Ed.D. in Learning and Leadership at Kingsport
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who might be interested in the program?
A: Anyone interested in contributing to the leadership process in an organizational setting. This might include individuals interested in leadership and organization change roles in the public sector (government, education), private sector (health services, business, nonprofit agencies, social services, etc.).
Q: How many students will be accepted into the program?
A: We plan to accept approximately 20 new doctoral students every year.
Q: What are the qualifications for entrance into the program?
A:
- A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all prior graduate work
- Minimum of two years work experience in an organizational setting
Q: What materials are required to apply?
A:
- Completed Graduate School Application & EdD Information Form
- Payment of non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts for all institutions attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Submission of official GRE (Graduate Record Exam) score report.
GRE test must have been taken within five years of application- no exceptions.
Q: What criteria will be used to decide upon admissions?
A: We will consider a number of items holistically in our admissions decisions:
- Evaluation of professional and academic performance (GPA, transcripts, GRE scores, recommendation letters)
- Evaluation of the Statement of Purpose essay
- A personal interview may also be required
Q: Is a minimum score required for the GRE?
A: While there are no minimum scores required for entrance, GRE scores are factored in the admission decision.
Q: Are transfer credits permitted?
A: Up to fifteen (15) hours may be considered for transfer from a regionally accredited institution. Transfer credits will be awarded on a case-by-case basis and will be limited to focused electives. All transfer credits must be approved by the doctoral advisor, Department Head, and Dean of the Graduate School.
Q: What are the requirements for graduation?
A:
- 39 core credit hours (two-year cohort experience)
- 15 additional credit hours (focused electives)
- 12 additional credit hours of dissertation (minimum)
- An approved program of study form (Application to Candidacy)
- Successful completion of three evaluation checkpoints
- Successful completion and presentation of an Individualized Learning and Leadership Plan (ILLP/Portfolio)
- Successful completion and defense of the dissertation
- Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on doctoral coursework with no more than two courses below a "B" grade
A: That will depend upon the student and his/her Program of Study. Generally, a time frame of 3 to 6 years is anticipated. A student must complete all requirements within a ten year time frame. In the case of transfer credits, the clock starts with the earliest course applied to the Program of Study. The doctoral program can be completed on a full time basis (9 hours per semester) or participants may complete the program on a part time basis (6 hours per semester). Decisions regarding a timeframe for program completion are determined on an individual basis.
Q: How much course work will be involved?
A: A minimum of 66 credit hours:
-
39 credit hours of basic coursework
- A minimum of 15 credit hours of focused electives
- A minimum of 12 dissertation credit hours
Q: Describe the cohort experience.
A: Each cohort of approximately 20 participants will complete a two year core program of study together. This will involve 39 credit hours of required course work on subjects including leadership, research, curriculum, learning and instruction, assessment, evaluation, dissertation research, and technology. The subject matter will be integrated across the curriculum. The core course work serves as foundational knowledge for meeting mimimal competency in each of the seven domains.
Q: How will the coursework be delivered?
A: Delivery formats will vary and may include orientation seminars, online work, live video-streaming, and/or independent study projects. Any required face-to-face meetings will occur Friday evenings and/or Saturdays and will be held at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education in Kingsport, TN.
Q: What are focused electives?
A: The student, with advisor approval, will select and take 15 credit hours of coursework in a concentrated area of interest. These courses can be taken at any point during which the student is in the program. Transfer credits, if approved, may be transferred into the program as focused electives. All transfer credits and focused electives must be approved by the primary advisor, Department Head, and Dean of the Graduate School.
Q: Must a student complete a dissertation?
A: Yes, students must register for a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation credits. These credits do not constitute coursework. They are taken each semester that a student works on the dissertation. Students who do not complete the dissertation hours within the initial 12 credit hour time frame must take an additional 3 dissertation credit hours every fall and spring semester until completion of the dissertation (continuous enrollment). Students are not required to register for dissertation credits during the summer term, unless he/she intends to graduate in August.
Q: Will the student work with a dissertation committee?
A: Yes, the dissertation committee will guide the student through the dissertation process. The committee will consist of graduate faculty members selected by the student and his/her dissertation chair. The committee will have 4 members including the chair.
Q: Are there any major student evaluation points in the program?
A: Yes. The student's advisor will review the student’s progress at three evaluation checkpoints during the core program. At each evaluation point a decision will be made regarding satisfactory academic progress.
Q: How many total credit hours are required for completion of the program?
A: A minimum of 66 credit hours as follows:
Core/cohort experience: 39 credits
Focused electives: 15 credits (minimum)
Dissertation: 12 credits (minimum)
Q: Should a student take courses prior to application to the doctoral program with an eye to transferring these courses?
A: Our department advises against this practice. Clearly, there are some risks involved. A student may not be ultimately accepted into the doctoral program and
there is no guarantee that the primary advisor will approve the courses a student has already taken toward fulfillment of the focused electives requirement. Requests for transfer credits should be discussed with the primary advisor upon admission to the program.
Q: Is financial aid available for doctoral students?
A: Yes. Many doctoral students finance their graduate studies with student loans. Contact the Financial Aid office as early as possible to begin the application process.
For general financial aid information and to access the FAFSA, visit: http://www.utc.edu/Administration/FinancialAid/gradstudents.php
You may also refer to pp. 32-33 of the 2009-2010 Graduate Catalog: http://www.utc.edu/Administration/Records/Catalogs/
A limited number of graduate assistantships may be available at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education by 2011. Assistantships will be awarded at KCHE during the 2009-2010 academic year.
Q: Which degree will graduates of the program receive?
A: An Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) in Learning and Leadership.
