HELP 2009-2010 University Catalog Education, PhD Print-Friendly Page

Banner Code:  E1-PHD-EDUC

The PhD in Education provides advanced professional education for experienced practitioners pursuing or planning careers in educational settings. The program requires 85–96 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree or a minimum of 55–66 credits beyond the master’s degree. A student’s individual credit requirement depends on goals, program requirements, and previous preparation. A limited number of graduate credits taken previously may be applied; however, a student’s total program typically requires 10 more credits than the minimum requirements.

With the guidance of faculty, students develop individual programs of study in concert with their goals, program requirements, and self-assessed skills and knowledge. Each student’s program must include study in a professional field, such as education administration, educational psychology, instructional technology, special education, curriculum, instruction, international education, bilingual education, counseling and development, early childhood education, or literacy. The specific nature of courses is determined by the student in conjunction with a faculty doctoral advising committee after completing two semesters. Students also complete a secondary emphasis of study consisting of 12 credits.

To complete the PhD program, each student must demonstrate competence in oral and written English, computer literacy, mastery of knowledge and skills in the area of professional expertise, and the ability to apply general and specific knowledge and skills to significant educational problems. Students demonstrate these competencies by successfully completing courses, seminars, and a doctoral portfolio, and preparing and orally defending a doctoral dissertation. Students have five years from the time they enroll in their first class to complete all course work and the doctoral portfolio. Five additional years, starting with the date on which students are advanced to candidacy, are allowed to complete the dissertation.

Admissions Requirements

Candidates are admitted to study by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD); admission is highly selective. Applicants must fulfill the following admission requirements:

• A minimum of three years of successful experience as a practitioner in an educational setting
• Baccalaureate or master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Demonstrate high intellectual capability
• Demonstrate leadership potential
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE general test scores and the writing assessment
• Written goals statement relating study in the PhD program to educational and career plans

For more information, call the PhD in Education Program Office at 703-993-2011.

Completed applications must be submitted to the CEHD Graduate Admissions Office by February 1 for summer or fall admission, or by September 1 for spring admission.