Cohort Model

A defining characteristic of the UMHB Ed.D. is the cohort model. A cohort typically refers to a group of students that enter a program together and remain together throughout its duration. The cohort model emerged in the 1990’s as a popular framework for educational leadership programs. This model enhances the success of adult learners due to a consistent structure that offers a stable and supportive group of similarly talented classmates. Research has also found that this supportive and interactive learning climate leads to increased student interactions and interdependence, increased student involvement, and improved critical thinking skills. Also, the incorporation of the cohort model into the UMHB Ed.D. allows for significant networking to occur among doctoral students. This environment truly fosters networking as research shows cohort learning to increase student feelings of belonging, confidence, motivation towards group tasks, and group processing skills. The cohort model enhances the speed of learning while encouraging both academic and professional success. The UMHB Ed.D. cohorts target currently practicing and aspiring education professionals in the P-12 and higher education environments. Such a diverse cohort, consisting of qualified professionals from "the trenches," strengthens the learning climate for both the official program content and the unofficial curriculum of professional relationships.