On July 9, Gov. Mike Kehoe signed legislation that granted Missouri State the authority to independently offer Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs. This legislation becomes effective August 28.

Missouri State President Dr. Richard “Biff” Williams described it as “a historic day” for Missouri State, one that “gives our university the flexibility to respond to workforce needs and expand academic opportunities for current and future students across Missouri.”

Real and Lasting Impacts

Currently, students can pursue nine doctoral-level degrees at Missouri State. These doctorates primarily focus on clinical or applied learning. The programs developed organically in response to community and workforce needs.

“Our doctoral programs offer Grad Bears expert mentorship from outstanding faculty, who prepare them for meaningful careers,” says Dr. Carrisa Hoelscher, interim dean of the Graduate College.

“Our doctoral graduates make real and lasting impacts — not only in their academic disciplines but also in their communities. Through these strong, diverse doctoral offerings, we can really see the breadth and depth of our public affairs mission.”

The Highest Level of Education for Health Professionals

Dr. Mark Smith, dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS), agrees with Hoelscher’s assessment. His college is home to the largest number of current doctoral programs. He sees them as “the ultimate expression of the public affairs mission — producing the highest level of education that can support the community.”

Through MCHHS, students can earn the following doctorates:

• Doctor of Audiology
• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (This program offers two doctoral-level degrees: a post-professional degree, which serves students who are already licensed occupational therapists, and an entry-level degree.)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (This is a cooperative program that’s administered on Missouri State’s campus by the University of Missouri-Kansas City.)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Doctor of Psychology

“We’re helping deliver the highest level of health care, tied to the highest level of education in service of our community,” Smith says.

Developing Strategic Thinkers

The professional Doctorate in Defense and Strategic Studies — part of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities — began enrolling students in fall 2020. To date, 13 students have earned doctorates in this program, and several capstone projects have been published.

John Rose, director of the School of Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS), says students who pursue this doctorate are mid-career professionals. They often have families and earn the degree while working full time in the security arena. They work in defense, diplomatic units, intelligence, homeland security, legal positions, on combat command staffs, on Capitol Hill, and in nuclear enterprise positions around the world. They’re valuable assets to their organizations, and they’re seeking skills that will prepare them for strategic leadership roles.

“We provide strategic insights and an understanding of the most complex, difficult security challenges our nation must address,” Rose says. “We help them understand the strategic implications required to address and meet today’s security environment, which is extremely complex, dangerous and challenging.”

DSS faculty have professional backgrounds in the diplomatic, military, intelligence, legal and nuclear fields. “Our faculty and staff have been where these men and women want to go,” Rose says. “We exist to help them reach their goals.”

Tomorrow’s Education Leaders

Last year, the College of Education (COE) launched the Doctor of Education in Leadership, Learning and Educational Change (EdD). COE accepted applications for this program last fall; the first EdD cohort will begin this fall.

Dr. Barri Tinkler, COE dean, describes the program as “a wonderful fit for education professionals who want to be teacher-leaders in their communities.” Examples include school administrators who may be interested in becoming superintendents and student affairs professionals who are seeking enhanced leadership opportunities. And Tinkler says that for people working in education-related fields, it’s a great way to further their understanding of higher education and K–12 environments.

“That’s a big part of what we do,” she says. “We think about education in a holistic way so that we’re all working together in service of our community.”

Ready to Ignite Opportunity

Hoelscher says it’s a tremendously exciting moment at Missouri State.

“Finalizing a strategic plan titled ‘Igniting Opportunity’ around the time Gov. Kehoe signed this legislation feels incredibly serendipitous,” she says. “I’m looking forward to seeing how our academic community comes together to shape this next chapter of graduate education.”