Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (with K-12 Administrative Certification Accelerated Option
Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I cannot start in summer?
If you are admitted into the Ed.D. in Higher Education in fall or spring (instead of summer), you can begin to take some of your coursework and then join the next cohort starting the following summer, or complete the coursework at your own pace; in this case, however, it is unlikely that you will be able to complete the program in three years.

Is there flexibility in the program if I choose to or need to complete it at a different pace?
Yes, while students are encouraged to commit to the pace outlined in the Program of Study to ensure timely completion and to preserve the cohort experience, we realize that life and work sometimes requires a change of plans. With approval, you may make changes in the sequence and pace of the coursework part of the program. Please note, however, that once you begin the third-year series of dissertation seminars, you must commit to the entire sequence. If your study is interrupted in this third year, you will need to take the dissertation series again from the start.

What happens if I change or lose my job?
Students in an accelerated Ed.D. option are expected to be holding a professional job that provides a site in which to conduct a field-based dissertation. If at any point in your program you are promoted or the job is eliminated for reasons beyond your control, you need to discuss with your advisor how you could secure access to a research site to conduct your dissertation; if this is not possible, you may need to move to the traditional Ed.D. program.