Power of Praxis

Higher education is witnessing a shift towards greater public engagement. Public scholarship, research conducted with and for the public, presents a compelling opportunity for doctoral programs in education. This article examines public scholarship and the public scholarship dissertation as a distinctive approach that transcends traditional formats and boundaries. We argue that this format promotes collaboration with the public, enhances research impact, and highlights the dissertation's practical potential. The article explores the nature of the public scholarship dissertation at Rowan University, a public research university, to examine the form, function, and procedures involved in engaging with this approach. We explore the key considerations of a public scholarship dissertation, including the balance between scholarship and public engagement, candidate preparedness, and advising practices. The article concludes with cautions and encouragements for faculty and scholar-practitioners considering ways to communicate doctoral research both to and beyond the academy.