University of Sioux Falls announces new Doctorate in Leadership degree
University of Sioux Falls announces new Doctorate in Leadership degree
October 8, 2020
As a continuation of the university’s long-term commitment to producing leaders in industry, non-profits, schools, churches and communities, the University of Sioux Falls announces the addition of a new Doctorate in Leadership program.
It’s the first-ever Doctorate in Leadership from a Sioux Falls university for the Sioux Falls community and beyond.
“We believe the Doctorate in Leadership program will deliver a significant and positive impact to our region and provide the foundation for USF students to truly transform the leadership roles in their respective fields,” said Dr. Brett Bradfield, President of the University of Sioux Falls.
Between 2016 and 2019 alone, regional demand for doctoral-level interdisciplinary leadership professionals increased by 77 percent according to a recent regional study.
University of Sioux Falls garnered direct input from area businesses and organizations in developing the program to meet the needs of area employers and the region, and its graduates will help position our state for future success in a variety of industries including business, education, health care, ministry, non-profits and more.
And while other doctorate programs have been available in Sioux Falls through partnerships and consortiums, this one will be fully taught by USF professors with on-campus, online and hybrid courses, which allow for both flexibility and a valuable cohort experience where students will regularly meet face-to-face in either the on-ground or virtual environment.
The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and will take approximately 39 months to complete.
What’s unique about this program is the applied dissertation in practice that begins early in the program to provide students a more manageable writing process, thus improving the likelihood of graduation compared to other doctoral programs. Professionals can continue working full-time throughout the entire degree, and will take on an important issue within their own professional context, be that in their workplace, in their field, or an approved special topic that’s in line with the aims of the degree program.
“Our goal has always been to provide truly transformative education,” said Julie McAreavey, Associate Vice President for Continuing & Professional Studies, and who led development of the new program. “The new interdisciplinary doctorate program continues this mission and is designed to offer a collaborative experience for those seeking a Christian focused approach to leadership in today’s world.”
Applications for doctoral candidates open in November 2020, and classes are scheduled to begin in early June 2021.
The new Doctorate in Leadership program adds to the University of Sioux Falls’ comprehensive workforce development approach and continuing education opportunities by joining existing programs including degree completion, certificates, associate degrees, bachelor degrees as well as MBA and graduate education offerings.
Learn more about this new program at usiouxfalls.edu/doctorate.