UCA Ph.D. Change Leadership Update + Facts

[hmniimykmfptd]

So for folks not interested in community activism or who aren't in education, how friendly is the curriculum? I'm honestly surprised there isn't a "general leadership" track.

I'm in my 5th semester and have done 14 classes so far. The curriculum is very focused on leadership broadly however, to be accepted into the program I do believe you must be aligned with one of the tracks.

May I ask if students of the UCA PhD program work, part-time or full-time? I've been accepted for Fall 25 and work full-time. I'm trying to gauge workload as I've read in this thread. Thank you!

[mohelena02]

So for folks not interested in community activism or who aren't in education, how friendly is the curriculum? I'm honestly surprised there isn't a "general leadership" track.

I'm in my 5th semester and have done 14 classes so far. The curriculum is very focused on leadership broadly however, to be accepted into the program I do believe you must be aligned with one of the tracks.

May I ask if students of the UCA PhD program work, part-time or full-time? I've been accepted for Fall 25 and work full-time. I'm trying to gauge workload as I've read in this thread. Thank you!

The program is tailored for working people. Most work, a lot of them work at UCA even. I have worked full time while in the program.

[TINASAM]

I was accepted and ultimately had to turn it down because of the other degree I got into being a better fit long term for me. I agonized over it. I really wanted to do the program.

[hmniimykmfptd]

I was accepted and ultimately had to turn it down because of the other degree I got into being a better fit long term for me.  I agonized over it. I really wanted to do the program.

Which program did you decide to join instead? I have pending applications, still exploring my options before I decide.

[TINASAM]

I chose a DA in English (conc. English Literature) at Murray State. Many of the core classes are synchronous Zoom meetings but other than that it works perfectly. 3-4 year program. No campus visits. They have other concentrations.
I'd just rather have the English degree than Change Leadership.

[newdegree]

I chose a DA in English (conc. English Literature) at Murray State. Many of the core classes are synchronous Zoom meetings but other than that it works perfectly. 3-4 year program. No campus visits. They have other concentrations.
I'd just rather have the English degree than Change Leadership.

Depending on what you are using the degree for, the type of doctorate may make a difference in employment. Some universities will see a Doctor of Arts (DA) as less than a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) which is more common. I guess it's a personal preference, at the end of the day, and I get your argument of wanting an English degree over a degree in change leadership as it is more tailored towards your goal.

[TINASAM]

but with the Ph.D in change leadership, I would be teaching in that genre, and I really would rather not be an expert or professor in leadership (no diss on that for those interested, just not for me). I'd rather it be a little harder to find teaching jobs but they be in the English/Literature genre than Leadership. I also have pending appointments just with my Master degree so it wasn't that much of a difference in my academic circles, thankfully.

[hmniimykmfptd]

Thank you for sharing! I appreciate your insight!