Courses
DEXL-701 Intro Doc Stud Exec Lead (3)
This course provides candidates with an orientation to the program and the expectations and requirements for doctoral-level study. Candidates will refine their library research, concept development, and academic writing skills. Candidates will be exposed to doctoral-level research and various processes for developing research topics, conceptual frameworks, research ideas, and problem statements relevant to professional practice. Through reading, literature review, class discussion, reflection, and advisement, candidates will develop time management plans and other projects to guide the development of their field experiences and dissertation.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
SummerDEXL-702 Theory&Practice Exec Lead (3)
This course examines leadership theory in both historical and philosophical contexts. Candidates will explore major social, political, and cultural influences on the development of leadership theory and the impact of those influences on the practice of leadership. Candidates will analyze the various leadership theories in relation to their applicability to emerging needs of organizations in the 21st century. Candidates will identify a current issue/problem in an organization and construct a personal leadership theory and vision designed to advance a learning and service-centered organizational model.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on contemporary issues related to leadership in P-12 district-level settings, specifically district level curriculum and instructional leadership to support improvement in school and student performance.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Summer
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-704 Leadership&Cultural Change (3)
Candidates will examine firsthand the strategies used by successful executive leaders in various organizational settings to effect organizational and cultural change. Candidates will review the strategies in the context of applicable research, methodologies, best practice, and real-world cases. Candidates will focus on the skills, knowledge, and dispositions required to build organizational leadership, capacity, coherence, and intelligence essential to the growth and long-term success of human systems.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on issues related to leadership and cultural change in P-12 district-level settings, specifically curriculum and instructional leadership for change.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
FallDEXL-705 Field Experience I (3)
This course is Part 1 of the Comprehensive Exam, the Specialty Field Examination. It is a take-home examination requiring candidates to demonstrate scholarly knowledge of their proposed specialty areas in the leadership field. The examination requires candidates to provide a written summary of their review of the literature covering the leadership scholarship relevant to their dissertation topic. The summary should reflect support for and validation of the proposed leadership research topic; analysis and synthesis of past and current research; and logical connections between the scholarly research, research questions, and problem statement. The references page should contain a wide range of citations from a variety of scholarly sources. Graded S/U.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
SpringDEXL-706 Applied & Action Research (3)
This course explores action research and the associated theories, methodologies, and practices that have been used by successful transformational leaders to achieve organizational change. Candidates will examine the basic tenets of action research, including action research and organizational improvement models; the components of a literature review; strategies for organizational data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The course will also describe skills pertinent to identifying organizational problems and strategies for improvement through systematic inquiry and reflection. The course also explores the identification and application of a theory in relation to each candidate’s research problem.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on issues related applying data to decision-making processes at the P-12 district-level, including but not withstanding organizational improvement models, and strategies for district-level improvement.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Spring
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-708 Field Experience II (3)
Candidates will work with an executive mentor to develop a Field Experience Proposal that engages candidates in a practicum, in an organizational setting, and supports achievement of the related dissertation milestone. Proposals must include the goals, objectives, and rationale for the experience; a description of the relationship between the proposal objectives and course learning outcomes; a list and schedule of the major activities that will result in a minimum of 50 documented field hours; and identification of the leadership standards to be addressed. The experience will culminate in a final written report, developed by each candidate, describing the experience, the outcomes achieved, and the standards met. The Field Experience Proposal must be approved by the executive mentor and instructor of record. Graded S/U.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program must select certified school district leaders as executive mentors for a district-level leadership field experience. SDL candidates must develop an approved proposal that addresses one or more of the competencies of the SDL Advanced Certificate program. Candidates pursuing the SDL must complete a minimum of 100 documented field hours for the district-1eveI supervised internship.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
SummerDEXL-709 Public & Human Relations (3)
This course examines public and human relations in the context of various private and non-profit organizations using a case study method. The course will have a particular focus on the relationship between community organizations serving children and families. Candidates will examine the potential use of public and human relation strategies to improve connections between education and healthcare, social services, business, and other public and human service sectors. The course will also expose candidates to effective leadership strategies and best practices designed to improve organizational performance. Topics will include internal and external communications; partnerships with diverse organizations and audiences; strategic planning and marketing communications; crisis communication and management; media and public relations; public imaging; creative leadership; and public relations research and evaluation.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on communication strategies for school boards, parents, building and district leaders, teachers, support staff, state leaders, community leaders, and other community members from diverse backgrounds. Candidates will be required to conduct a case study analysis on a public relations case related to public relations, communication, and relationship building in a P-12 school district environment.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
SummerDEXL-710 Program Eval & Assessment (3)
This course introduces candidates to the field of program evaluation. Candidates will review evaluation approaches; examine political and interpersonal relationships with key stakeholders; study methods of data collection and analysis; and review strategies for reporting results. The course also explores the nature of the relationship between an organization’s vision, mission, and goals; strategic planning process; and specific program outcome measures.
Through the course, candidates will develop a methods chapter for the dissertation, meeting the requirements for: a) the dissertation milestone and b) the requirements of Part II of the Comprehensive Exam: Research Design and Methodology.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on the evaluation of district-level initiatives related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and/or organizational improvement approaches at the P-12 district-level.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Summer
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-711 Field Experience III (3)
Candidates will work with an executive mentor to develop a Field Experience Proposal that engages candidates in a practicum, in an organizational setting, and supports achievement of the related dissertation milestone. Proposals must include the goals, objectives, and rationale for the experience; a description of the relationship between the proposal objectives and course learning outcomes; a list and schedule of the major activities; and identification of the leadership standards to be addressed. The experience will culminate in a final written report, developed by each candidate, describing the experience, the outcomes achieved, and the standards met. The Field Experience Proposal must be approved by the executive mentor and instructor of record. Graded S/U.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program must select certified school district leaders as executive mentors for a district-level leadership field experience. SDL candidates must develop an approved proposal that addresses one or more of the competencies of the SDL Advanced Certificate program. Candidates pursuing the SDL must complete a minimum of 100 documented field hours for the district-level supervised internship.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
FallDEXL-712 Public Policy, Law &Ethics (3)
This course is designed to provide candidates with an understanding of the principles and the interconnectedness of policy, law, and ethics and their implications for executive leadership. Policy development and implementation, federal and state laws, and issues of ethics will be addressed in a broad spectrum of leadership styles and organizational settings. The course will provide executive leaders with the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions to remain current with issues of policy, law, and ethics while equipping them with the knowledge to positively impact the lives of the personnel and organizations within their spheres of influence.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on issues related to public policy; interactions with local, state, and federal representatives; applying statutes, law and ethical behaviors at the P-12 district-level.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
FallDEXL-713 Exec Leadshp, Finance&Govn (3)
This course is a critical examination of the relationship between leadership effectiveness, finance and governance, the differences and similarities in the educational system, and the financial and governing structures in public, private, and not-for-profit organizations. These systems will also be explored in the context of revenue generation and distribution; funding formulas and local, state and federal requirements; equity, evaluation, and reform; strategic planning and decision-making; analysis and allocation of resources; and compliance and accountability. The course will combine the study of theory and practice by exploring the major components of organizational resource development and governance, including the roles and responsibilities of the executive leader; governing boards; unions; local, state, and federal agencies; and community groups. Through the use of special guest lecturers, case studies, current events and simulations, candidates will examine the external and internal constraints, and opportunities of shared governance from conceptual, practical, political, financial, ethical, and policy perspectives. Previously named Shared Governance.
**Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on issues related to executive leadership, finance and governance within the context of working with school boards, collective bargaining units, and external stakeholders at the P-12 district-level.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
SpringDEXL-714 Field Experience IV (3)
Candidates will work with an executive mentor to develop a Field Experience Proposal that engages candidates in a practicum, in an organizational setting, and supports achievement of the related dissertation milestone. Proposals must include the goals, objectives, and rationale for the experience; a description of the relationship between the proposal objectives and course learning outcomes; a list and schedule of the major activities that will result in a minimum of 50 documented field hours; and identification of the leadership standards to be addressed. The experience will culminate in a final written report, developed by each candidate, describing the experience, the outcomes achieved, and the standards met. The Field Experience Proposal must be approved by the executive mentor and instructor of record. Graded S/U.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program must select certified school district leaders as executive mentors for a district-level leadership field experience. SDL candidates must develop an approved proposal that addresses one or more of the competencies of the SDL Advanced Certificate program. Candidates pursuing the SDL must complete a minimum of 100 documented field hours for the district-level supervised internship.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
FallDEXL-715 Finance & Resource Dev (3)
This course examines the organizational value systems underlying finance and resource development in education, health, nonprofit, and business organizations. These systems will be explored in the context of revenue sources, generation, and distribution; funding formulas and local, state, and federal requirements; equity, evaluation, and reform; strategic planning and decision-making; analysis and allocation of resources; and compliance and accountability. Through interactive instruction, special guest lecturers, case studies, simulations, and field experiences, candidates will analyze complex financial and social issues confronting leaders in an era of limited resources and develop solution sets and action strategies based on best practices.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on issues related to finance and resource development at the P-12 district-level.
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-716 HR Dev&Cont Improvement (3)
This course examines key theories, systems, contemporary issues and innovative practices in human resource development and performance. The course will explore these various elements through a human capital strategy that focuses on leadership, organizational culture and continuous organizational improvement. Candidates will identify and analyze complex problems and issues in various organizational settings, and the implications for continuous improvement within a human capital framework. Candidates also will apply various aspects of human resource development and human capital strategies within the context of applicable research, methodologies, best practice, and real-world cases.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on issues related to human resource development and continuous improvement at the P-12 district-level. Candidates will also complete or show evidence of completing the Child Abuse Prevention Workshop and the School Violence Intervention and Prevention Workshop upon completion of the course.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
SummerDEXL-717 Guided Dissertation Sem I (3)
This course is designed to support candidates in the continuing development and refinement of their dissertations. Small group and individual assistance will be provided to candidates by course faculty and dissertation chairs to support ongoing progress and completion of the program’s dissertation requirements. Candidates will meet at prearranged times to work on their dissertations individually and in small groups, receive feedback from faculty, and provide feedback to each other. Candidates will develop a Dissertation Completion Plan, in consultation with the course faculty and their dissertation chair, with timelines based on the dissertation milestone for the relevant term. Candidates also will maintain weekly logs and submit progress reports to the faculty and their dissertation chair at the mid-point and at the end of the semester. Graded S/U.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Fall
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-718 Leadership & Diversity (3)
This course examines the role that leadership plays in addressing issues of diversity and equity in various organizational settings. Candidates will analyze various theoretical frameworks to determine how demographic variables and historical, social, cultural, economic, legal, and political constructs influence organizational behavior, decisions, and outcomes. Candidates also will examine contemporary issues and various aspects of human diversity and multiple oppressions (race/ethnic, class, ability, and gender), as well as organizational concerns and practices that can positively or negatively impact the recruitment, retention, and success of diverse workforce and learners.
Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on issues related to self-improvement and continuous learning involving diversity of parents, students, staff, and community leaders at the P-12 district-level.
Typically offered:
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership
SummerDEXL-719 Guided Dissertation Sem II (3)
This course is designed to support candidates in the continuing development and refinement of their dissertations. Small group and individual assistance will be provided to candidates by course faculty and dissertation chairs to support ongoing progress and completion of the program’s dissertation requirements. Candidates will meet at prearranged times to work on their dissertations individually and in small groups, receive feedback from faculty, and provide feedback to each other. Candidates will develop a Dissertation Completion Plan, in consultation with the course faculty and their dissertation chair, with timelines based on the dissertation milestone for the relevant term. Candidates also will maintain weekly logs and submit progress reports to the faculty and their dissertation chair at the mid-point and at the end of the semester.
Graded S/U.Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Summer
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-720 GuidedDissertation Sem III (3)
This course is designed to support candidates in the continuing development and refinement of their dissertations. Small group and individual assistance will be provided to candidates by course faculty and dissertation chairs to support ongoing progress and completion of the program’s dissertation requirements. Candidates will meet at prearranged times to work on their dissertations individually and in small groups, receive feedback from faculty, and provide feedback to each other. Candidates will develop a Dissertation Completion Plan, in consultation with the course faculty and their dissertation chair, with timelines based on the dissertation milestone for the relevant term. Candidates also will maintain weekly logs and submit progress reports to the faculty and their dissertation chair at the mid-point and at the end of the semester. Candidates who do not successfully defend dissertations by the end of DEXL 720 will receive an IP grade and must register for DEXL 721/722 with the permission of the Program Director.
Graded S/U.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Summer
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-721 Guided Dissertation Sem IV (3)
This course is designed to support candidates in the continuing development and refinement of their dissertations. Small group and individual assistance will be provided to candidates by their dissertation committee to support ongoing progress and completion of the program’s dissertation requirements. Candidates will meet at prearranged times to work on progress and completion of the program’s dissertation requirements. Candidates will develop a Dissertation Completion Plan, in consultation with their dissertation chair, with timelines based on the dissertation milestone for the relevant term. Candidates also will maintain a weekly log and submit progress reports to the faculty and their dissertation chair at the end of the course. Requires permission of the dissertation chair and Program Director to register. Graded S/U.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Fall
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-722 Guided Dissertation Sem V (3)
This course is designed to support candidates in the continuing development and refinement of their dissertations. Small group and individual assistance will be provided to candidates by their dissertation committee to support ongoing progress and completion of the program’s dissertation requirements. Candidates will meet at prearranged times to work on progress and completion of the program’s dissertation requirements. Candidates will develop a Dissertation Completion Plan, in consultation with their dissertation chair, with timelines based on the dissertation milestone for the relevant term. Candidates also will maintain a weekly log and submit progress reports to the faculty and their dissertation chair at the end of the course. Requires permission of the dissertation chair and Program Director to register. Graded S/U.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Fall
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-723 District Level Internship (3)
This course is designed to support candidates seeking SDL Advanced Certification. Candidates shall participate in a full-time 15 week district-level leadership internship experience under the supervision of an executive mentor who has at least 3 years of district level experience and holds a New York School District Leader Certificate. The supervised internship must be approved and evaluated by a full-time St. John Fisher University faculty member who holds a New York School District Leader Certificate. The overall internship experience will represent a synthesis of key content and high impact field based experiences that result in the candidates’ demonstration of the professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions of a school leader, and, most importantly, expanding candidates’ capacity to improve school performance and student achievement within a district level environment. Graded S/U.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZCLX
Fall, Spring & Summer
Pre-requisites: DEXL-714 S
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-725 Dissertation Continuation (0)
Executive Leadership candidates in need of an additional semester in which to complete the dissertation may register for this course with the approval of the dissertation chair and Program Director. Candidates who register for this course have received an IP grade in DEXL 720 and Unsatisfactory grades in DEXL 721 and DEXL 722. They must be working closely with their dissertation committee and submit a plan for completion of the dissertation in order to register for this continuation course. Data collection, analysis, or dissertation writing may be done during this continuation time.
If the dissertation is approved by the dissertation committee at the end of this course, DEXL 720 and 725 will be graded S.
If the dissertation is NOT accepted by the committee at the end of this course, the grade of IP in DEXL 720 will continue and the candidate MUST register for DEXL 725 again. Candidates retaking DEXL 725 will receive a U until the dissertation is successfully defended. Candidates may take DEXL 725 a maximum of three (3) times.
Typically offered:
Attributes: ZRES
Fall, Spring & SummerDEXL-726 Quan Research Meth&Design (3)
This course is designed to prepare doctoral candidates to apply statistical methods to problems in leadership. Candidates will learn the fundamental concepts, designs, principles, and statistical skills necessary to perform an empirical study. This will include a basic knowledge of the nature of quantitative methods including regression, experimental designs, and meta-analysis. Upon conclusion of the course, candidates will be able to differentiate between a variety of models and statistical methods appropriate to doctoral research.
Students may not register for or receive credit for DEXL 726 & DEXL 727 if they have successfully completed DEXL 703 & 707.
Typically offered:
Attributes: TGXL ZRES
Fall
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-727 Qual Research Meth&Design (3)
This course provides an introduction to qualitative inquiry and research design specifically for doctoral candidates writing a dissertation. The course will explore the philosophical foundations and history of qualitative inquiry, concentrating on five qualitative inquiry approaches. Candidates will compare theories and methodologies for answering various research questions. The course will provide strategies for writing qualitative studies, recommended practices for the collection and analysis of data, and the standards for developing quality studies.
Students may not register for or receive credit for DEXL 726 & DEXL 727 if they have successfully completed DEXL 703 & 707.
Typically offered:
Attributes: TGXL ZRES
Spring
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive LeadershipDEXL-728 Current Trends Exec Lead (3)
This course provides executive leaders with an overview of current leadership challenges. The course focus is on connecting leadership with management practices to better utilize financial and human resources to reach ethical, positive results. The particular emphasis of the course may change as the demands on leaders change, but the course emphasizes staying current with leadership trends and understanding leadership issues from a variety of frameworks and perspectives.
**Candidates accepted into the SDL Advanced Certificate program will be required to focus their course projects on issues related to executive leadership, finance, and resource development within the context of working with school boards, collective bargaining units, and external stakeholders at the P-12 district-level.
Attributes: TGXL
Restrictions: Including: -Major: Executive Leadership