of Graduate Studies does not automatically extend the time limit. Students must obtain an extension request with the School of Graduate Studies.
• While completing the dissertation phase, students must maintain an active registration with the Office of the Registrar.
What is needed to qualify for admission?
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Master's degree from an accredited university or college
2. One to three years of higher education work experience, preferably at a community college
3. A cumulative 3.0 GPA in graduate school coursework
What application materials are needed to apply?
1. Statement of Goals (3-5 pages)
2. Current Resume/CV
3. Three letters of reference
4. Official transcripts from all accredited colleges/universities attended
5. Financial Aid forms (FAFSA) - if applicable
The deadline to submit application materials is July 1st. Upon submission of all required documents, the applicant will also be required to:
1. Participate in an interview with the Admissions Committee
2. Submit a timed writing sample
3. Verify work experience in higher education and/or at a community college
How do I apply?
Graduate program applications must go through the Graduate School. For the official online application for Morgan State University School of Graduate Studies visit the webpage at: https://www.morgan.edu/gradschool.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to students based on need. Students interested in financial aid should complete the FASFA form and identify Morgan State University as your university of choice (002083). For more information contact the Office of Financial Aid. The School of Graduate Studies does offer limited graduate assistantships and scholarships.
Are the costs the same for online courses?
The cost structure is the same for face-to-face and online courses, but there is a difference between in-state and out-of-state designations. For online students who live in another state, if your state does NOT have a university offering an online program, a letter can be submitted for in-state tuition under the auspices of the SREB (Southern Regional Education Board, with whom we have an agreement). For information regarding tuition, fees, billing, and payments, visit the Office of the Bursar.
Is there help available online from Morgan State University in case I run into technical problems?
For technical support on general technical issues, please contact the Office of Information Technology. For other frequently asked questions regarding the Help Desk, Email, Passwords, WEBSIS, Blackboard, the Network or Computer Labs, please call the Help Desk: 443-885-4357.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Kendle Cross
Administrative Assistant, Community College Leadership
Kendle.cross@morgan.edu
Dr. Earlene Roberts
Student Support Specialist, Community College Leadership
Earlene.roberts@morgan.edu
Robin Brazley
Statewide Coordinator, Community College Leadership
Robin.Brazley@morgan.edu
Henry Linck
Quality Matters Specialist
Henry.Linck@morgan.edu
FACULTY
Dr. Carolyn Anderson
Lecturer, Community College Leadership
Carolyn.Anderson@Morgan.edu
Dr. Krishna Bista
Professor, Community College Leadership
krishna.bista@morgan.edu
Dr. Russell Davis
Assistant Professor, Community College Leadership
Coordinator, MEd, Community College Administration & Instruction
russell.davis@morgan.edu
Dr. Myrtle Dorsey
Professor of Practice, Community College Leadership
Director, Graduate Programs in Community College Leadership
myrtle.dorsey@morgan.edu
Dr. Uttam Gaulee
Professor, Community College Leadership
gauleeuttam@gmail.com
Dr. Rosemary Gillett-Karam
Associate Professor, Community College Leadership
R.gillett-karam@morgan.edu
Dr. Wilbur Hicks
Lecturer, Community College Leadership
Wilbur.hicks@morgan.edu
Dr. Leah Hollis
Associate Professor, Community College Leadership
Leah.hollis@morgan.edu
Dr. Kimberly McManus
Lecturer, Community College Leadership
Kimberly.Mcmanus@morgan.edu
Dr. Robin Spaid
Associate Professor, Community College Leadership
Robin.spaid@morgan.edu
Contact Information
Myrtle E.B. Dorsey, Ph.D.
Director, Community College Leadership
Banneker Building, 200 F
Tel: (443) 885-4423
E-mail: myrtle.dorsey@morgan.edu