Current Learner Testimonial
David H., Cohort 3
St. Louis, MO
The cohort Ph.D. program at Union Institute & University offers a unique opportunity for learners to pursue their particular subject of interest from a variety of perspectives. The Union model allows us to study our topic both broadly and deeply and will help us to have a more complex understanding due to the interdisciplinary focus.
The cohort model means that even though we conduct much of our work on our own and in our own settings, we are not learning in isolation. Having a defined group that goes through the program at (generally) the same rate means that we will get to know one another’s interests, experiences, and strengths and be able to draw on and share those strengths to the benefit of all. Additional goals of the program are that learners seek to make a positive difference in the world through exploration of socially relevant issues; embrace complexities and differences that exist in our group and in society; place high value on the creative process; and go beyond theory to practical the application of our ideas.
The expectations of this Ph.D. program are that we will enroll in a specific set of courses in a particular order with some flexibility to allow for individual interests. In addition, each course that we undertake will provide opportunities to focus on our specific area of study in at least 25 percent of our coursework. After the first two years of the program, comprehensive examinations of course material will be administered, and upon successful completion of these exams, the dissertation process will begin in earnest. The dissertation committee, and the chair in particular, will provide valuable feedback and guidance to learners, but the primary onus for staying on task and organized will be on learners. Beyond the committee, other faculty members are very open and available to consult with learners throughout the program and offer valuable insights and direction as needed. It is also an expectation that Union scholars will produce high quality, academically rigorous work that maintains the very high standards of doctoral studies. Our work should not only be high quality, but offer something new and distinct to our chosen field and move toward effectively and humanely solving real problems or issues in society.
My primary and secondary concentrations of Ethical and Creative Leadership and Humanities and Society will dictate the courses I enroll in as the program progresses and also have more specific goals and expectations associated with them. The leadership concentration will provide opportunities to gain advanced-level understanding of theories of effective leadership that include ethical concerns and creative approaches to solving complex issues. Additionally, the humanities focus will offer a different lens through which to view my area of study, particularly with a strong foundation in philosophical thought and other theories of society and culture that come to bear.
One of the primary reasons that I was drawn to Union’s Ph.D. program was that the areas of study that are offered seemed to be such a good fit for my interests. I’m particularly enthused about the interdisciplinary aspect of the program as my intent going into this process was to look at best practices in education through the multiple lenses of design, child development, and nature and ecology. I also intend to consider some secondary influences including aesthetics, experiential education, educational philosophies, environmentalism, educational leadership, and public policy concerns. In order to fully understand the variety of issues and potential obstacles to integrating creative, humane educational practices, I look forward to acquiring both broad and specialized knowledge as my studies progress.