D. program focuses on study of professional practice and requires completion of independent work leading to an original dissertation with implications for the practice of education. The Ph.D. program emphasizes educational research and requires completion of independent work leading to an original dissertation focused on educational theory. Refer to pages 178 and 179 of this Catalog for delineation of requirements for the Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Among the qualities of mind sought in candidates for admission to Education programs are creativity, intelligence, independence of thought, willingness to take risks, openness to new ideas, openness to diversity, and flexibility of thought. Motivation is demonstrated by commitment to learners of all ages, professional growth, self-direction, and commitment to academic study leading to a graduate degree.
Literacy is the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Experience may be demonstrated by diverse activities including work with children or adults in a variety of settings, foreign or domestic travel, and a liberal education. Each student brings a different mix of characteristics and strengths to graduate study. In the admissions process, the applicant will develop a portfolio of materials which demonstrate the qualities of mind, levels of motivation and literacy, and quality of experience brought to study for an advanced degree. After the completion of the equivalent of one full semester, but well before taking the comprehensive examination, a preliminary review of the progress of each doctoral student will be conducted. Each student admitted to one of the graduate programs in Education will be assigned a temporary advisor.