When are classes offered?
The doctoral courses are offered virtually via Google Meet in the fall and spring semesters usually on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. EST. The summer courses are offered in a condensed format during summers one and two.
If I make appropriate progress, when can I anticipate finishing?
Courses will last for seven semesters (fall, spring, and summer), with most of the dissertation writing completed after that. Every effort is made to support students with dissertation research and planning beginning in the program’s first semester.
How many courses are required to complete the EdD degree?
The program includes the following: 14 doctoral courses (3 credit hours each), and the dissertation (12 credit hours).
Is there a comprehensive exam?
Yes. Upon completion of doctoral coursework, all students must pass an oral comprehensive exam that will address key questions arising from the doctoral courses.
What is the focus of the dissertation? How many credit hours does it carry?
The dissertation is intended to be relevant and rigorous. Students will work with faculty advisors and their dissertation committee to select and implement their research projects. Although options will be available, the primary emphasis for the dissertation requirement will be on projects that are consistent with key research and program foci of the doctoral students’ employing agency, school, or organization. A minimum of 12 semester credit hours must be completed, intended to be taken during the fall and spring semesters respectively (6 credit hours each semester) of the third year of doctoral study.
What happens if I do not finish the dissertation in the third year of the program?
During each semester subsequently, in which the student continues to pursue completion of the dissertation, he/she will be required to enroll in three additional credits of dissertation study. Students are expected to complete the program within a maximum of 6 years, including any requested leave of absence.
Will there be subsequent cohort programs? When will they begin?
New cohorts begin each August.
Who serves as student advisors?
Dr. Mac Duis, program director, will serve as the faculty advisor for students in the doctoral program. Other faculty members will serve as dissertation chairs and/or committee members. The program advisor will assist students in matching student participants with faculty who share common professional interests.
Who will serve as faculty chairs for dissertations? As faculty committee members?
Faculty from throughout the academic disciplines offered at the University of Lynchburg serve as dissertation chairs. In addition, two other faculty members serve on a student’s dissertation committee. By request, one of these committee members may be an appropriately qualified individual who may not be a full-time member of the University of Lynchburg faculty.
What is the tuition for the doctoral seminars?
Information about tuition and fees for the EdD in Leadership Studies can be found on the Office of Graduate Success tuition page.
Is the University of Lynchburg post-masters tuition voucher applicable to coursework within the program?
The post-master tuition voucher is intended only for the use of individuals who have previously completed a graduate degree at the University of Lynchburg and are taking coursework at the Master’s level. As a result, such tuition vouchers will be valid only for the EDLS 690 course and not for doctoral courses.
Are there any scholarship funds available for participants?
There are limited scholarship funds available through endowed funds established (and implemented through the graduate success office) for students who participate in the program. In addition, students who are not full-time employees at the time of enrollment will be eligible to apply for University of Lynchburg graduate assistantships, including one assistantship tied directly to the doctoral program.
Further, students are encouraged to meet with professional staff in the University of Lynchburg financial aid office to determine what other sources of support may be available.
Who can I contact for additional information?
Mac Duis, EdD
Assistant Professor of Education
Director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies Program
Assistant Professor of Education
Director of the Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies Program
