Global Training and Development

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The specialization in Global Training and Development is designed to educate tomorrow’s leaders in the field of training and performance improvement. In this specialization, you will combine theory, research and practical application as you critically analyze needs and evaluate the influences of how performance improvement and training should be designed. You will examine principles of organizational leadership, human resources, adult education and organizational change, and research emerging trends for solution-driven effectiveness. As a graduate, you will be prepared to pursue leadership positions involving international training programs, consulting or higher education.

General Degree Requirements

The PhD Program may be completed in 60 semester credit hours. However, up to an additional 15 credit hours will be allowed as needed to complete the dissertation research. If the program is not completed in 75 credit hours, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Completion Period for Doctoral Degrees

Northcentral University allows 7 years to complete all doctoral programs of 60 credits or less. Normal time to complete varies depending upon course take rate and credits transferred.

Certification and Licensing

The School of Education serves educational leaders by providing online graduate studies in education to reach worldwide populations. The PhD program is designed to reach national and international markets and does not purport to provide licensure or certification in any particular state or country.

PhD Degree Requirements

Admission to the doctorate programs at NCU requires a master's degree from an accredited institution. PhD students are also required to demonstrate competency in specific subject areas prior to enrolling in any of the specialization or elective courses.

Foundational Competencies for PhD Program

  • Graduate Level Statistics Competency - PhD students are required to complete a Statistics in Education Research Course, EDU8003, and also EDU8006, Advanced Educational Statistics.
  • Competency in Research Writing Skills - PhD students are required to show competency in writing skills for research purposes through their Northcentral University graduate coursework before being assigned to any dissertation courses. Students will be required to take EDU8001, Advanced Scholarly Writing, to improve APA formatting skills and to address advanced writing and research skills as necessary.
  • Computer Competency - PhD students are required to use appropriate computer skills that are necessary in writing a dissertation. Students must be able to prepare documents using advanced word processing skills (e.g., creation of tables and figures, headers and footers, page breaks, tables of contents, hanging indents, etc.). In addition, students need to use computer programs for the statistical analysis and presentation of data (e.g., Excel, SPSS). The oral defense normally requires a computer-based presentation by the candidate (e.g., a PowerPoint presentation).

Course Length

All new students enrolling in the PhD in Education program are automatically enrolled in courses that are eight weeks in length. All eight-week courses are indicated by a "-8" (dash eight) at the end of the course code.

The PhD in Education requires six specialization, five research, and two statistical courses for a total of 39 credit hours.

Course Code

Name

Course Description

Specialization Course 1

EDU8002, EDU8002-8

Educational Research Methodology

The purpose of this course is to enable students to gain a holistic understanding of the research process and examine the most common research designs used in educational research. In this course, students are prepared to make thoughtful and wise choices about their dissertation research project or capstone project through the exploration of different research design options.

Specialization Course 2

EDU8003, EDU8003-8

Statistics I

This course provides an introductory exploration of statistics for the graduate Learner. It includes instruction on the calculation, use, and interpretation of descriptive statistics, and introduces inferential statistical analysis. The emphasis of this course is on providing a working knowledge of basic statistical concepts to help the Learner understand statistical methodology used in education, and also more generally, developing a working knowledge of statistical usage in everyday life.

Specialization Course 3

EDU8202, EDU8202-8

Research Design

In this course, the Learner acquires the basic skills necessary for the interpretation and application of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. The Learner will examine the formal research process carefully, with an emphasis on practical applications and skill development. Critical concepts and principles intrinsic to research paradigms, study designs, and methods of inquiry are presented to empower the Learners ability to formulate and respond to research questions. The resources listed below from the Northcentral University Dissertation Center are critical resources throughout the whole research process _ learners are highly encouraged to become deeply familiar with the resources from the Northcentral University Dissertation Center.

EDU8005, EDU8005-8

Qualitative Research Design

This course is an examination of qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, and case studies.

Specialization Course 4

EDU8006, EDU8006-8

Statistics II

This course is an intermediate examination of statistical analyses commonly used for research in education. It prepares the doctoral student with the skills required to plan, conduct (using SPSS), report, and interpret quantitative statistical analyses. Topics include: basic statistical knowledge, probability theory, exploratory data analysis, assumptions for statistical tests, parametric and nonparametric tests. Specific analyses include correlation, regression (simple, multiple, and logistic), basic ANOVA and advance ANOVA techniques.

Specialization Course 5

EDU8007, EDU8007-8

Quantitative Methods

This course provides students with the skills essential for designing experimental, quasi-experimental, and survey studies; analyzing the data collected in those studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. Students will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.

Specialization Course 6

EDU8207, EDU8207-8

Planning Dissertation Research in Education

Students in this course will begin the process of writing a dissertation for a research or professional doctorate. The course will address the University dissertation procedures and aids students in the process of successfully completing a dissertation, including attending to self-care and time management.

Required Basic Foundation Courses – 6 credit hours

Course Code

Name

Course Description

EDU8000, EDU8000-8

Foundations for Doctoral Study in Education (This course will be taken as the first course)

This course is an orientation to Northcentral University and to the essential skills needed to pursue a doctoral degree in Education. Doctoral level skills, such as academic integrity, time management, effective use of the Northcentral Library, comprehending complex scholarly texts and research articles, and APA form and style in professional communication are also introduced. Students will complete the course with a better understanding of personal goals, strengths, and challenges, and a roadmap to navigate their way to completion of their educational aspirations.

EDU8001, EDU8001-8

Advanced Scholarly Writing

The purpose of this course is to build advanced skills identifying and obtaining high quality sources through online library searches. In addition, the course addresses advanced writing and APA formatting skills, and it prepares students to be critically reflective consumers of research reports.

Specialization Courses - 18 credit hours, Select 6 courses from the following:

Course Code

Name

Course Description

GTD7000-8

Human Performance: Paradigms and Possibilities

In a time when the global job marketplace is more volatile than ever, recruiting and retaining quality workers and providing a spirited and productive workplace has never been of greater importance. In this course, doctoral students examine major issues that impact human performance. Various paradigms are highlighted to demonstrate effective and efficient training models with an eye toward liberating human performance potential. Note: First course for students pursuing a specialization in Training, Development and Leadership.

GTD7005-8

Strategic Links for Successful Global Training

This Doctoral level course provides insights into the intersection of corporations and global training and development. Students will explore best practices to uncover links that can be made to increase the value of global training and development in light of leader expectations. In this course, students will be exposed to diversified training approaches, differentiated and accelerated learning concepts and theories, and classroom and web strategies for meeting the needs of trainees. Doctoral students will also explore case studies of companies leading the global workforce. Students will be required to consider unique training and development practices in global contexts and to consider value-added approaches to building an informed workforce.

GTD7007-8

The Role of Technology in the Global Training Marketplace

In this course, doctoral students will explore the impact of rapidly changing technology and the challenges of integrating these technological tools into the global training marketplace. The traditional concepts of global training have become outmoded with new innovations. The real and immediate impact of technological change is ever present, and must be continually managed for effective training to ensue. Technology is a key factor in almost any conceivable training program on the market. Technology represents the processes, skills, and tools that allow globally savvy trainers to move data and information through an organization. As global entities expand, trainers with skills in technology-driven training will be in increasing demand. This course will prepare students to identify strategic reasons to implement web-based training, provide tools for best-practices evaluation, and synthesize diverse elements of technology-driven training.

GTD7011-8

Best Practices for Training and Presenting to International Audiences

Understanding the best practices for training and presenting to international audiences is a key feature of success for those engaged in global training. In this course, doctoral students will develop an understanding of the basic theories, skills, and applications related to international training and presentation. The course focuses on the consistent, logical process, which can be employed to create culturally appropriate professional development offerings. The course also covers topics that are essential to global trainers including evaluating the role of the global manager; assessing skills required by global managers; analyzing culture in diverse contexts, and applying heuristic decision-making processes.

GTD7013-8

Evaluating Training Programs

In todays global training environment of frugal budgets and increasing accountability, stakeholders want to know the bottom line outcomes of training initiatives for the organization. How did a training program enhance organizations performance and impact the workforce? This course provides doctoral students the opportunity to investigate the critical components of successful training by exploring professional training programs and methods of evaluation. This course is designed to facilitate knowledge of fundamental concepts, principles, theories, and techniques of training evaluation. The underlying value of such knowledge for global trainers is the ability to understand how and why particular training programs are effective or ineffective. In this course, the student will identify and clarify the training needs of organizations; select appropriate training approaches; and evaluate training outcomes.

GTD7019-8

Trainer as Consultant in the Global Marketplace

Consultants serve myriad roles in national and trans-national organizations. In this course, doctoral students will develop an understanding of ways to create value, improve productivity, and deliver change in these global organizations. Consulting work allows an individual to condense skills developed throughout a lifetime of professional experience and practice. This course focuses on the process of consultation, and the various approaches to assisting global organizations as an outside professional. Models of consulting are presented for consideration and topics including management, ethics, tools, and techniques are addressed. The doctoral student will gain professional skills to assist global partners in times of organizational and personal need.

OL7001-8

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Dealing with conflict is an inevitable part of any leader's role in any type of organization. Timely and relevant, this course examines conflict management processes and skills with emphasis on interaction patterns, interpersonal relationships, and communication skills. Students will examine the nature of conflict - its origins, sources, and types - as well as the concepts and skills of proactive intervention, conflict resolution and utilizing various conflict resolution strategies in organizational settings. Issues dealing with diversity and ethical issues in multiple contexts, fostering creativity in problem solving and process design, and strategy and skills for successful mediation will be examined. Theory, structure, and practice of collaborative negotiation and mediated negotiations and application of the skills used to prevent and resolve conflict are emphasized.

OL7002-8

Building Organizational Capacity

OL7003-8

Leadership for Excellence

This Doctoral level course will benefit students who understand that striving for leadership excellence is a life journey. It is predicated upon studying, practicing, and developing leadership skills and competencies. This process involves an intensive examination of personal and organizational leadership abilities and capacities. Students will deepen their philosophy of leadership which serves as the foundation for applying the knowledge and skill sets acquired through their specialization and degree program. The development and implementation of leadership concepts, applications, and frameworks to drive leadership performance for excellence are highlighted. The continued and increasingly successful application of the knowledge, tools, skill sets, and perspectives that have been learned will also be emphasized.

ED7017-8

Systems Dynamics

System dynamics aims to prepare current and future managers of public educational organizations for leadership roles by focusing on the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes needed to manage public service organizations strategically.

ED7030-8

Development of Organizational Leadership

In this course, doctoral students will explore classic and contemporary approaches to organizational development. Students will define authentic leadership and effectiveness; and will explore what it means to work mindfully while applying principles of authenticity, integrity, and purposefulness. Doctoral students will explore preferred communication styles, cultivate relationship, develop strategies, and identify optimal strategies for organization growth and maturity. Students will be introduced to the doctrines of organization development, theory, and techniques. Attention will be given to organizational development in today's fast paced environments.

Doctoral Comprehensive Exam - 3 credit hours. Dissertation Courses - 12 credit hours

Course Code

Name

Course Description

CMP9500E

Doctoral Comprehensive Examination

In pursuit of a research doctoral degree (PhD) at Northcentral University, students gain expertise in their academic discipline and in one or more specializations that complement their academic discipline. The Doctoral Comprehensive Examination is intended to assure that students have mastered knowledge of their discipline before candidacy status is achieved and their dissertation work is initiated. The Doctoral Comprehensive Examination is taken following the completion of all foundation, specialization, and methods courses. This course is graded using Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) grading criteria. The Doctoral Comprehensive Examination must be successfully completed with an "S" grade prior to beginning any work in Dissertation courses. This course may only be retaken once.

DIS9501E

PhD Doctoral Dissertation

In this course sequence, students work progressively on completing each doctoral dissertation milestone toward the completion of the PhD degree. These milestones include Committee and University approval of a dissertation concept paper, a dissertation proposal paper, an approved IRB application by the Northcentral University Institutional Review Board, the collection and analysis of research data, the preparation and approval of the final dissertation manuscript, and the successful completion of the oral defense. Courses are taken continually and sequentially until all dissertation milestones have been completed. Throughout these courses, students often work independently but are required to be in communication with the Chair of their Dissertation Committee at least every 28 calendar days. These courses are graded utilizing Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) as the grading criteria.

DIS9502E

PhD Doctoral Dissertation

In this course sequence, students work progressively on completing each doctoral dissertation milestone toward the completion of the PhD degree. These milestones include Committee and University approval of a dissertation concept paper, a dissertation proposal paper, an approved IRB application by the Northcentral University Institutional Review Board, the collection and analysis of research data, the preparation and approval of the final dissertation manuscript, and the successful completion of the oral defense. Courses are taken continually and sequentially until all dissertation milestones have been completed. Throughout these courses, students often work independently but are required to be in communication with the Chair of their Dissertation Committee at least every 28 calendar days. These courses are graded utilizing Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) as the grading criteria.

DIS9503E

PhD Doctoral Dissertation

In this course sequence, students work progressively on completing each doctoral dissertation milestone toward the completion of the PhD degree. These milestones include Committee and University approval of a dissertation concept paper, a dissertation proposal paper, an approved IRB application by the Northcentral University Institutional Review Board, the collection and analysis of research data, the preparation and approval of the final dissertation manuscript, and the successful completion of the oral defense. Courses are taken continually and sequentially until all dissertation milestones have been completed. Throughout these courses, students often work independently but are required to be in communication with the Chair of their Dissertation Committee at least every 28 calendar days. These courses are graded utilizing Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) as the grading criteria.

DIS9504E

PhD Doctoral Dissertation

In this course sequence, students work progressively on completing each doctoral dissertation milestone toward the completion of the PhD degree. These milestones include Committee and University approval of a dissertation concept paper, a dissertation proposal paper, an approved IRB application by the Northcentral University Institutional Review Board, the collection and analysis of research data, the preparation and approval of the final dissertation manuscript, and the successful completion of the oral defense. Courses are taken continually and sequentially until all dissertation milestones have been completed. Throughout these courses, students often work independently but are required to be in communication with the Chair of their Dissertation Committee at least every 28 calendar days. These courses are graded utilizing Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) as the grading criteria.

At Northcentral University, we pride ourselves in being completely transparent when it comes to tuition and fees. We have adopted an all-inclusive tuition model that gives you the cost of your Doctor of Philosophy in Education tuition and fees in one flat program rate*. The only additional cost above your PhD in Education program rate is books. Learn more about the NCU’s PhD in Education costs below:

  • Per credit cost: $857
  • Per 3 credit course cost: $2,570
  • Program cost: $51,400 
  • Average book cost per course: $150
  • Application Fee: $0
  • Technology Fee: $0
  • Registration Fee: $0

Click here to learn more about payment and financing options.

*Program rates are subject to change and generally increase at the start of each calendar year.

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