Selecting a topic to focus on is arguably one of the most important aspects of the dissertation process. Since you’ll be immersed in your topic day after day for at least a few years, it’s essential that you choose a topic you’re passionate about. For those in the healthcare administration field, especially those earning their Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Health Care Administration degree, begin the brainstorming process by considering which aspects of health care administration most interest you as a working professional. How do you see the field evolving in the future? What are the most pressing needs of patients and staff? How can health care continually adapt to change in a modern world? And how can you best contribute to the field?

Healthcare administrators are some of the busiest professionals in a hospital. They juggle the long-term objectives of the hospital and the day-to-day operational needs. As “big picture” thinkers, medical administrators are always on the lookout for emerging challenges to turn into opportunities.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) establishes the legal framework by which students with formally identified special needs receive the assistance they need to succeed. According to IDEA, every student has the right to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). This legal concept means that every student, regardless of his or her ability, is entitled to receive education that prepares them for independent living, further education and employment. To ensure each child receives a FAPE, students with special needs require Individualized Education Plans (IEP), which must be custom-tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. For those earning their Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education, learning how to hold productive IEP meetings is essential.

One of the few constants in life is change. Although academia might not be as quick to change as many other industries, leaders in high education generally find it favorable to keep a weather eye on the horizon to spot the upcoming trends that may affect their schools, especially if you are enrolled in GCU’s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Higher Education Leadership degree program. Remember that every challenge is actually an opportunity for your school, staff and students.

The majority of students in an undergraduate classroom are between the ages of 18 and 24. Although these students are certainly adults, the term “adult learner” is typically applied to someone who is in their late 20s or older. Adult learners bring new opportunities to the undergraduate classroom, as younger students can learn from their more developed worldviews and life experiences. They aren’t without their challenges, as professors must find new ways of applying the curriculum in meaningful ways. If you pursue a career in higher education, you may one day find yourself facing these challenges.

Health care administrators and nursing staff have become increasingly aware of the need for high-quality transitional care, especially among at-risk patients like seniors. As a current or aspiring health care administrator, you have the capacity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable patients in your community. Stay abreast of the latest research on transitional care, coordinate with other decision makers at your organization and continually look for ways of improving and expanding services to better meet the needs of your patients.

The books of the Bible were written over a period of about 1,500 years, and the Silver Scrolls of the Hebrew Bible are even older. This raises the question: How can ministers convey the Word of God in a way that is culturally relevant to modern society, while remaining true to Scripture? This is a question that you may choose to pursue in your doctoral research. Grand Canyon University welcomes theology students who are interested in applying for our graduate programs.

Every child deserves to receive a quality education that will prepare him or her to become a well-adjusted, productive member of society. But countless students struggle, and sometimes, the reason for a less-than-adequate education is a poorly performing school. As an administrator in K-12 education, you may one day go to work for a struggling school that hasn’t been meeting state or federal standards. The knowledge you’ll gain from your doctoral research at Grand Canyon University can help you rise to meet these challenges.

Since it was enacted, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has ensured that all children, regardless of disability status, have access to a free and appropriate public education. Of course, special education programs look a little different from school to school and professionals have varying ideas about the best way to deliver quality services to kids.

One area of ongoing debate is inclusivity. If you’re passionate about inclusive practices, you might consider doing your doctoral research in this area and bring what you learn back to the classroom with you.

Cross-cultural competency is a critical skill in today’s global economy, but what exactly does it mean? It is often misinterpreted as being the same as international etiquette. If you are on a business trip to Japan, for instance, it is helpful to know that the Japanese use silence as a tool to preserve harmony during a difficult point in the conversation. But although cross-cultural competency pays homage to international etiquette, it is a far broader concept. As a professional with a leadership role in higher education, cross-cultural competency is central to furthering your mission.