Program Requirements and Format: Doctor of Education

Degree requirements

In addition to the degree requirements outlined below, students will also be expected to adhere to the university graduate program completion requirements policy.

  1. Core Courses: 
    1. Students will commence their studies by taking core courses, which constitute 25 credit hours, two nights a week. 
    2. These core courses provide a solid foundation in essential areas such as research methods, leadership theories, educational policy, curriculum design, and historical perspectives in education. 
    3. The core coursework aims to develop students' critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
  2. Specialized Area of Interest/Elective Courses: 
    1. After completing the core courses, students can pursue 18 to 28 credit hours of elective courses, allowing them to specialize in areas aligned with their career aspirations. 
    2. This flexibility enables students to tailor their education to specific interests, such as principal or superintendent certification, literacy education, or elementary education. 
    3. Elective courses provide students with in-depth knowledge and skills in their chosen areas of specialization. 
  3. Dissertation Hours: 
    1. The final stage of the program involves completing dissertation hours, culminating in a doctoral dissertation. 
    2. Students conduct original research under the guidance of their advisors, demonstrating their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world educational challenges. 

The dissertation process typically requires 12 credit hours and involves writing a comprehensive research paper that addresses a problem of practice in the field of education. 

Cohort Model for Learning

The doctoral program in education (EdD) will adopt a cohort model, fostering a collaborative learning environment among students sharing similar interests and goals. This is beneficial for several reasons: 

  1. Collaborative Learning Environment: Cohorts foster a community of practice where students can collaborate, share diverse perspectives, and learn from each other's experiences. This collaborative environment enhances the learning process and can lead to more profound and more meaningful discussions and understanding of the material. 
  2. Peer Support and Networking: The cohort model creates a built-in network of peers who are going through similar experiences. This network provides emotional and academic support, which can be particularly beneficial in a demanding program like an EdD. Graduates often continue to rely on this network for professional support and opportunities long after completing the program. 
  3. Consistency and Stability: Having a consistent group of peers throughout the program can offer a sense of stability and predictability. This consistency can help students navigate the program more effectively, as they become familiar with the working styles and strengths of their peers. 
  4. Enhanced Learning Experiences: Cohorts can lead to enriched learning experiences through the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the members. Students can learn from each other's professional experiences and apply this knowledge to their own practice and studies. 
  5. Motivation and Accountability: The cohort model can create a sense of camaraderie and competition, which can motivate students to perform better. Members of a cohort often feel a sense of responsibility toward their peers, leading to increased accountability in meeting program requirements and deadlines. 
  6. Structured Progression: Cohorts often move through a program together, following a structured sequence of courses. This structure can help students stay on track for graduation and can simplify administrative processes for the institution. 
  7. Professional Development and Leadership Skills: Working in a cohort helps develop essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication, which are crucial for professionals in educational leadership roles. 

The cohort model in an EdD program encourages a supportive, collaborative, and structured learning environment, which is beneficial for both personal and professional development.

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