Working educators can now earn a doctorate in education in as few as three years part time through a new program option in the University of Rochester's Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development.

Through evening courses and a supported dissertation, the Warner School's Accelerated Doctorate in Education provides an opportunity for professionals in educational institutions to enhance their intellectual understanding, deepen their leadership capabilities, and position themselves for elevated organizational responsibility.

The option is available with specializations in school leadership, higher education, teaching and curriculum, counseling, and human development. An information reception to detail the accelerated option will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, in the Welles-Brown Room of Rush Rhees Library on the University's River Campus.

"This is an opportunity for educators to earn a doctoral degree of genuine distinction without putting their careers on hold," says Raffaella Borasi, dean of the Warner School. "Students will apply research and best practices to the real challenges they face in their work."

The accelerated option has been designed to place the practical experience and knowledge that working professionals bring to their academics at the center of their learning and research. Coursework and milestone projects aim to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and practices they need to be effective leaders in their professional field, able to draw on research to promote improved educational policies and practices.

Eligible students can complete the program in three years of part-time study, assuming the transfer of 36 credit hours of relevant graduate work. Classes are held on weekday evenings, leaving weekends free.

For more information on the new accelerated Ed.D. options at the Warner School, call (585) 275-3950 or visit www.rochester.edu/warner.