Educational Leadership, Doctoral Completion Program, Ed.D.

The purpose of the Edgewood College Doctoral Completion Program is to provide students who already have advanced graduate work in an accredited education or leadership program the opportunity to complete their dissertation and earn an Ed.D. The program assists All But Dissertation (ABD) students in completing their dissertation, culminating in an Ed.D. degree.

Four key components are emphasized: 1) coursework specifically focused on the dissertation, 2) research and writing guidance, 3) intensive one-on-one advising, and 4) peer support via a cohort model.

Admission Requirements

1. Complete and submit the Ed.D. application.
2. Admission to the Doctoral Completion Program is based on a holistic assessment of prior learning, professional experience, and commitment to completion of the degree. Admission requirements include:
   • Transcript(s) of 24 post-master’s degree credits. Credits must:
     • be earned within the last 20 years
     • be doctoral-level credits earned at a regionally-accredited institution
     • be in an education-related or educational leadership field (*applicants who have significant work experience in the field of education or educational leadership who earned doctoral credits in a field other than education may be considered for acceptance)
     • demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.0 in doctoral-level coursework
3. Dissertation Prospectus that includes:
   • a clear and supported articulation of a research problem to be examined through a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research study
   • a description that outlines the purpose of the study
   • a description of the research method(s) that will be utilized to collect data
   • an initial plan for carrying out the study
4. Admissions interview with members of the doctoral faculty
5. CV or resume
6. Contact information for 3 references who can speak to the students’ academic potential and professional work

Admission to the Doctoral Completion Program occurs in the Spring, orientation happens in August, and the first class begins in the Fall semester. If accepted for admission, the student will work directly with a research team faculty member to develop a plan of study. The plan of study outlines specific courses and dissertation products necessary for completion of the program. The plan of study will be individually tailored to account for the student’s prior coursework and professional experience. Students are expected to make satisfactory academic progress according to their plan of study. Students will typically complete the program within 18 months. Successful completion of the program occurs when students complete their designated plan of study, carry out their research project, and defend their dissertation to a committee of faculty.