Curriculum and Outcomes

Study and research what matters to you

Through K-State's Leadership Communication doctoral program, you will develop a customized plan of study based on your area of interest and commitment. Your coursework will include a strong foundation in research methods and a community-engaged dissertation project. A minimum of 90 credit hours are required for the doctor of philosophy degree, 30 hours can be from master's or post-baccalaureate work.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing K-State's Leadership Communication doctoral program, students will:

Demonstrate mastery of theories of community engagement, communication, and leadership
Partner with communities in a collaborative effort to establish objectives related to community needs
Make measurable progress on established objectives through community-engaged scholarship
Demonstrate mastery of research methods, analyses, interpretation, and dissemination

Coursework

Below you will find an overview of the curriculum. For additional information visit the Graduate Course Catalog.

Core Courses, 18 credit hours

AGCOM/COMM/LEAD 814: Graduate Studies in Leadership Communication, 3 credit hours

Examine the intersections of community-engaged scholarship and leadership through the practices of relationship, story, strategy, and action. Students are introduced to resources and opportunities for pursuing public engagement, community-engaged scholarship, and successful program completion.

AGCOM/COMM/LEAD 815: Seminar in Leadership Communication, 1 credit hour

This seminar provides doctoral students opportunities for collaboration and mentorship with peers, faculty, and visiting scholars, and exploration of career pathways in public engagement. Offered each semester, students must enroll for a minimum of 3 credit hours over 3 semesters.

LEAD 820: Contemporary Perspectives on Leadership Theory and Practice, 3 credit hours

Students will explore ideas, philosophical assumptions, and practices associated with the term “leadership” as a concept through theories that have developed over time. We will also examine how the practice of leading in contemporary contexts can be understood through theories.

AGCOM/COMM/LEAD 845: Approaches to Public/Community Engagement, 3 credit hours

Key concepts and theoretical frameworks associated with deliberative democracy and public engagement will be examined. A specific focus will be given to how forms of community-engaged scholarship intersect course content in both theory and practice.

AGCOM/COMM 916: Communication Theories and Engagement, 3 credit hours

The intersections of communication theory and engagement is the focus of this course. Students will study the evolution of communication theories, and strengthen knowledge of the philosophy and theory pertaining to community-engaged research.

AGCOM/COMM/LEAD 945: Social Science Research for Public Problem Solving, 3 credit hours

Examine how social science research and social sector evaluation can be applied to address public problems, including the identification of public problems and critique of current evaluation methods. Students will apply concepts by developing an evaluation that includes quantitative and qualitative analysis in partnership with social sector partners.

Research Methodologies, minimum of 12 credit hours

Students will work with their committees to select a minimum of four courses (12 credit hours) of research methods appropriate for their programs of study. Visit the Graduate Course Catalog for course descriptions. Example courses include:

COMM 821: Experimental Research in Communication Studies, 3 credit hours
COMM 822: Field Research in Communication Studies, 3 credit hours
EDCEP 817: Statistical Methods in Education, 3 credit hours
EDCEP 917: Experimental Design in Educational Research, 3 credit hours
EDLEA 838: Qualitative Research in Education, 3 credit hours
EDLEA 938: Advanced Data Analysis in Qualitative Methods, 3 credit hours
EDLEA 948: Data Representation and Writing in Qualitative Research, 3 credit hours
EDLEA 848: Understanding Theoretical Frameworks, 3 credit hours
EDLEA 958: Case Study in Qualitative Research, 3 credit hours
EDLEA 968: Discourse Analysis, 3 credit hours
EDLEA 978: Qualitative Data Management and Analysis Using Nvivo, 3 credit hours
GEOG 801: Seminar in Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research, 3 credit hours
LEAD 818 Qualitative Approaches to Studying Leadership and Engagement
MC 801 Qualitative Methods
PLAN 803: Community Research Methods, 3 credit hours
POLSC 900: Advanced Research Methods I, 3 credit hours
POLSC 901: Advanced Research Methods II, 3 credit hours
PSYCH 802: Psychological Research Design and Analysis I, 3 credit hours
PSYCH 805: Psychological Research Design and Analysis II, 3 credit hours
SOCIO 824: Qualitative Methodology, 3 credit hours
SOCIO 825: Quantitative Methods, 3 credit hours
SOCIO 822: Introduction to Methods of Social Analysis, 3 credit hours

Additional Requirements, 30 credit hours

Dissertation Research, 15-30 credit hours

Completion of a dissertation which examines a topic congruent with the program of study using a systematic methodology consistent with accepted research paradigms; the dissertation must be successfully defended in a public, oral defense.

AGCOMM 999: Research in Leadership Communication, 1-15 credit hours
COMM 999: Research in Leadership Communication, 1-15 credit hours
LEAD 999: Research in Leadership Communication, 1-15 credit hours

Electives, 0-15 Hours

Students will work with their committees to select 0-15 credit hours of elective courses appropriate for their programs of study. Example courses include:

COMM 790: Deliberation and Dialogue Theory, 3 credit hours
COMM 831: Deliberation and Dialogue Process Models, 3 credit hours
COMM 832: Dialogue, Deliberation, and Public Engagement: Core Skills and Strategies, 3 credit hours
COMM 833: Dialogue, Deliberation, and Public Engagement: Capstone Experience, 3 credit hours
EDACE 816: Foundations of Social Justice Education: Research, Theory, and Practice, 3 credit hours
EDACE 817: Reflective Practice in Social Justice Education Credits, 3 credit hours