Mark Zorzi

Date Approved

2-16-2012

Embargo Period

3-3-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ed.D. Educational Leadership

Department

Educational Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Campbell, Robert

Subject(s)

Doctoral students; Educational leadership--Study and teaching

Disciplines

Higher Education Administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the changes that working practitioners experience while pursuing a doctoral degree. This qualitative study centered on the experiences of ten students who have successfully completed the doctoral program of Rowan University. Data was collected through personal interviews that explored their academic backgrounds as well as their views and experiences with the coursework. This study adopted elements of interpretive inquiry for development of a case study that sought to analyze meaning-making interactions of the participants lives and to make meaning of their doctoral experiences. A series of open ended questions in one-on-one interviews revealed the factors that motivated the participants to pursue doctoral degrees. The participants interviewed were working practitioners in their field of study who have achieved professional success in their chosen fields. The study sought to explain how the individuals themselves interpret the changes they experienced both personally and professionally.

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