Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia will offer its first doctoral program in fall 2021.
The Higher Learning Commission has approved the Doctor of Education in Rural and Diverse Educational Leadership program, which will be offered fully online. Establishing the university’s first doctoral program is the result of a four-year process, the university said.
“This news marks such an important point in SAU history! To be the first university south of Little Rock to offer a doctorate through a College of Education is a responsibility we take very seriously,” President Trey Berry said.
“Over the past few years, our students have benefited from the university establishing academic programs that are unique to south Arkansas,” he continued. “The creation of the Ed.D.is yet another example and a natural progression of the expanding academic mission at SAU. We are excited to be providing the opportunity for an advanced, terminal degree to equip our educational and community leaders for the future.”
SAU conducted a feasibility study in 2017 to explore adding a doctoral program, and a survey of employers confirmed there was a demand for talent with that credential.
The new Ed.D. program will provide advanced training in research and practice for professionals holding or seeking leadership positions. Complete details will be available on Sept. 1, the university said.
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