phd university of the cumberlands

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Graduate Admissions

When it comes to providing the best education we possibly can, we’re not afraid to revamp. To reinvent. To rethink. To always put you first.

The university that puts your goals first.

If you think the University of the Cumberlands is just  another university offering the same old, same old,  think again. We do things a little differently here.  Okay, a lot differently.  Explore our affordable graduate programs, reach out to an enrollment counselor, take time to dream a little, and then get set for great academic experience. 

No Hidden Fees. No Fine Print. Just an incredibly affordable college experience. That's our commitment to you.

At Cumberlands we don’t let anything get in the way of you and a high-quality, accessible affordable education, that puts you first and at the center of your college experience. At Cumberlands we empower you to learn on your own terms, at your own pace, with zero fine print, exceptions, or funny business. One focus You. One price for everything, all included. Why? Because everything is included in Cumberland’s One Price Promise.  

Affordable for All           About Cumberlands

You're ready for a change. Cumberlands is ready for you. Begin your application.

Your office is doing a fantastic job advising students. Logan Isaacs spent 45 minutes walking me through the Ph.D. program, and he always responds to emails in a timely manner. I cannot thank your department enough! Ryan King Cumberlands Doctoral Student

Programs centered around you.

On-campus, online, certificate and more.

• Applied Sciences
• World Languages
• Communications
• General Studies
• Health & Wellness
• Information Technology
• Mission & Ministry
• Natural Sciences
• Social / Behavioral Sciences

Not sure?   Let us help you find the right path.

• Criminal Justice
• Health Sciences
• Human Services
• Medical Science

The Online Experience

You need the flexibility of online learning without the sacrifice of quality or connection. We get it. We make sure you get all things Cumberlands, even online

Executive Graduate Programs

Looking for a residency component to blend with your online academic experience? Here you go.

• International Graduate Resources

Additional Resources

More insight for our graduate students

• Admission Requirements
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• Academic Calendar

The Office of Graduate Admissions

Our admissions staff can help get you squared away and on the way to your next degree. 

Emily Pasley

Contact information.

Zachary Madden

Natalie Graham

Requirements: 66 Credit Hours

Unifying these diverse curricular goals is the concept of situational leadership. Such leadership is based on an understanding of andragogic research and sound theories of organizational management. However, these academic ideals must be tempered by the realities of experience and focused by a commitment to professional service to the community rooted in sound ethical principles. The Ed.D. and Ph.D. curricula are hence designed to mold general theory and knowledge into professional expertise and ethical practice.

Professional Sensitivity.

While the program’s schedule requires considerable independent learning and preparation on the part of the candidate prior to each session, the schedule nevertheless enables in-depth, active learning based on critical and reflective thinking. The format allows assignments to be handled comfortably, while candidates maintain their continuing professional responsibilities. The program is designed with an applied learning component that is an integral (essential) part of the established curriculum. This allows students the opportunity to apply their studies to their place of employment.

Course Scheduling.

Courses are organized so that those taken in a given term complement one another. In addition, courses are arranged sequentially from term to term in order to prepare the candidate for the major research tasks and checkpoints of the dissertation. Thus, embedded in the coursework of a cohort’s first and second years are activities intended to assist the degree candidate in exploring topics and research strategies for the dissertation. Students write drafts of the dissertation’s first three chapters in courses prior to enrollment in DSRT 930 - Dissertation   . Because writing and analytical skills are necessary in the DSRT sequence of classes, they must be taken in the following order: DSRT 837   , DSRT 736   , DSRT 839   , and DSRT 930   , DSRT 931   , and, if needed, DSRT 931    may be repeated. It is required that students complete DSRT 734    and DSRT 837    before enrolling in DSRT 736   . EdD and PhD students are encouraged to complete DSRT 850    prior to DSRT 839    to provide them with qualitative methodology concepts prior to starting DSRT 839   . Moreover, administrative classes in the Core, specifically the Change Process, Leadership in Theory and Practice, Program Planning and Assessment, and Learning in Adulthood need to be completed before enrolling in DSRT 736   .

Second-and-Third Year Research.

During enrollment in DSRT 736    the student will formally identify a dissertation topic and write the review of the literature in fulfillment of the requirements for DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar   . The student will write the remaining sections of the first three chapters of the dissertation and obtain approval from the Institutional Review Board while enrolled in DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods   . Candidates for the EdD/PhD degree will then carry out their research during DSRT 930    and DSRT 931   .

Comprehensive Examination.

Candidates normally sit for the Comprehensive Examination while enrolled in DSRT 839   . The specific content, structure, and scheduling of this examination is determined by the Program Director in consultation with the full time program faculty. Tailored to each student’s program of study, questions on the Comprehensive Examination are generated by the program’s four content- related goals:

• To develop critical and reflective thinking to facilitate institutional problem-solving and organizational or college improvement.
• To nurture effective and ethical professional leadership at the college, organization, or unit-level.
• To strengthen the research, analytical and communication skills necessary for professional decisionmaking.
• To strengthen content knowledge in a specialty area.

The Comprehensive Examination is proctored and graded by contributing members of program faculty, with passing marks required on all sections of the examination before a candidate can graduate. Students failing the exam a third time must retake relevant courses. Once the student has successfully retaken relevant courses, the cycle of testing begins anew.

The Dissertation.

The dissertation is the capstone experience in the EdD program in Educational Leadership as it is in the PhD track in Leadership. A dissertation is a research-based project that must satisfy the program’s goals and be related to program assessment, or other themes stressed in one or more of the core classes as considerations for a dissertation topic. A full-time faculty member in the Department of Leadership Studies must have an interest in a proposed dissertation topic and assume responsibility for directing the study. Faculty biographies are available on the University’s website through the Directory.

The candidate must file intent to Graduate at the beginning of the term of intended completion; must schedule Oral Dissertation Defense at least six weeks prior to intended Date: and must file the approved dissertation with the Program Director at least two weeks prior to graduation.

Writing and Analytical Skill Development.

The doctoral program at University of the Cumberlands places a premium on helping students develop effective analytical and writing skills. As described earlier, Goals 1 and 3 speak directly to those important functions of the program. To help students succeed in developing those skill sets, a number of courses in the program have embedded assessments in them. The assessment process is designed to assist faculty in evaluating the program’s success in helping students develop their writing and analysis skills. Any student who has demonstrated deficiencies in writing or analysis skills will be required to participate in tutoring services. Students assigned to a tutor will be evaluated and presented with a remediation plan that must be satisfied before they can register for any or subsequent DSRT courses. Analysis skills refer to higher levels of learning as described by Benjamin Bloom in his cognitive domain. A basic restatement of one or even two perspectives on a topic is not considered sufficient analytical skills necessary to meet proficiency in regard to higher level analytical aptitude. Students must be able to identify distinct factors in complex issues, separate them, and then synthesize salient factors to arrive at a nonbiased evaluation of numeric data and other forms of evidence.

Remediation and Program Continuance.

Critical thinking and writing skills are essential attributes of successful doctors of leadership. Any of the EdD/PhD faculty can refer a student to mentoring. Students referred to mentoring must coordinate their entrance into and out-of-mentoring with the Program Director. Please note that placement in mentoring is not an optional assignment; it is mandatory. Only those mentored students who have successfully completed an individualized remediation plan will be allowed to continue beyond certain points in their respective programs. For instance, provisionally admitted students who were referred to tutoring cannot register for more than 12 hours until they have met their individualized remediation requirements. Other students referred to remediation may not register for DSRT 930 until they have satisfied their remediation plan.

Program Structure

The PhD track in leadership is generally seen as more theory and research intensive than a practitioner’s degree, such as an EdD. Students pursuing the PhD in Leadership must complete the curriculum established for the EdD in educational leadership plus six additional hours which includes one additional leadership course and an additional advanced research course. The PhD in Leadership, therefore, requires a minimum of 66 hours beyond the master’s degree. Although a PhD student may pursue applied research as a dissertation topic, it is expected that an approved dissertation will be built upon a more thorough theoretical foundation than a similar project that culminates in an EdD dissertation. As a leadership program, a dissertation topic must satisfy the program’s goals and appeal to its philosophy; program assessment, or other themes stressed in one or more of the core classes, may also be considered as a dissertation topic. A full-time faculty member in the Department of Leadership Studies must have an interest in a proposed dissertation topic and assume responsibility for directing the study.

Strategic Administration & Curriculum and Culture: 24 Credit Hours

• LEAS 730 - The Politics of Organizational Decision-Making Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 731 - Learning in Adulthood Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAS 732 - Program Planning and Assessment Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAS 830 - Leadership in Theory and Practice Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAS 833 - Higher Education in America Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAS 836 - Current Trends in Leadership Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 834 - Leadership in Historical Context Credit(s): 3 hours

Professional Research: 24 Credit Hours

• DSRT 930 - Dissertation Credit(s): 3 hours
• DSRT 931 - Dissertation Credit(s): 3 hours
• DSRT 837 - Professional Writing and Proposal Development Credit(s): 3 hours
• DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods Credit(s): 3 hours
• DSRT 850 - Qualitative Research Methods Credit(s): 3 hours
• DSRT 734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision-making Credit(s): 3 hours
• DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar Credit(s): 3 hours
• DSRT 834 - Advanced Statistical Applications Credit(s): 3 hours

NOTE ON DISSERTATION CREDITS AND PROCEDURES:

If the dissertation is not completed at the end of DSRT 931   , the candidate repeats DSRT 931    as needed, for three (3) credit hours each term, until the dissertation is completed and defended.

*Content Emphasis Area: 18 Credit Hours

Courses in the following Masters will matriculate as the Doctoral specialty if the program is completed as a second Masters:

Business Administration, MBA   Global Business with Blockchain Technology, M.S.   Project Management, M.S.   Strategic Management, M.S.   Or other approved electives

*Criminal Justice

• CROL 631 - Law Enforcement Administration Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 632 - Critical Issues in Law Enforcement Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 633 - Corrections Administration Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 634 - Critical Issues in Community-Based Corrections Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 635 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Homeland Security Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 636 - Critical Issues in Homeland Security Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 637 - Juvenile Justice Administration and Management Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 641 - Violent Offenders: Crimes & Psychology Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 651 - Recovery and Relapse Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 674 - Advanced Statistical Analysis Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 677 - Applied Leadership Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 681 - Proseminar in Criminal Justice Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 683 - Criminal Justice Program Evaluation Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 685 - Qualitative Methods in Criminal Justice Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 687 - Legal Research and Analysis Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 689 - Drugs and Crime Credit(s): 3 hours
• CROL 691 - Life-Course Criminology Credit(s): 3 hours

Education courses EdD and PhD students may enroll in.

Some courses require field/clinical hours that students must complete to earn a passing grade. Some courses listed may have prerequisites and may not be available to students who have not previously completed the prerequisites.

• ADOL 631 - School Program Improvement Credit(s): 3 hours
• ADOL 633 - Applied Research in Education Credit(s): 3 hours
• ADOL 636 - School Law I Credit(s): 3 hours
• ADOL 637 - School Law II Credit(s): 3 hours
• ADOL 643 - Special Education and School Leadership Credit(s): 3 hours
• ADOL 655 - Team Leadership Credit(s): 3 hours
• COOL 633 - Children and Adolescent Counseling Credit(s): 3 hours
• EDOL 542 - Change, Professional Development and Teacher Improvement Credit(s): 3 hours
• EDOL 547 - Diversity in a Multicultural Society Credit(s): 3 hours
• EDOL 562 - Theories of Teaching and Learning Credit(s): 3 hours
• EDOL 634 - Curriculum Management and Assessment Credit(s): 3 hours
• EDOL 636 - Problems in Education Credit(s): 3 hours
• REOL 633 - Literacy Leadership Credit(s): 3 hours
• SPOL 530 - Characteristics, Identification, and Instruction of Students with Disabilities Credit(s): 3 hours
• SPOL 631 - Special Education Assessment and Evaluation Credit(s): 3 hours
• SPOL 632 - Consultation and Collaboration for Curriculum Design Credit(s): 3 hours
• SPOL 636 - Advanced Assessment Strategies and Prescriptive Writing Credit(s): 3 hours
• ENGL 534 - Studies in British Literature
• ENGL 535 - Studies in Modern Literature
• ENGL 550 - Practice of Creative Writing

Approved electives

*health professions.

• LEAC 847 - Diversity and Multicultural Education for Health Professions Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 848 - Student Assessment in Health Professions Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAS 849 - Current Topics and Trends in Healthcare Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 840 - Foundations of Instructional Technologies Credit(s): 3 hours
• BADM 667 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare Administration Credit(s): 3 hours

Elective (Select one course):

• HHP 638 - Administrative and Management Strategies Credit(s): 3 hours
• BADM 668 - Strategic Issues in Healthcare Administration Credit(s): 3 hours
• BADM 665 - Healthcare Policy and Economics Credit(s): 3 hours

Approved HHP 500 or 600 level courses

*health science.

• HHP 532 - Applied Nutrition Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 533 - Health and Fitness Psychology Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 534 - Exercise Physiology Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 535 - Exercise Testing and Prescription Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 536 - Foundations of Physical Activity in Health Promotion Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 537 - Coaching and Fitness Leadership Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 630 - Health Promotion through Physical Activity Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 631 - Advanced Coaching and Fitness Leadership Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 632 - Current Issues in Health Promotion Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 633 - Current Issues in Coaching and Fitness Leadership Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 634 - Strength and Conditioning Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 635 - Youth Health and Fitness Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 636 - Plant Based Nutrition Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 637 - Applied Sports Medicine Credit(s): 3 hours
• HHP 639 - Special Topics Credit(s): 3 hours
• HIST 531 - Selected Topics
• HIOL 531 - Studies in History Credit(s): 3 hours

*Information Systems

Master of Science, Digital Forensics Master of Science, Information Systems Security Master of Science, Information Technology Or other approved electives

*Instructional Technology

• LEAC 841 - Trends and Issues in Instructional Technology Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 842 - Leadership and Instructional Technology Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 843 - Ethical and Legal Issues related to Instructional Technology Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 835 - Teaching and Learning Online Credit(s): 3 hours

Electives Select One:

• LEAC 844 - Management and Evaluation of Instructional Technology and Design Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 845 - Instructional Multimedia Integration Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 846 - Digital Game-Based Learning Credit(s): 3 hours

*Mathematics

• MATH 530 - Topics in Math
• MATH 630 - Topics in Math II

*Missions and Ministry

Required courses (6 credits):.

• MMOL 537 - Christian Education Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 634 - Christian Leadership Development Credit(s): 3 hours

Approved electives (6 credits): Select 2 of the following.

• MMOL 531 - Old Testament Survey I Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 532 - Old Testament Survey II Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 533 - New Testament Survey I Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 534 - New Testament Survey II Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 535 - Christian Theology I Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 536 - Christian Theology II Credit(s): 3 hours

Additional electives (6 credits): Select 2 of the following.

• MMOL 631 - Focused Study of the Old Testament Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 632 - Focused Study of the New Testament Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 635 - Church Administration Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 637 - Planting High Impact Churches Credit(s): 3 hours
• MMOL 538 - The Church and Contemporary Culture Credit(s): 3 hours

Any other 500 or 600 level MMOL course.

• NURS 510 - Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice Credit(s): 3 hours
• NURS 520 - Issues in Advanced Practice Credit(s): 3 hours
• NURS 530 - Epidemiology Credit(s): 3 hours
• NURS 532 - Healthcare Technologies and Informatics in Advanced Nursing Practice Credit(s): 3 hours
• NURS 550 - Advanced Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice Credit(s): 3 hours
• NURS 590 - Advanced Pharmacology Credit(s): 3 hours
• NURS 592 - Advanced Health Assessment Credit(s): 3 hours
• NURS 594 - Advanced Pathophysiology Credit(s): 3 hours
• NURS 670 - FNP Advanced Practice I Credit(s): 6 hours
• NURS 672 - FNP Advanced Practice II Credit(s): 6 hours
• NURS 674 - FNP Advanced Practice III Credit(s): 6 hours
• NURS 690 - FNP Advanced Practice Internship Credit(s): 6 hours

*Student Personnel Services

• EDOL 631 - Advanced Human Behavior Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 781 - Higher Education and Student Personnel Services Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 782 - Higher Education Enrollment Management Credit(s): 3 hours
• LEAC 783 - Higher Education Law and Policy in Student Services Credit(s): 3 hours
• BADM 533 - Marketing Management Credit(s): 3 hours
• COUN 539 - Theories in Counseling Credit(s): 3 hours
• COUN 633 - Counseling during Grief and Crisis Credit(s): 3 hours

For executive format students, the applied learning component (internship/practicum) is established as an integral (essential) part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment. In addition to the required course enrollment, successful completion of three (3) hours of INTR 799   / INTR 899    may replace LEAS 836 with approval of the Department Director and/or Chair.

Business (Ph.D.)

Find Your Program

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Program Quick Facts

Credit Hours

Want to play a part in seeding success for the next generation of business leaders? A Doctor of Philosophy in Business degree program will give you the tools you need to prepare the next wave of leaders to take on the challenges of today’s business landscape. Whether you’re leading through cutting-edge research or at the head of a college class, you’ll gain the critical thinking abilities, decision-making techniques, evaluative skills and instructional concepts needed to excel in either role: research or instruction. Let your PhD program from the Robert W. Plaster Graduate School of Business help you develop advanced levels of business proficiency in conducting applied research and attain a deeper understanding of business theory and application.

The University of the Cumberlands online PhD program offers:

• Core coursework to enhance your understanding of research and management practices.
• An in-depth review of strategies in business fundamentals – from accounting and finance to economics, management, and marketing.
• A flexible schedule to meet the needs of candidates, like you, already working hard to make an impact in business.
• The networking opportunity to strengthen your skillset and pass along your hard-won learnings.

You will also learn how to:

• Conduct research needed to get to the root of business trends and issues.
• Augment your professional skills in business — from communication to collaboration.
• Evaluate your personal values in light of ethical business and research behaviors.

Discover how an online Doctor of Philosophy in Business from University of the Cumberlands can take your academic and research business career to new heights. Fill out the form on this page for more information.

Program Outcomes

Participate in an immersive, expert-led curriculum in a convenient online format.

Broaden your skillset and establish yourself as one of the best in your profession., enhance your professional connections as you prepare to become a leader in your field..

Commitment to Quality

Convenient Online Curriculum

Affordability

Real-World Learning