Education, EdD

Mission Statement

The EdD program provides a multidisciplinary environment to build skills in leadership, academic preparation, and enhancement of health sciences education provision through innovative and individualized education.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the EdD program, the graduate will demonstrate the ability to

• engage in advanced scholarly reflection, inquiry, research, and activities that contribute to a lifetime of scholarship as a doctor of education;
• apply interdisciplinary approaches to the acquisition and delivery of educational theory and practice, in collaboration with other professionals;
• evaluate and create educational interventions and best practice, based on evidence from advances in diverse scholarly disciplines;
• formulate scholarly arguments on matters of teaching and learning based on grounded empirical and theoretical evidence and dialogue;
• defend a teaching philosophy against the grounded empirical and theoretical evidence of educational psychology and applied ethics;
• apply teaching and learning principles for the development of educational interventions in classroom- or clinical-based settings to foster leadership in professional arenas; and
• contribute to the rigorous analysis and production of scholarly works through the evaluation and production of scholarly research capable of publication in refereed journals and at conferences.

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.
• 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-nine 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 education and teaching.

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 via bulletin board assignments, chat rooms, and e-mail.

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

If a student cannot complete the required work within the predetermined time frame, he or she will receive a grade of Incomplete (I). The student must then complete the work by the new assigned due date to receive a letter grade. No further extension will be permitted. If the student does not withdraw or complete the requirements within the approved time, the I grade will automatically become a Fail (F) on his or her transcript.

Time Limit

Students must complete all EdD program requirements within 5 years. An extension of up to 2.5 years may be requested. If 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.