Graduate Degree Programs
The Master Degree
William Woods University confers the following Master degrees: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MED), Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master of Science (MS). The MA, MBA, MED, MHA and MS degrees are designed for students who have successfully completed an academic program at the baccalaureate level and who desire to continue study at a higher level. The degree generally requires a higher level of responsibility and independence from the student. This is reflected in course projects, research in the field, working with teams, individual projects, and the successful completion of capstone presentations and field experience. The degree requires a high level of understanding of the theoretical foundations of the discipline, a specificity of focus on a specific area of knowledge, as well as the ability to apply theory to practice. The degree also demands a high level of critical thinking and evaluation skills. Degree programs can be completed in 2 years if students remain continuously enrolled at full- time status.
The Education Specialist Degree
William Woods University offers the Education Specialist degree (Ed.S.). The Ed.S. is a master plus thirty-hour program that builds upon the skills developed in the MED degree. The degree is designed for advanced leadership training for those who desire to become leaders for change in the classroom or in the administration of a school district. In general, this degree has all of the expectations of the Master Degree with more emphasis on critical problem solving in a K-12 setting. In addition, the degree requires a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical issues facing K-12 education. This program meets state and national standards. Degree programs can be completed in 2 years if students remain continuously enrolled at full- time status.
The Doctorate of Educational Leadership Degree
At William Woods University, the degree Doctor of Educational Leadership is awarded to students who have successfully completed all requirements for the degree. In general, the doctorate level of study requires the student to research the latest theories in educational leadership, determine how those theories apply to current leadership issues, and contribute to the field of educational leadership. The doctorate requires independent motivation, the ability to evaluate the literature related to the area of research, and the completion of a dissertation that is successfully defended before a committee of graduate faculty. Degree programs can be completed in 2.5 years if students remain continuously enrolled at full- time status. Students must complete and defend their dissertation within 5 years after passing the Comprehensive Exam.
The Doctorate of Philosophy Degree
Doctor of Philosophy programs at William Woods University are focused on developing original research in the discipline under study and include research and advanced theory in the form of a traditional dissertation. Such programs are primarily for individuals who want to apply their knowledge to theory and research, thus they prepare graduates for research in their field. Degree programs can be completed in 3 years if students remain continuously enrolled at full- time status