EdD students are expected to be proficient in a variety of academic areas, including a broad understanding of theories and research, applying critical thinking, demonstrating professional and practical doctoral skills, engaging in academic dialogue, and using current resources. The specific competencies are identified below.
Theories
- Summarize and/or critique a theory
- Identify and use work by authors from diverse, broad perspectives, including under-represented groups
- Develop and test implications of a theory
- Resolve, synthesize, and/or critically evaluate contradictions among theories.
- Use the skills of analysis and synthesis to develop epistemologically sound ideas which make an original contribution to your field
Research
- Identify major research in your field through original sources
- Identify research traditions, authors, and issues of importance to diverse communities
- Conceive and plan action-oriented research
- Apply research design and methods
- Practice ethical principles of research
Critical Thinking
- Summarize, evaluate, and critique an argument
- Identify and critique the assumptions behind cognitive positions
- Suspend judgment, monitor/analyze your own thinking process and emotions, and apply healthy self-criticism
Professional and Practical Doctoral Skills
- Identify potential research and theoretical implications of events and phenomena in the domain of your professional practice
- Evaluate implications of current research for your practice
- Translate theoretical concepts and research findings into the language and culture of professional practice and of laypersons
- Translate concepts and concerns of professional practice and of laypersons into the language and culture of research and scholarship
- Draw upon appropriate scholarly knowledge and resources in clarifying practical and professional issues and in making practical and professional decisions
- Critique theory from practice and practice from theory
- Distinguish between pragmatic efficacy and scientific validity of identified theories and practices
- Demonstrate ability to work and learn collaboratively
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills
- Demonstrate the ability to accept leadership from and engage in collaboration with individuals who are different from yourself in ethnicity and gender
- Facilitate change processes
- Receive and give meaningful feedback
- Develop the ability to lead change processes
Dialogue
- Participate in critical dialogue and discussion
- Demonstrate a clear, coherent academic writing style in your own voice
- Demonstrate respect for your dialogue partners
- Be receptive to multiple perspectives
- Be able to withhold judgment
- Be receptive to not having the answer or being an expert
- Participate in ongoing self-reflection
Resources
- Use the appropriate resources in your field including original sources, research studies, journals, conferences, associations, databases, annual reviews, listserves, and internet sites
- Use the APA formatting style
- Practice the institutions' policies on academic honesty
Knowledge in the Field
- Be familiar with foundational theories through original texts
- Demonstrate understanding of classic research studies
- Engage in current debates, open questions, and discourse
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the institutions and social practices under consideration
- Be aware of and contribute to future trends in the field
- Contribute new knowledge to your field