The Institutional Analysis option is unique and focuses on mid-management needs regarding assessment, evaluation, research, and institutional analysis. The institutional analysis option will be the first program in the nation having this focus at the doctorate level. This program involves data-driven statistical knowledge, comprehensive research skills, and dispositions needed to work with both academia and other environments, such as business, military, and government.

Institutional research is often conducted within an institution to provide information and analysis which supports institutional planning, policy formation, and decision-making. The primary emphasis of institutional research has been associated with higher education institutions. However, national trends toward accountability at all levels of public and private education are leading to more demand for professional educators to become engaged in data driven decision making. The emphasis on data analysis is often limited to a knowledge base focused on completion of a dissertation. As a consequence, sound data driven decision-making has been dependent on professionals trained or possessing a strong background in statistics without managerial or administrative preparation. An emphasis of this option is that it focuses on advanced studies of assessment, evaluation, research, and institutional analysis techniques, with preparation in management and/or administration. An understanding of statistics is required.

Given the current and projected future demands on accountability, the doctorate will contribute to the development of professionals who are competent to lead the vast array of data-driven accountability activities such as those associated with program evaluations, student assessment, and national accreditation procedures (Kindergarten through Higher Education). This program will serve educational institutions within the region and also foster scholarship and research opportunities through collaborative practices with other institutions on a national (and potentially international) scale.

Examples of career opportunities for successful graduates in the institutional analysis option includes:

1. Institutional analysis specialists or directors at colleges or universities
2. Directors, coordinators, and evaluators involved in alternative delivery of educational programs
3. Research professors in comprehensive universities
4. Consultants serving education, business, industry, government, and military enterprises
5. Educators responsible for all analysis aspects of No Child Left Behind
6. Educators responsible for accreditation and assessment

The Institutional Analysis program is for individuals to work in agencies and institutions accountable for education and training accountability responsibilities in the classroom and/or mid-management level in the following areas of concentration:

Concentration 1: Assessment and evaluation in K-12 curriculum levels at public and private institutions and agencies (See Association forSupervision and Curriculum Development , or American Association ofColleges for Teacher Education , etc.)

Concentration 2: Institutional Analysis in the adult and post-secondary levels at public and private institutions and agencies (Aligned with Association for Institutional Research).

Concentration 3: Combination of both Institutional Analysis and Occupational Adult Education with specific focus from kindergarten to higher education curricula-instructional specialties and/or alternative deliveries (Associations in your professional field relating to standards-based assessment/evaluation on instruction and curriculum).