Gloria Anderson, a current Interdisciplinary Ph.D. student in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership, Policy & Foundations, chose UMKC for several reasons. She completed her Master’s program at UMKC in Social Work in May 2006, and has been working in the School of Social Work.
“It was a convenient location … I didn’t have to relocate or go far,” she said. “The reputation of UMKC and the School of Education were really good, so I wanted to pursue my Ph.D. here too.”
Anderson said she is benefitting from the interdisciplinary approach of this Ph.D. program.
“The Curriculum and Instruction helps to substantiate my research in multicultural studies,” she said. “The Educational Leadership, Policy and Foundations coursework provides a solid foundation for the multicultural knowledge. All of it helps me to prepare for teaching, research, and higher leadership capacity in higher education.”
As an already-published author, Anderson sees her Ph.D. helping her to achieve her goals of designing curriculum around multiculturalism. She plans to keep writing on such topics, and said she has enjoyed her Ph.D. journey thus far.
“It’s been a very positive, worthwhile experience,” she said. “It’s opened new levels of understanding for me, like the purpose and effects of social justice and equity, and how I can be helpful utilizing this information in my research and writing.”
After some consideration, Anderson has not yet chosen a dissertation topic, but knows it will involve culturally-appropriate communication.
“It would definitely relate to multiculturalism and being able to work with diverse populations, understanding the types of cultural conflicts and having more effective communications with people who are different from yourself,” she said.
Anderson intends to graduate in December 2015, but her journey will not end there.
“I’d like to continue to write, consult, do counseling in education and healthcare professions on cultural competency and multicultural communications issues,” she said. “I’d also like to teach at the college level to students in education or human services related fields.”
Anderson has some advice for students who might be interested in the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program or another doctoral program.
“Make sure you’re interested in it for the right reason – that it’s what you want for yourself,” she said. “Students should also expect challenges. Just because you start the process doesn’t mean everything will go smoothly. There will be challenges – just don’t allow them to distract you from your purposes or goals.”