Southern Nazarene University received approval from the Higher Learning Commission 7 December to offer the first doctoral program at the university.

The Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership program, which lasts 32 months, has a dissertation embedded into the curriculum. Graduates will be prepared to reach higher leadership positions both in education and in other industries.

“SNU's reputation as a premier provider of education for educators has once again been affirmed,” said Keith Newman, SNU president. “The HLC’s approval of our new program allows SNU to build upon a strength that has been developed over many years. We look forward to the continued preparation of servant leaders who will influence and impact our culture for good.”

The program is set to start with its first cohort March 2019 at SNU’s Bethany campus with future cohorts in Tulsa and online.

Stephoni Case, director of the Educational Leadership and Administration program, said the process to design the new degree program began well over a year ago based on student interest.

“Over the years, we have had hundreds of requests for a doctorate program, particularly in education and leadership,” Case said. “A team of SNU faculty worked to create a strategic plan for a sustainable doctoral program that would last for years to come.”

Case and the rest of the team been working diligently to organize the program and are honored to announce its approval.

“This is now a reality and we are very excited,” Case said. “It’s an incredible terminal degree.”

--Southern Nazarene University