Education, EdD

Mission Statement

The mission of the Doctor of Education program is to develop professional healthcare practitioners, leaders, and educators by preparing its graduates to fill the growing demand for faculty, administrators and leaders in health science-related education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the EdD program, graduates will be able to:

• Establish an advanced scholarly agenda
• Employ interprofessional education techniques to teaching and/or leadership practices
• Evaluate an education or leadership practice and create solutions
• Use effective communication skills in teaching or leading
• Formulate a teaching and/or leadership philosophy that reflects professionalism, integrity and ethical standards
• Use a leadership development plan to guide professional growth
• Contribute to the analysis of scholarly works through the evaluation of evidence-based literature

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the EdD program, a candidate must have completed a master’s degree (MS, MA, MOT, MPT) or a clinical doctorate (OTD, DPT, etc.) and must be currently licensed, practicing, or teaching in an academic setting.

All students entering the EdD program must undergo an application/admission process. Documents that must be submitted include the following:

• Application for Admission
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions of higher learning
• Two recommendations from professional colleagues
• Writing assessment
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae
• Copy of professional license, if applicable

International Students Applying for Admission

Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa can be considered for admission. USAHS does not offer English language services, including instruction. All instruction at the University is conducted in English. To apply for admission, foreign-trained candidates must submit the following, in addition to the items listed above:

• Transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provides evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a master’s degree earned at an accredited institution in the United States.
• Submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report, if education was completed in a language other than English. A minimum score of 210 (computer-based testing), or 83 (IBT—Internet based testing) is required.

Notification of Status

Each applicant will be notified by e-mail from the Admissions Office of his or her admission status after all required application materials have been reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Qualified candidates may be invited to participate in an interview.

Each student who is admitted to the program must successfully complete the Introduction to Doctoral Studies course in order to fully matriculate in the EdD program.

Program Overview

The EdD program consists of 60 credit hours and it is estimated that students will complete the program in 3 to 5 years. Thirty-eight credits of the total 60 are considered core coursework and are required. From there each student is provided the opportunity to complete elective courses with emphasis on an area of specialization such as Athletic Training, Nursing or Leadership, or students can choose from a number of more advanced electives in Teaching and Learning.

Delivery of Coursework

Courses in the EdD program are offered in an online format. The online courses consist of Web-based text with extensive graphics, videos, and audio clips. There are opportunities provided for faculty-to-student and student-to-student synchronous and asynchronous interactive collaboration.

Active Status and Academic Requirement

To remain active in the EdD program, the student must

• begin the program in the trimester for which he or she was admitted by registering for and completing at least one course;
• register for and complete a minimum of 12 credits, or fewer with written permission of the Program Director, each ensuing full calendar year and complete those courses within the prescribed period;
• maintain timely and effective communication with the program office; and
• maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Incomplete Coursework

The grade of “I” (Incomplete) is used, for reasons acceptable to the instructor(s), a student has not completed required work within a course by the end of a term. The length of time granted for the completion of the requirement of the course is one additional trimester (15 weeks) after which the “I” grade will be changed to an “F” if the coursework has not been completed. Upon successful completion of the requirement, the student will be assigned a letter grade by the instructor. If the “I” is assigned a grade of “D” or “F” the appropriate action will be taken per present written policy on academic standing.

Time Limit

Students must complete all EdD program requirements within 5 years. An extension of up to 2.5 years may be requested. The Program Director approves the extension, there is an extension fee of $333.00 per trimester.

Tuition and Fees

See the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.