Is an Ed.D. the right degree for me?
The Ed.D. degree is designed for educators and other practitioners who have aspirations for improving their own leadership practice, for developing leadership capacity within their organizations and communities, and for making significant contributions to their local communities, and to the future of Michigan. Students in the program will find their advanced leadership studies connected to critical education and social issues facing the state. Graduates will be prepared to enact Michigan Central Office Administrator (COA) standards at high levels and to take up system level leadership in various education agencies, including local and regional school districts, state education agencies, and professional education associations. The degree is earned through successful completion of coursework, portfolio evaluation, and successful completion of a group Capstone Project. The program is year-round and intense, but is designed so that working professionals earn their degree in 3 years.
How do I choose between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D.?
Relevant careers include becoming a researcher, professor, or policy-analyst. The Ed.D. is primarily directed towards students who want to be change agents in education. Relevant careers include district or school leadership or educational consulting. The Ph.D. is primarily directed toward students with an interest in developing research skills. Relevant careers include becoming a researcher, professor, or policy-analyst. Both programs are rigorous and well regarded. Students take some courses together.
Can I transfer credits into this program?
Because this is a cohort model, all students in each cohort take the same coursework. We do not articulate credit for this program.
Do we need a master’s degree to apply to the program?
Yes, a master’s degree is required for this program.
What is the GRE requirement?
There is no GRE requirement to apply to this program.
If I start the Ed.D. program, can I later transfer to the Ph.D. program (or vice-versa)?
An Ed.D. student is part of a cohort of students and takes all coursework with these students and produces a group dissertation. This process prevents a Ph.D. student from transferring into the Ed.D. program. However, if a student determines that they wish to transfer from the Ed.D. program, consultation with their advisor and a request to transfer can be made.
Is financial aid available for the Ed.D? What aid options are available for the Ed.D?
Financial aid is available for the Ed.D. There are also some grant options available to support funding of an EdD student.
Will I be able to choose the topic for my final dissertation-in-practice (DiP)?
Topics are generated by cohort members and students assemble according to their interest. If a student is interested in a particular topic, they will have the opportunity to present it to the group to garner interest.
Can I do the program online?
The Ed.D. is a hybrid program, meaning it combines virtual and in-person sessions. We find great value in the in-person sessions considering this cohort model.
How can I get administrator certification (i.e. principal, superintendent) in this program?
Students can earn their administrator certificate and/or central office endorsement by either taking a one-credit internship class, completing the program and taking the MTTC for Central Office Administrators, or by applying for a waiver, completing a portfolio, and taking the MTTC for Central Office Administrators.