Education (Ed.D)

Education Department information  

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program is designed for practicing educational professionals who aspire to expand their leadership capacities.  The program has a cohorted structure in which students complete 36 credits in courses and research leading to the Ed.D. degree: eight courses (24 credits) in the core area, which can be completed in two years, and an additional 12 credits focusing on dissertation research.  Students work with the doctoral advisor to determine what courses are needed for program completion.

Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements include:

1. Completion of an Ed. S in an education-related program.
2. A minimum overall graduate school GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale, 6.0 on a 9.0 scale, or equivalent.
3. At least three years of work experience in a PreK-16 educational institution or in an education-related position.

These requirements are necessary but may not be sufficient for admission, which is not guaranteed.  Depending upon the program size in any given year, admission may be competitive.  Admission decisions are made by the EDL Faculty Review Committee and are final.

Transfer of Credit

Three (3) graduate semester credit hours earned at an accredited institution following completion of an Ed.S. degree may be accepted for transfer into the Doctor of Education program.  All credit transfers must be approved by the EDL faculty. See Transfer of Credit in the Graduate Study section for additional information on University of Michigan-Flint policies regarding the transfer of graduate credit.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

The Ed.D. program is designed for completion of coursework and advancement to candidacy in two years, and completion of all degree requirements in three to five years.  Total registered time in the program is not expected to exceed six years and may not exceed seven years.  Requests for extension beyond this timespan must be submitted in writing to the SEHS Academic Standards Committee and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Contact the department for more details on approved deadlines. Decisions of the Committee are final.

Academic Rules and Regulations

See Education (EDU)  and Graduate Study  for additional rules and regulations pertaining to Education Department graduate programs.