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Originally from Ghana, Gideon Eduah has always been passionate about education and programme planning.
After earning an undergraduate degree in Geological Engineering and working in the same field for over two years, he decided to teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in high school. After three years of that, he spent three years as a laboratory instructor in the Renewable Energy Department at Koforidua Technical University.
While his industries and roles changed, what stayed constant was his drive to teach and plan programmes. This interest eventually led him to Tennessee Tech University. In his conversation with Dr. Ashley B. Akenson, Director of Graduate Programmes at the College of Education, Eduah discovered how the programme aligned with his career goals. Convinced of the programme’s potential to advance his vision for impactful educational initiatives, Eduah signed up.
It turned out to be a great decision. “I am currently in the job market,” he says. “As I review advertised roles, I realise that the programme has equipped me with the necessary skills to take on those roles.”
The College of Education offers advanced degrees in teaching, administration, psychology, counselling, allied health, and more. Source: Tennessee Tech University
Nestled in Cookeville, Tennessee, voted the most affordable college town in the country by Great Values Colleges, Tennessee Tech stands out for producing graduates equipped to thrive in a technologically advanced world. Recognised as one of Tennessee’s top public best-value universities, it supports a community of around 10,000 students across diverse disciplines.
The College of Education, where Eduah studied, offers nationally accredited programmes ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees, preparing leaders in education, administration, research, psychology, and allied health services.
One of its flagship programmes, the Exceptional Learning PhD (ELPhD), is designed for individuals who aim to make a difference. Its mission is to develop academically prepared professionals who can serve public schools, higher education, and nontraditional learning environments.
With five concentrations — Applied Behaviour Analysis, Literacy, Health Behaviors and Wellness Education, Programme Planning and Evaluation, and STEM Education — the programme offers a tailored experience. Paired with the opportunity to earn an en route MA or EdS degree, the ELPhD ensures all graduates are well-rounded and industry-ready.
Another key benefit of the programme is the individualised attention students receive from experienced faculty members. Although the programme has up to 20% of students coming from abroad, professors here are able to invest and engage in every one of them, no matter their background.
Lisa Wickham, a current ELPhD Health Behaviour and Wellness Education student, knows all about it.
“I’ve been truly blown away by the incredible support within this programme,” she says. “From the thoughtful and detailed feedback provided by professors to the collaborative spirit of my classmates, who often organise study groups, I feel both encouraged and inspired. Being part of such a supportive and enriching environment fills me with pride and motivates me to give my best.”
The Exceptional Learning PhD programme focuses on the needs and strengths of individuals and groups with untapped learning potential. Source: Tennessee Tech University
Peers and professors who support you make for an ideal environment for seizing broader opportunities to engage in meaningful research, scholarly papers, grants, and presentations.
With a rigorous research component, including qualitative and quantitative coursework, students become knowledgeable and skilled in using different research methodologies. Their strong research skills give them an advantage as evaluators — something that student Nengenen Shadrach Mbativga from Nigeria is experiencing firsthand.
“I have been involved in reviewing different education articles every week, and so far, I have completed 13 different reviews,” he says. “This exercise has exposed me to some basic research skills that will soon become handy as I conduct my own research.”
Mbativga is part of the 35% of ELPhD students in the last five years who have one or more publications and 62% who have one or more presentations.
Beyond the ELPhD, Tennessee Tech offers several other programmes for those passionate about making a real difference in their fields.
For example, the School of Psychology runs fully accredited MA and EdS degrees to prepare students for a rewarding education and mental health career. Students learn to administer psychoeducational assessments, write reports, understand neurodevelopmental differences, and work closely with parents, school psychologists, and officials. This field offers strong job prospects, too, with competitive salaries starting at around $70,000, and students may also have the opportunity for paid internships.
The Lifetime Wellness online programme is another great option for health and fitness enthusiasts. This programme focuses on hands-on applications, so students learn how to administer fitness assessments and develop exercise and rehabilitation plans to improve health. “Through the programme, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for exercise science research, which I now incorporate into my role as a Health and Fitness educator,” says Tony W. Phillips, a current ELPhD student who completed the Lifetime Wellness programme. “I also acquired practical knowledge to enrich my wellness journey, including developing daily exercise routines and maintaining workout journals.”
For those who want to make a career in instructional design and technology, the online Learning Design and Technology programme provides the skills necessary for success in roles related to innovative technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and immersive learning. The programme equips students to create effective learning experiences, especially in online and hybrid environments – with the added benefit of taking on additional certifications in instructional design or computer science education.
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