Specific course requirements for each of these four core dimensions differ within each program area. Often the requirements may be satisfied by courses taken in other academic departments at Stanford. At the time of admission, each student is assigned an academic advisor from among the members of the program area committee under which the student will work, and on the basis of shared professional interests. The student and advisor plan a program of study and experience that is appropriate to the student's background and career interests. The faculty and program area administrator can assist students with their general program requirements.
Advanced students are also a valuable resource.
The following is a general timetable for the student's progress toward the EdD or PhD. Students are encouraged to complete their studies in four years. The purpose is to assess the student's preparation for dissertation research, to identify remaining training needs, and to determine the student's qualification for candidacy. Candidacy Admission to candidacy is an acknowledgement of a student's potential to complete the requirements for the doctoral degree. Following the qualifying procedure, if the faculty determine that the student is qualified to apply for candidacy, the student must file formal application for admission to candidacy. All EdD and PhD candidates are required to develop a dissertation proposal, detailing the intended research and the rationale behind it.