D. and SLP.D. programs represent an innovative, practical, and realistic approach to professional doctoral studies. Formal instruction takes place during weekend seminars, on campus, or at a variety of distance sites. Students participate in faculty-directed independent reading and writing assignments between class meetings. A cohort is a group of participants who begin the program at the same time. The cohort is intended to serve both administrative and education purposes.
Communication takes place through the cohort structure.
The cohort format provides opportunities for sharing the expertise of individual cohort members and fosters professional dialog. Distance Learning Specialists Nova Southeastern University has been a pioneer in distance learning. NSU offered an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership through distance learning beginning in 1972. Distance education has been largely responsible for the University's growth from 571 students in 1972, to 15,782 in 1997. The University also has traditional on-campus programs, including a medical school, law school, and world renowned oceanographic center.