The program in Educational Leadership will be offered jointly with Eastern Michigan University. The Eastern Michigan program is the only doctorate of its type specifically tailored for working K-12 educators. Hagerty said there is a significant demand for the program in west Michigan among practicing school administrators and community college administrators and teachers.
Many school districts require the doctorate for superintendents.
The degree awarded will be from Eastern Michigan University, but after a seven-day orientation at EMU all classes in the program will be offered in GVSU s Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids. Hagerty said GVSU professors will provide instruction for about one-third of the program, which includes 62 credit hours beyond the master s degree. The program will emphasize applied research and immediate application in educational organizations.