HATTIESBURG, Mississippi (AP) — William Carey University expects to offer a doctor of education degree in educational leadership beginning in November.
The degree program is awaiting approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Ben Burnett, Carey’s School of Education dean, expects 40 to 50 students to enroll in the inaugural program.
“There’s a need for people to lead schools to the next level,” Burnett told the Hattiesburg American. “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.”
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 degree can complete the program with 31 hours.
The specialist of education degree focuses 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.
Educators with a special of education 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.