PH.D. in Educational studies with a specialization in adult learning

The Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a Specialization in Adult Learning is a residency-based program that builds upon four central questions:

• How do adults Learn?
• What is the relationship between learning and development?
• How does culture affect learning?
• In what environments do adults learn?

Dialogue, discovery, and new knowledge around these central themes are framed through four areas of study, or lenses: education design and program development; adult learning theory; leadership; and research. The program, which is divided into three phases, is designed to provide multiple windows into the core academic questions guiding student experience and program outcomes. For more information, please check the Frequently Asked Questions or contact Dr. Barbara Vacarr at bvacarr@lesley.edu.

View course descriptions below.

Applicants must have a Master's or Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study degree.

PROGRAM OF STUDY

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EAGSR 6003  Program Evaluation  |  An introduction to systematic, interactive program evaluation with an emphasis on underlying theories, current practices, techniques for collecting and analyzing data, and report writing.

EAGSR 7004  Adult Learning and Development  |  This course will review the theories, research, and models on adult learning and development. It explores the social context in which adults learn and develop, and the influences of race, class, gender, and culture. Students will be required to apply the material to a practice setting. This is a seminar designed for advanced graduate students.

EAGSR 7101 Quantitative Research Methods I: Statistics for Research | This course is designed to introduce graduate students to basic statistical methods and involves two broad topics: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. In addition, students are introduced to statistical model building through the technique of regression analysis and correlational analysis. While the course centers on parametric statistical techniques, a brief introduction to non-parametric statistical methods, such as the chi-square test, is included.

EAGSR 7103 Qualitative Research Methods I  |  The purpose of this class is to learn to conduct qualitative social science research. Participants will read a variety of perspectives on the philosophical bases as well as tools of the practice of qualitative data gathering and analysis. Each participant will engage in a small qualitative study that is consistent with her or his graduate study goals. They will choose a topic and research setting, negotiate research relationships, collect and analyze data, and present findings. Readings, analytic memos, interview transcriptions, and field notes will provide material for the class to work with as co-consultants. Formerly: Qualitative Research Methods.

EAGSR 7104  Qualitative Research Methods II  |  This course combines theory and practice in advanced qualitative research methods. Participants will engage in ethnographic, case study, and other methods of qualitative analysis involving observation and interviewing. There will be emphasis on data collection, analysis, theory building, and presentation, so class members need to have a research site in place at the beginning of the semester. Coursework will involve historical/theoretical and exemplary readings, individual analytic memo writing, group consultations, and completion of a research project. Prerequisite: EAGSR 7103.

EAGSR 7105 Program Planning and Development for Adults |  The objectives of this course are to expand the student's conceptual understanding of the process of planning educational programs for adults from historical, theoretical, and philosophical perspectives; to critically examine one's own practice; and to develop a more informed, insightful, and reflective practice and to engage in effective education program development.  Hybrid course offered in residency and online.  Doctoral students only.

EAGSR 7106 Leadership in and Adult Learning Context  |  The purpose of this course is to explore the concept of "leadership" in contemporary society, with specific focus on the connections between leadership and ways in which we foster community. A primary underlying objective of the course is for students to become more aware of issues surrounding the topic of leadership and more able to think critically about how we approach topics of leadership in our varied communities. Hybrid course offered in residency and online.
EAGSR 7999 Independent Study | Ph.D. candidates who enroll in independent study at Lesley University should register for this course. If an independent study course is desired, the student is responsible for planning the project, obtaining approval of the senior advisor and program director, and arranging for supervision by a particular faculty member.

EAGSR 8102 Interdisciplinary Seminar I |  This seminar includes lectures and discussions by faculty, visiting faculty, and participants concerning advanced professional roles. The focus of the seminar is the teaching/therapy interface and how it affects each advanced professional in the human service field.

EAGSR 8104 Interdisciplinary Seminar II | Participants in this seminar examine the political, economic, and sociocultural forces that impact upon and shape the roles of professionals within institutions of social change. The seminar is structured around the consideration of a select number of critical issues and controversies surrounding professional work within institutions of social change. Presentations by invited professional practitioners supplement seminar readings and discussions

EAGSR 9151 Doctoral Study |  Doctoral students should register for this course every semester while taking coursework, and after, while completing the qualifying examination or dissertation.

Lesley University reserves the right to unilaterally add, withdraw, or revise any course offering in the above-mentioned program of study, including policies, provisions, requirements, and fees.

Lesley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability in its educational programs, employment, or in admissions to, access to, or treatment in its programs or activities.