Back to the top The Ed. The structure of the Ed. D. program includes a balanced sequence of academic courses, field experiences, examinations, primary research, dissertation preparation and defense. Since the program is designed for demonstrated educational leaders who wish to remain practitioners, the academic continuum leads from scholarship back to practice. The cohort component requires nine credits of research methodology classes and 22 credits of an educational leadership core curriculum.
Doctoral candidates personalize the remaining program components with the assistance of an adviser.
Another 12 credits of cognate coursework can be taken in various disciplines, including programs outside the College of Education and Human Services. A field-based internship is arranged to strengthen the candidate's professional educational leadership competencies. Following comprehensive written and oral examinations, which are scheduled following the completion of coursework, the doctoral candidate writes and defends a dissertation. This is a scholarly, self-disciplined opportunity to contribute to the body of knowledge and practice of educational leadership. A dissertation adviser and committee assist the doctoral candidate in refining and developing this capstone experience.