OLHCC debuts first Ph.D. program, reduced tuition

    Our Lady of Holy Cross College is expanding its academic outreach with two innovative programs – its first Ph.D. program, offered in counseling, and a tuition discount for teachers pursuing master’s degrees.
    “Our Lady of Holy Cross College is poised for growth, and program development is a major way we will achieve that growth,” said Dr. Ronald J. Ambrosetti, president of OLHCC. “These new offerings are an excellent start to this new era. We’re proud to augment our excellent graduate programs with our first Ph.D.”
    Both programs are designed for working professionals who seek to enhance their careers with advanced degrees. Active classroom teachers interested in 50- percent tuition discounts for the master’s of educational leadership degree may apply now online at www.olhcc.edu. Applicants for the Ph.D. program, to begin in fall 2013, may also apply online now.
    In launching its first Ph.D. program in counseling, OLHCC chose to expand one of its most well-established departments. Counseling enrolls about 90 graduate students in three, fully accredited master’s degree programs, along with undergraduate students.
    “We have many distinctive qualities to attract Ph.D. candidates,” said Carolyn White, Ph.D., chairwoman of the Department of Counseling and Behavioral Sciences.  “We offer individual attention and strong faculty-student relationships in a successful department known for the excellence of our graduate programs.”
    The Ph.D. program will prepare students to become counselor educators, supervisors, researchers and practitioners in academic and clinical settings. Students also benefit from the college’s on-site counseling center, where they complete their practicum.
     “Our graduates have an impressive record of finding jobs in our community,” White said. “We’re excited about interviewing Ph.D. applicants.”
    Deadline for applications for fall 2013 is Feb. 15. To learn more, visit www.olhcc.edu or contact White at 398-2149 or [email protected].
    The Ph.D. program is built upon the standards for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Education Programs (CACREP ). The Counseling Department will submit the self-study for accreditation by CACREP once the first Ph.D. candidates complete their doctoral course work.
    Classroom teachers are encouraged to enroll now for the 50-percent-off tuition promotion for the master’s degree in educational leadership. To learn more, contact Dr.  O. Cleveland Hill, at 398-2184 or [email protected].
    Dr. Lisa Sullivan, chairwoman of the education department, said OLHCC is known both for its quality programs and for its personalized attention to students.
    “This discounted tuition is designed to make it easier for teachers to gain the benefits of earning advanced degrees,” Sullivan said. “Most area residents know at least one teacher or school administrator who trained at our college.”
     The master’s in educational leadership allows state-certified teachers to apply for certification as an “educational leader,” which qualifies them to serve in leadership positions at the school or district level. The goal is to give educational leaders the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to improve student learning.