EDLD 798 SYLLABUS
DOCTORAL INTERNSHIP IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
1-12 CREDITS
(Usually completed in 4 cr increments;
Minimum of 3 distinct internship experiences)
Summer Session May 17-July 23
Instructor: Scott Wurdinger
Department of Educational Leadership
Office: AH 115
Office Phone: 507-389-2919
Department phone: 507-389-1116
Office Hours: By appointment
E-mail: scott.wurdinger@mnsu.edu
Purpose of the Course:
The purpose of the doctoral internship is to create new learning and acquire new
leadership skills and knowledge through the process. Internships should be designed
to stretch individuals in new directions that will enhance their professional careers
and skill sets. Appropriate internships are those that will allow doctoral learners the
opportunity to create and demonstrate new strategies and methodologies for effective
leadership in higher education, school administration, college level teaching, and
other leadership settings. Didactic interactions with the professor of the course,
advisors, and other doctoral learners will provide learners with necessary processes to
navigate through their internships.
Four options for internships:
Teaching Internship
The teaching internship provides doctoral learners with working knowledge of higher
education teaching, organizational structure, and the procedures by which academia
operates. Learners may choose their internship site; however, there may also be
opportunities available to teach at Minnesota State University Mankato within the
Department of Educational Leadership. In such cases learners will teach a course
under the guidance and facilitation of the professor for the semester in which the
course is taught.
Administrative Internship
The administrative internship provides doctoral learners with placement in leadership
roles in K-12 educational settings, working under the supervision of an educational
administrator. Examples include a superintendent of a school district, a principal,
special education director, central office staff, state education office or a regional
director.
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EDLD 798 Doctorate Internship Syllabus
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Higher Education Internship
The higher education internship provides doctoral learners with placement in
leadership roles in a college or university setting working under the supervision of a
higher education professional. Examples are college administrators, departmental
administrators, or directors of different college programs.
Research Internship
The research internship is designed to provide learners with the opportunity to
conduct specialized field research. This internship allows learners an opportunity to
explore a specific research interest under the guidance of a faculty member. Learners
may choose to work with a faculty member in the Department of Educational
Leadership, or in certain situations may choose to work with a professor from another
department, or even a professor from another university. The intent of the research
internship is to connect learners with their passion for learning, and help them
articulate and implement a research methodology.
The process:
1. Discuss internship possibilities with advisor no later than the beginning of the
semester preceding the internship.
2. Consult with potential internship field supervisor(s) to determine feasibility of and
opportunities afforded by the internship.
3. Submit the internship proposal (including signed agreement form from internship
supervisor) to the internship professor no later than November 1, April 1, or July
1 preceding the internship semester.
4. Obtain signatures on the internship proposal from advisor, site supervisor, and
internship professor.
5. Begin the internship.
6. Attend scheduled internship seminars.
7. Arrange meeting (phone call, skype or other medium) at mid-way point with site
supervisor, internship professor, and intern to discuss progress.
8. Complete the internship (minimum of 120 hours).
9. Obtain and submit a completed and signed supervisor evaluation form from the
internship supervisor.
10. Final assessment will include: reflection paper, e-folio submissions, supervisor
evaluation form, and internship log.
Learner Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, doctoral learners will articulate gained
knowledge and experience by demonstrating their ability to:

Facilitate the development, articulation, implementation and stewardship of a
vision of learning.
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EDLD 798 Doctorate Internship Syllabus
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



Advocate, nurture and sustain education culture and instructional programs
conducive to learning and professional growth.
Ensure management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe,
efficient and effective learning environment
Understand and respond to the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural
context.
Act with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner.
Class will meet periodically during the semester to discuss processes and progress with
internships. Learners are expected to complete a minimum of 120 hours of work for a 4credit internship.
Accommodations:
“Every attempt will be made to accommodate qualified learners with disabilities. If
you are a learner with a documented disability, please see me as early in the
semester as possible to discuss the necessary accommodations, and/or contact the
Disability Services Office at (507) 389-2825 (V) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY).”
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EDLD 798 Doctorate Internship Syllabus
Revised 3/24/2010