Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Educational Policy and Administration M.A.

Organizational Leadership, Policy and Development
College of Education and Human Development
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development, 330 Wulling Hall, 86 Pleasant Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-624-1006; fax: 612-624-3377)
Email: olpd@umn.edu
Website: http://www.cehd.umn.edu/olpd
  • Students will no longer be accepted into this program after Summer 2013. Program requirements below are for current students only.
  • This graduate program is now offered through Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development. See http://www.cehd.umn.edu/olpd for more information.
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Spring 2017
  • Length of program in credits: 30
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Arts
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development is a leader in advancing knowledge about educational and organizational change in local, national, and international contexts. Our research, teaching, and outreach reflect a commitment to interdisciplinary and intercultural engagement with educators, scholars, and policy makers seeking to enhance leadership, policy, and development around the globe. Students in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs choose from one of five complementary but distinct program tracks: educational administration (EdAd), evaluation studies (ES), higher education (HiEd), comparative and international development education (CIDE), and work and human resource education (WHRE). The department's undergraduate programs focus on human resource development and business and marketing education. In addition, it offers a variety of programs for practicing professionals and various licensure programs.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
Special Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit scores from the General Test of the GRE, two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their scholarship and research potential, a complete set of official transcripts (sent directly from institution[s] to the Graduate School), a current résumé, and three brief essays (personal statement, educational issue of interest, career goals). The GRE is not required for EdAd M.A. applicants but is required for application to other M.A. program tracks (CIDE, ES, and HiEd) and all tracks in the doctoral degree programs (Ed.D. and Ph.D.). International students must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, but international applicants to the M.A. program are exempt from the GRE. All applications for admission are reviewed once a year (March 1). All new students begin in fall semester unless permission to start earlier is granted by the program coordinator. The department application, letters of recommendation, résumé, and essays are submitted via the Graduate School's online application. GRE scores, transcripts (sent directly from the institution[s]), and TOEFL/IELTS score are sent to the Graduate School. Applicants must have completed appropriate undergraduate and graduate study. In some cases, where previous coursework or degrees are marginally related, otherwise qualified applicants will be asked to complete additional background courses after admission. Applications are encouraged from individuals who may have completed undergraduate and/or master's programs in related areas such as curriculum studies, public affairs, sociology, psychology, economics, political science, international relations, management science, measurement and statistics, and educational psychology. The department offers study opportunities for professionals who are employed full time as well as for those who wish to pursue graduate studies full time.
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
Key to test abbreviations (TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires 14 major credits, 6 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 24 major credits and 6 credits outside the major. The final exam is written.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
The master's is available under four program tracks: educational administration, evaluation studies, higher education, and comparative and international development education; and is offered under two plans. Plan A requires 14-18 course credits in EDPA courses, 6 course credits outside the department, and 10 thesis credits. Plan B requires 24-26 course credits in EDPA courses, 6 course credits outside the department, and a Plan B project. For details see the OLPD website under Current Students.
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Comparative and International Development Education
Plan A or Plan B
Plan A
Total Plan A CIDE Credits: 34 credits
Program Core
OLPD 5087 - MA Research Seminar (3.0 cr)
Program Specializations
Students select two courses from one of the three specializations:
Comparative and international development education
OLPD 5103 - Comparative Education (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5104 - Education and the Sustainable Development Goals (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5121 - Educational Reform in International Context (3.0 cr)
Intercultural/international education
OLPD 5048 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5124 - Critical Issues in International Education and Educational Exchange (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5132 - Intercultural Education and Training: Theory and Application (3.0 cr)
Global youth policy and leadership
OLPD 5141 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5142 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5381 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Research Design and Methods
3 credits to be selected in consultation with adviser.
Related Fields (6 credits outside OLPD)
The master's degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the department that directly relate to the student's area of study. Courses totaling 6 or more credits should be selected in consultation with the adviser and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student's thesis. These courses may include additional methods courses taught outside the department.
Electives
The following courses are also available for elective options: OLPD 8087 - Seminar: Educational Policy & Administration [Pro Seminar in CIDE] OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Human Rights Education (3 cr)
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5044 - Introduction to the Economics of Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5056 - Case Studies for Policy Research (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5061 - Ethnographic Research Methods (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5102 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5144 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8101 - International Education and Development (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8103 - Comparative Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8104 - Innovative Systems Thinking in Education and Culture (3.0 cr)
Thesis Credits
Take 10 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
-OR-
Plan B
Total Plan B CIDE Credits: 30 credits
Program Core
OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
Program Specializations
Select one of the three specializations below and choose two of its three core courses:
Comparative and international development education
OLPD 5103 - Comparative Education (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5104 - Education and the Sustainable Development Goals (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5121 - Educational Reform in International Context (3.0 cr)
Intercultural/international education
OLPD 5048 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5124 - Critical Issues in International Education and Educational Exchange (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5132 - Intercultural Education and Training: Theory and Application (3.0 cr)
Global youth policy and leadership
OLPD 5141 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5142 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5381 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Electives
8xxx courses should be taken only with the consent of the instructor. The following courses are also available for elective options: EDPA 5080 - Special Topics: Gender, Education, & International Development (3 cr) EDPA 8087 - Seminar: Educational Policy & Administration (1-2 cr) [Advanced Seminar in International Development Education: Care Gender Project]
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5044 - Introduction to the Economics of Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5056 - Case Studies for Policy Research (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5061 - Ethnographic Research Methods (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5102 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5144 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5302 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8087 - Seminar: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8101 - International Education and Development (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8103 - Comparative Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8104 - Innovative Systems Thinking in Education and Culture (3.0 cr)
Research Design and Methods
3 credits to be selected in consultation with adviser.
Related Fields (6 additional credits outside department)
The master's degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the department that directly relate to the student's area of study. These courses should be selected in consultation with the adviser and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student¿s thesis. These courses may include additional methods courses taught outside the department.
Educational Administration
Plan A or Plan B
Plan A
Program Core
Take 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5001 - Formal Organizations in Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5024 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5041 - Sociology of Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5044 - Introduction to the Economics of Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5048 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5302 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5344 - School Law (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5364 - Context and Practice of Educational Leadership (3.0 cr)
Research Design and Methods
Take 6 or more credits selected in consultation with adviser.
Related Fields (6 additional credits outside department)
The master's degree requires 6 credits taken outside of the department that directly relate to the student's area of study. These courses should be selected in consultation with the adviser.
Thesis Credits
Take 10 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
Research Project
Plan A students will develop and carry out an empirical research project under the supervision of their adviser.
-OR-
Plan B
Required coursework
OLPD 5001 - Formal Organizations in Education (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5302 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Program Core
Take 6 credits total from the following two areas:
Leadership courses
Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5048 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5364 - Context and Practice of Educational Leadership (3.0 cr)
Other coursework
Take 1 or more course(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5024 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5041 - Sociology of Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5044 - Introduction to the Economics of Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5128 - Anthropology of Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5324 - Strategic Financial Planning and Policy for Educational Leaders (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5344 - School Law (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5346 - Politics of Education (3.0 cr)
Research Design and Methods
OLPD 5501 - Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3.0 cr)
Related Fields
6 additional credits outside of department, selected in consultation with adviser. These usually include additional courses from the program core or other OLPD courses.
Colloquium Paper
Students prepare a paper on an issue of relevance in school administration or revise and expand three course papers. Total of 120 hours of work required.
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
Evaluation Studies
Plan A or Plan B
Plan A
Total Plan A ES Credits: 31-32 credits
Program Core (6 credits)
OLPD 5501 - Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3.0 cr)
OLPD 8502 - Advanced Evaluation Theory and Theory crafting (3.0 cr)
Research Design and Methods
Two qualitative methods courses selected in consultation with adviser for a minimum of 6 credits.
Related Fields/Electives (9-10 credits)
The master's degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the department that directly relate to the student's area of study. These courses should be selected in consultation with the adviser and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student's thesis.
Thesis Credits
Take 10 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
-OR-
Plan B
Total Plan B ES Credits: 31-33 credits
Program Core (10 credits)
OLPD 5501 - Principles and Methods of Evaluation (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5521 - Cost and Economic Analysis in Educational Evaluation (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5524 {Inactive} (1.0 cr)
OLPD 8502 - Advanced Evaluation Theory and Theory crafting (3.0 cr)
Research Design and Methods
Two qualitative methods courses selected in consultation with adviser for a minimum of 6 credits.
Related Fields
The master's degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the department that directly relate to the student's area of study. These courses should be selected in consultation with the adviser and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student's thesis.
Other Electives
Coursework related to the student's specialization, selected in consultation with the adviser, and totaling a minimum of 6 credits. These may be OLPD or outside courses.
Colloquium Paper
The Plan B paper is prepared under the guidance of the adviser and committee. The final paper must represent no fewer than 120 hours of work.
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
Higher Education
Plan A or Plan B
Plan A
Total Plan A HiEd Credits: 34 credits
Required Coursework (6 credits)
OLPD 5701 - U.S. Higher Education (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
Program Area
Select from the course offerings listed below with adviser consultation and approval. The following courses are also options: OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Diversity and Equity in Higher Education (3 cr) OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Public Engagement in Higher Education (3 cr) OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: External Relations in Higher Education (3 cr) OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Perspectives on Leadership (3 cr) Other courses as offered by higher education faculty.
Take 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5001 - Formal Organizations in Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5704 - College Students Today (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5721 - Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5724 - Leadership and Administration of Student Affairs (2.0-3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5734 {Inactive} (2.0-3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8703 - Public Policy in Higher Education (3.0 cr)
Related Fields
The master's degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the department that directly relate to the student's area of study. These courses should be selected in consultation with the adviser and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student's thesis. These courses may include additional methods courses taught outside the department.
Research Design and Methods
Students select courses in consultation with their adviser totaling a minimum of 3 credits.
Electives
To be determined with adviser; used to reach required total of 30 credits.
Thesis Credits
Take 10 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
-OR-
Plan B
Total Plan B HiEd Credits: 30 credits
Required Coursework
6 credits.
OLPD 5701 - U.S. Higher Education (3.0 cr)
OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development (1.0-3.0 cr)
Program Area
Selected from the course offerings listed below with adviser consultation and approval. The following courses are also options: OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Diversity and Equity in Higher Education (3 cr) OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Public Engagement in Higher Education (3 cr) OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: External Relations in Higher Education (3 cr) OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Perspectives on Leadership (3 cr)
Take 12 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5001 - Formal Organizations in Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5704 - College Students Today (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5721 - Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5724 - Leadership and Administration of Student Affairs (2.0-3.0 cr)
· OLPD 5734 {Inactive} (2.0-3.0 cr)
· OLPD 8703 - Public Policy in Higher Education (3.0 cr)
Related Fields
The master's degree requires 6 semester credits taken outside the department that directly relate to the student's area of study. These courses should be selected in consultation with the adviser and should constitute a solid coursework foundation for the student's thesis. These courses may include additional methods courses taught outside the department.
Methods Course
Select courses in consultation with adviser for a minimum of 3 credits.
Electives
To be determined with adviser; used to reach required total of 30 credits.
Colloquium Paper
Plan B paper is prepared under the guidance of adviser and committee. The final paper must represent no fewer than 120 hours of work.
Take 3 or more credit(s) from the following:
· OLPD 5795 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
Plan A
  
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OLPD 5087 - MA Research Seminar
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: S-N only
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
OLPD 5087, MA Research Seminar, is intended to support OLPD Masters students working on their plan A or plan B papers. The course will focus on conducting effective research and developing the writing skills and habits needed to support the development and completion of the paper, including setting individual and realistic goals to further the project. Class time will include review and discussion of research strategies and practice, expectations for graduate level writing, in-class research and writing time, reviewing and commenting on work in progress in small groups, and review of proper APA style documentation and practices.
OLPD 5103 - Comparative Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examination of systems and philosophies of education globally with emphasis upon African, Asian, European, and North American nations. Foundations of comparative study with selected case studies.
OLPD 5104 - Education and the Sustainable Development Goals
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This course provides a critical analysis of strategies used to improve educational outcomes worldwide. This course examines contemporary trends in educational policy, development, and practice, focusing on how?s and why?s of educational change. Empirical studies, organizational reports, and student experiences all inform class discussion. prereq: Grad student
OLPD 5121 - Educational Reform in International Context
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Critical policy analysis of educational innovation and reform in selected countries. Use theoretical perspectives and a variety of policy analysis approaches to examine actual educational reforms and their implementation.
OLPD 5048 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Introduction to cultural variables of leadership that influence functioning of cross-cultural groups. Lectures, case studies, discussion, problem-solving, simulations. Intensive workshop.
OLPD 5124 - Critical Issues in International Education and Educational Exchange
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Analysis of comprehensive policy-oriented frameworks for international education; practices of U.S. and other universities; conceptual development of international education and its practical application to programs, to employment choices, and to pedagogy.
OLPD 5132 - Intercultural Education and Training: Theory and Application
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to the field of intercultural education and related field of multicultural education; analyzes the field through a critical lens; examines diverse meanings of education, including cultural knowledge.
OLPD 5044 - Introduction to the Economics of Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Costs and economic benefits of education, with a focus on K-12; educational markets, prices, and production relationships; investment and cost-benefit analysis.
OLPD 5056 - Case Studies for Policy Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to knowledge and skills appropriate for the conduct of rigorous case study research in educational, organizational, and other social settings. Underlying purposes and assumptions of case study methods will be examined as well as a variety of methodological approaches. The course focuses on the use of qualitative and mixed-methods approaches as these are the predominant strategies employed in contemporary case study research. Accordingly, it emphasizes links between research purposes, the conceptualization of case study projects, and the development of researchable questions. It also takes up a variety of ethical and political issues related to working with participants during the research process, as well as contemporary trustworthiness criteria for case study reports. The bulk of the course is given to training in observation, generating field notes, interviewing, collecting material cultural artifacts, using surveys, and analyzing, interpreting, and writing up case study data. The first segment of the course focuses on a critical discussion of research paradigms and epistemological assumptions of a variety of case study approaches. Students choose and critique a published case study from their field of interest. The second part of the course is devoted to a very small scale case study project which students design and carry out themselves. This project is supported by relevant readings and in-class activities (including peer review) related to the actual conduct of case study research.
OLPD 5061 - Ethnographic Research Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to knowledge and skills appropriate for the conduct of ethnographic research. Underlying purposes, assumptions, and distinctive characteristics of ethnographic methods will be examined as well as appropriate exemplars. Accordingly, the course emphasizes links between research purposes, the conceptualization of ethnographic projects and the development of researchable questions. The course also takes up a variety of ethical and political issues related to working with participants during the research process, as well as contemporary trustworthiness criteria for ethnographic written accounts. The bulk of the course is given to training in observation, generating field notes, developing interview questions, interviewing, collecting material cultural artifacts, using surveys, and analyzing, interpreting, and writing up ethnographic data. The first part of the course focuses on a critical discussion of ethnographic research purposes, epistemological assumptions, and essential features. Students choose and explore a published ethnographic study from their field of interest. The second part of the course is devoted to a very small scale ethnographic project which students design and carry out themselves. This project is supported by relevant readings and in-class activities (including peer review) related to the actual conduct of ethnographic research.
OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Topical issues in organizational leadership, policy, development.
OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 24.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Course or independent study on specific topic within department program emphasis.
OLPD 8101 - International Education and Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This seminar explores theories, debates, discourses, and practices that have historically linked international development (or simply ?development?) and education (both formal?schooling?and non-formal education). We will consider this linkage from different disciplinary perspectives, including anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology as well as interdisciplinary research that seeks to transcend these boundaries. We will examine the intertwined histories of colonialism, development, and education; efforts to promote national development through the expansion of schooling; the role of development institutions in shaping education policy and practice; and several current issues in the field of IED today. Throughout, we will consider different perspectives on how, and whether, education can foster better lives for people around the world.
OLPD 8103 - Comparative Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Doctoral-level course. History, methodologies, and major debates in the field of comparative education. Major research paper or extensive literature review.
OLPD 8104 - Innovative Systems Thinking in Education and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Critical aspects of historical/contemporary systems philosophy, thinking, and analysis. Development of concepts/skills applicable to understanding multiple dimensions of educational systems in diverse contexts. Implications for leadership and fostering organizational and systemic change.
OLPD 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required [Plan A only]
OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 24.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Course or independent study on specific topic within department program emphasis.
OLPD 5103 - Comparative Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examination of systems and philosophies of education globally with emphasis upon African, Asian, European, and North American nations. Foundations of comparative study with selected case studies.
OLPD 5104 - Education and the Sustainable Development Goals
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This course provides a critical analysis of strategies used to improve educational outcomes worldwide. This course examines contemporary trends in educational policy, development, and practice, focusing on how?s and why?s of educational change. Empirical studies, organizational reports, and student experiences all inform class discussion. prereq: Grad student
OLPD 5121 - Educational Reform in International Context
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Critical policy analysis of educational innovation and reform in selected countries. Use theoretical perspectives and a variety of policy analysis approaches to examine actual educational reforms and their implementation.
OLPD 5048 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Introduction to cultural variables of leadership that influence functioning of cross-cultural groups. Lectures, case studies, discussion, problem-solving, simulations. Intensive workshop.
OLPD 5124 - Critical Issues in International Education and Educational Exchange
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Analysis of comprehensive policy-oriented frameworks for international education; practices of U.S. and other universities; conceptual development of international education and its practical application to programs, to employment choices, and to pedagogy.
OLPD 5132 - Intercultural Education and Training: Theory and Application
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to the field of intercultural education and related field of multicultural education; analyzes the field through a critical lens; examines diverse meanings of education, including cultural knowledge.
OLPD 5044 - Introduction to the Economics of Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Costs and economic benefits of education, with a focus on K-12; educational markets, prices, and production relationships; investment and cost-benefit analysis.
OLPD 5056 - Case Studies for Policy Research
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to knowledge and skills appropriate for the conduct of rigorous case study research in educational, organizational, and other social settings. Underlying purposes and assumptions of case study methods will be examined as well as a variety of methodological approaches. The course focuses on the use of qualitative and mixed-methods approaches as these are the predominant strategies employed in contemporary case study research. Accordingly, it emphasizes links between research purposes, the conceptualization of case study projects, and the development of researchable questions. It also takes up a variety of ethical and political issues related to working with participants during the research process, as well as contemporary trustworthiness criteria for case study reports. The bulk of the course is given to training in observation, generating field notes, interviewing, collecting material cultural artifacts, using surveys, and analyzing, interpreting, and writing up case study data. The first segment of the course focuses on a critical discussion of research paradigms and epistemological assumptions of a variety of case study approaches. Students choose and critique a published case study from their field of interest. The second part of the course is devoted to a very small scale case study project which students design and carry out themselves. This project is supported by relevant readings and in-class activities (including peer review) related to the actual conduct of case study research.
OLPD 5061 - Ethnographic Research Methods
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This course introduces students to knowledge and skills appropriate for the conduct of ethnographic research. Underlying purposes, assumptions, and distinctive characteristics of ethnographic methods will be examined as well as appropriate exemplars. Accordingly, the course emphasizes links between research purposes, the conceptualization of ethnographic projects and the development of researchable questions. The course also takes up a variety of ethical and political issues related to working with participants during the research process, as well as contemporary trustworthiness criteria for ethnographic written accounts. The bulk of the course is given to training in observation, generating field notes, developing interview questions, interviewing, collecting material cultural artifacts, using surveys, and analyzing, interpreting, and writing up ethnographic data. The first part of the course focuses on a critical discussion of ethnographic research purposes, epistemological assumptions, and essential features. Students choose and explore a published ethnographic study from their field of interest. The second part of the course is devoted to a very small scale ethnographic project which students design and carry out themselves. This project is supported by relevant readings and in-class activities (including peer review) related to the actual conduct of ethnographic research.
OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 24.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Course or independent study on specific topic within department program emphasis.
OLPD 8087 - Seminar: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 12.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Topical issues.
OLPD 8101 - International Education and Development
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
This seminar explores theories, debates, discourses, and practices that have historically linked international development (or simply ?development?) and education (both formal?schooling?and non-formal education). We will consider this linkage from different disciplinary perspectives, including anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology as well as interdisciplinary research that seeks to transcend these boundaries. We will examine the intertwined histories of colonialism, development, and education; efforts to promote national development through the expansion of schooling; the role of development institutions in shaping education policy and practice; and several current issues in the field of IED today. Throughout, we will consider different perspectives on how, and whether, education can foster better lives for people around the world.
OLPD 8103 - Comparative Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Doctoral-level course. History, methodologies, and major debates in the field of comparative education. Major research paper or extensive literature review.
OLPD 8104 - Innovative Systems Thinking in Education and Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Critical aspects of historical/contemporary systems philosophy, thinking, and analysis. Development of concepts/skills applicable to understanding multiple dimensions of educational systems in diverse contexts. Implications for leadership and fostering organizational and systemic change.
OLPD 5001 - Formal Organizations in Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Classical/current theories of organizations. Applications to education and related fields.
OLPD 5041 - Sociology of Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5041/Soc 5455
Typically offered: Every Spring
Structures and processes within educational institutions; linkages between educational organizations and their social contexts, particularly related to educational change.
OLPD 5044 - Introduction to the Economics of Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Costs and economic benefits of education, with a focus on K-12; educational markets, prices, and production relationships; investment and cost-benefit analysis.
OLPD 5048 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Introduction to cultural variables of leadership that influence functioning of cross-cultural groups. Lectures, case studies, discussion, problem-solving, simulations. Intensive workshop.
OLPD 5344 - School Law
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Legal foundations of elementary/secondary education. Statutory themes, relevant case law, emergent policy issues. Implications for educational organizations and for administrative practice. Addresses competencies required under MN AR 3512 for administrative licensure. Grad students working on K-12 Administrative Licensure, MA, MED or PHD prereqs: OLPD 5385 Licensure Seminar: Program Policies and Inclusionary Leadership or concurrent registration and OLPD 5386 Leadership Portfolio or concurrent registration.
OLPD 5364 - Context and Practice of Educational Leadership
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Current research/practice on educational leadership. Focuses on creating school cultures conducive to continuous improvement/change. Strategies for personal/organizational leadership in PK-12 settings.
OLPD 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required [Plan A only]
OLPD 5001 - Formal Organizations in Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Classical/current theories of organizations. Applications to education and related fields.
OLPD 5048 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Leadership
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Introduction to cultural variables of leadership that influence functioning of cross-cultural groups. Lectures, case studies, discussion, problem-solving, simulations. Intensive workshop.
OLPD 5364 - Context and Practice of Educational Leadership
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
Current research/practice on educational leadership. Focuses on creating school cultures conducive to continuous improvement/change. Strategies for personal/organizational leadership in PK-12 settings.
OLPD 5041 - Sociology of Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5041/Soc 5455
Typically offered: Every Spring
Structures and processes within educational institutions; linkages between educational organizations and their social contexts, particularly related to educational change.
OLPD 5044 - Introduction to the Economics of Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Costs and economic benefits of education, with a focus on K-12; educational markets, prices, and production relationships; investment and cost-benefit analysis.
OLPD 5128 - Anthropology of Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Anth 5128/OLPD 5128
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Insights from educational anthropology for educators to address issues of culture, ethnicity, and power in schools.
OLPD 5324 - Strategic Financial Planning and Policy for Educational Leaders
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
State-local school finance systems, budgeting, governmental fund accounting. Interpretation of financial information. Addresses competencies required under MN AR 3512 for administrative licensure Grad students working on K-12 Administrative Licensure, MA, MED or PHD prereqs: OLPD 5385 Licensure Seminar: Program Policies and Inclusionary Leadership or concurrent registration and OLPD 5386 Leadership Portfolio or concurrent registration.
OLPD 5344 - School Law
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Legal foundations of elementary/secondary education. Statutory themes, relevant case law, emergent policy issues. Implications for educational organizations and for administrative practice. Addresses competencies required under MN AR 3512 for administrative licensure. Grad students working on K-12 Administrative Licensure, MA, MED or PHD prereqs: OLPD 5385 Licensure Seminar: Program Policies and Inclusionary Leadership or concurrent registration and OLPD 5386 Leadership Portfolio or concurrent registration.
OLPD 5346 - Politics of Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Political dimensions of policy formulation/implementation in education. Use of power/influence in shaping educational policies and in resolving conflicts over educational issues. Analysis of consequences/cross-impacts. prereq: postbac, MEd, or grad student
OLPD 5501 - Principles and Methods of Evaluation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5501/EPsy 5243
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to program evaluation. Planning an evaluation study, collecting and analyzing information, reporting results; evaluation strategies; overview of the field of program evaluation.
OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 24.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Course or independent study on specific topic within department program emphasis.
OLPD 5501 - Principles and Methods of Evaluation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5501/EPsy 5243
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to program evaluation. Planning an evaluation study, collecting and analyzing information, reporting results; evaluation strategies; overview of the field of program evaluation.
OLPD 8502 - Advanced Evaluation Theory and Theory crafting
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This advanced course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of major evaluation theories, systems for organizing evaluation theories, and propose ways of expanding current theory. prereq: Doctoral standing OR instructor?s permission (enforced) Recommend OLPD 5502 (can be taken concurrently)
OLPD 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required [Plan A only]
OLPD 5501 - Principles and Methods of Evaluation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5501/EPsy 5243
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Introduction to program evaluation. Planning an evaluation study, collecting and analyzing information, reporting results; evaluation strategies; overview of the field of program evaluation.
OLPD 5521 - Cost and Economic Analysis in Educational Evaluation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall
Use and application of cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, cost-utility, and cost-feasibility in evaluation of educational problems and programs.
OLPD 8502 - Advanced Evaluation Theory and Theory crafting
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
This advanced course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of major evaluation theories, systems for organizing evaluation theories, and propose ways of expanding current theory. prereq: Doctoral standing OR instructor?s permission (enforced) Recommend OLPD 5502 (can be taken concurrently)
OLPD 5095 - Problems: Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 24.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Course or independent study on specific topic within department program emphasis.
OLPD 5701 - U.S. Higher Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
U.S. higher/postsecondary education in historical/contemporary perspective. Emphasizes structure, history, and purposes of system as a whole.
OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Topical issues in organizational leadership, policy, development.
OLPD 5001 - Formal Organizations in Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Classical/current theories of organizations. Applications to education and related fields.
OLPD 5704 - College Students Today
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5704/EPSY 5451
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Issues involving population of students in colleges/universities. College student development theory, students' expectations/interests. How college affects student outcomes. Role of curricular/extracurricular activities. Student-faculty interaction.
OLPD 5721 - Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Review of research. Theoretical frameworks, methodological perspectives, and research strategies used to study students, staff, and faculty. Historical perspectives.
OLPD 5724 - Leadership and Administration of Student Affairs
Credits: 2.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5724/EPsy 5421
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Scope, administration, coordination, and evaluation of programs in college and university student affairs.
OLPD 8703 - Public Policy in Higher Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Theories, analytic methods, and critical issues in postsecondary education policy at national/state levels. Equality of educational opportunity, affirmative action, system governance/coordination, research funding, student financial aid, public accountability. prereq: [5001 or EDPA 5001], [5701 or EDPA 5701]
OLPD 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required [Plan A only]
OLPD 5701 - U.S. Higher Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Summer
U.S. higher/postsecondary education in historical/contemporary perspective. Emphasizes structure, history, and purposes of system as a whole.
OLPD 5080 - Special Topics: Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development
Credits: 1.0 -3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Topical issues in organizational leadership, policy, development.
OLPD 5001 - Formal Organizations in Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Classical/current theories of organizations. Applications to education and related fields.
OLPD 5704 - College Students Today
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5704/EPSY 5451
Typically offered: Every Spring & Summer
Issues involving population of students in colleges/universities. College student development theory, students' expectations/interests. How college affects student outcomes. Role of curricular/extracurricular activities. Student-faculty interaction.
OLPD 5721 - Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Review of research. Theoretical frameworks, methodological perspectives, and research strategies used to study students, staff, and faculty. Historical perspectives.
OLPD 5724 - Leadership and Administration of Student Affairs
Credits: 2.0 -3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: OLPD 5724/EPsy 5421
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Scope, administration, coordination, and evaluation of programs in college and university student affairs.
OLPD 8703 - Public Policy in Higher Education
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Theories, analytic methods, and critical issues in postsecondary education policy at national/state levels. Equality of educational opportunity, affirmative action, system governance/coordination, research funding, student financial aid, public accountability. prereq: [5001 or EDPA 5001], [5701 or EDPA 5701]