The Ph.D. Program is suitable for Learners who want to combine a strong base of theoretical knowledge with an individualized focus to conduct research in and about PK-12, postsecondary and adult learning environments.
Ph.D.s in Education are found in many different roles in academia, industry and not-for-profit organizations, including educational consultant, academic researcher, policy maker, educational theorist, and faculty member or administrator in a higher education or organizational setting.
Learners pursuing the Ph.D. in Education have the opportunity to customize and focus their program through their coursework, doctoral research courses and the doctoral dissertation.
Objectives:
The specific objectives of the Ph.D. in Education program are to:
1. Promote the Learners opportunity to engage in academic research, scholarship, and systematic inquiry within the field of education.
2. Prepare Learners, through the practice of research, to generate new knowledge or the reformulation of existing knowledge as a basis for the development of educational theory through applied research.
3. Provide a graduate experience that is intellectually stimulating, professionally relevant, and that leads to research that supports decision making and problem solving around the key issues facing education.
The Ph.D. Research and Dissertation/Ph.D. OR Ed.D?
Many who aspire to the Ph.D. are intimidated by having to write and produce the dissertation. We understand the potential for anxiety since we went through it ourselves. The University has developed a logical step-by-step process that assists you in completing your dissertation. NCU provides you with a detailed Dissertation Handbook that explains the process and NCU's dissertation support structure.
The Ph.D. doctoral research courses, the Ph.D. comprehensive course and the Ph.D. dissertation courses (8, 3-credit courses) are specifically designed to guide you through the process in an orderly and meaningful fashion and lead you to the oral defense.
The dissertation is the capstone academic achievement of the Ph.D. The Ph.D. dissertation is a scholarly documentation of your research. To earn the Ph.D. you must demonstrate the ability, motivation, and commitment; and NCU will provide the faculty mentors, the academic support and process to assist you to reach your high academic goal.
Ph.D or Ed.D?
1) The Ph.D. research is aimed at contributing to the body of research knowledge -either new research or adding to research already done in the field. Ph.D. Learners take ED5020 - Applied Statistics as part of their program of study. There is also an oral defense.
2) Ed.D. research focuses on solving a problem in the workplace or within the broadly defined professional field of education and results in a dissertation, but also produces a "product" or solution. Another significant focus of the Ed.D.is on developing workplace leadership skills. There is no oral defense for the Ed.D. and the necessary statistics are covered in the RSH courses.
Ultimately, the decision rests with you. What is your ultimate goal? What does the degree designation mean to you personally? What are your professional aspirations? Remember, you do not have to decide at the time of admission. You have until you take your research courses to decide which will be your preferred path.
Requirements:
Learners working toward the Ph.D. degree complete 81 semester credits of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree, or 51 credits (this includes 27 credits of research, the comprehensive course the and dissertation) above the 30 transferred graduate credits with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (B) or higher. This is equivalent to 28 graduate courses. Applied Statistics (ED5020)is required of all Ph.D. students, unless a comparable course was fulfilled within three years prior to making application to NCU.
Specializations:
The School of Education offers Learners the opportunity to pursue an area of specialization within a degree program. Learners who complete at least 18 semester credits in a specific specialization may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. There is a great deal of flexibility for Learners as they accomplish fulfilling the number of credits needed for their degree. You can even CUSTOMIZE your learning plan!
NCU recognizes that each Learner is unique, and therefore evaluates each application based not only on what courses or program of study a Learner has accomplished previously, but takes into consideration which specialization they will be pursuing at NCU and their current and future professional goals. Academic Advisors review each Learner's transcripts and application detailing all program requirements, options and choices with the Learner.
All NCU Learners are required to take EDR7000 - Educational Research Strategies.
The specialization in Higher Education Leadership (LHE) offers Learners pursuing the doctor of education or doctor of philosophy degrees with an opportunity to pursue studies in higher education. Learners pursuing the higher education specialization are employed as middle-and senior-level administrators (including presidents, vice presidents and deans) and as faculty members in colleges and universities throughout the world.
The Learner can tailor their coursework to complement their interests and professional aspirations.
Learners will acquire knowledge about research, theory and practices applicable to higher education. They will conduct and evaluate applied or basic research in the field of higher education.
The specialization emphasizes the assessment and participation in the actual practice of higher education administration and research.
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