The School acts to fulfill the purposes of the Doctor of Education
Program through appropriate coursework, coupled with continuing
direction, evaluation of student progress, and regular assessment
of student learning outcomes, supervised and administered by qualified
faculty.
Independent Study
The University's independent study modality recognizes that education
is an individual process where individuals with different learning
needs and study schedules can be accommodated. It emphasizes learning
that is meaningful, where individuals enjoy the learning process,
and acquire knowledge to better understand and manage their own
careers.
The Program’s Faculty Mentors support the student’s
independent-study learning role by guiding and stimulating the
learning process in one-on-one interaction. Our faculty mentors
recognize individual learning styles and needs, encourage one-on-one
contact, and emphasize the relevance of the material to the individual's
situation.
Each course in the Program contains a series of lesson
assignments generally consisting of reading requirements and research
projects. Students are evaluated through examinations and/or research
assignments which are submitted for faculty evaluation.
All assignments are submitted electronically. As set forth in
the University’s General Catalog, Internet access
and minimum computer requirements and skills are required as a
condition of admittance.
Shortly after enrollment in the Program, the student
in collaboration with a faculty member agree on a plan for the
completion of the degree requirements. The degree completion plan
will include a projected timetable for completion of the Program,
selection of electives, and communication with faculty and staff.
While the plan can be modified in the future, experience has shown
this type of planning increases a student’s probability
of success.
The first three courses in the curriculum are known as qualifying
courses. A student must take and pass a Qualifying Examination
before a student can earn academic credit for a core course. The
Qualifying Examination is a three hour proctored test that covers
material covered in the qualifying courses. It consists of a combination
of objective and subjective questions.
Curriculum
To earn the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree, a student must
complete the courses outlined below in good academic standing,
pass a Comprehensive Examination, and present a successful oral
defense of the dissertation, all with a cumulative grade point
average of at least 3.00. The requirements may be completed in
as little as 27 months. All requirements must be completed within
seven years from the date of initial enrollment.
The following courses are required for the Doctor of Education
Program.
| Qualifying Courses (12 units)
|
| EDU501 |
Educational Administration |
4 units |
| EDU503 |
Leadership in Institutional Settings |
4 units |
| EDU507 |
Educational Finance |
4 units |
| |
Qualifying Exam |
pass/no pass |
| Core Courses (33 units) |
| EDU504 |
Psychological Foundations of Education |
3 units |
| EDU505 |
The Laws and Politics of Education |
4 units |
| EDU506 |
Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting |
4 units |
| EDU508 |
Principles of Curriculum Development |
4 units |
| EDU509 |
Societal Diversity |
4 units |
| EDU511 |
Research Methods |
4 units |
| EDU512 |
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education |
3 units |
| Electives (From the 600 Series) |
6 units |
| |
|
|
| EDU700 |
Comprehensive Examination |
1 unit |
| Dissertation (15
Units) |
| EDU701 |
Dissertation Proposal |
3 units |
| EDU702 |
Dissertation |
12 units |
Total Semester Units Required for Graduation: 60
Admission Policies and Requirements
A master’s degree from an accredited institution is generally
required for admission. In the context of this statement, “accredited”
for institutions within the United States requires they be a member
of an accrediting body recognized by the United States Department
of Education. Applicants with earned degrees from institutions
outside the United States must obtain an evaluation from an approved
evaluation service documenting that their education is equivalent
to a master’s degree from an accredited institution in the
United States.
An applicant may be conditionally admitted into the Program
based on a completed Application
for Admission, student copies of transcripts reflecting the
applicant’s highest relevant degree, documentation of the
applicant’s professional work experience, and the receipt
of two completed Doctoral Applicant Reference Forms. Official
copies of all relevant college level credits received directly
from the institution of origin will be required within 60 days
of enrollment.
While professional work experience is not a condition of admission
to the Program, applicants need to provide evidence of
any previous professional work experience prior to formal admission.
The vast majority of the institution’s applicants are mature
adults working in a variety of professional settings. Many have
not attended college for several years. Consequently, prior class
rank and grade point average are not significant factors in the
admission process.
Foreign Applicants and Applicants with International Credentials
Applicants who do not possess a degree from a postsecondary institution
where English is the principal language of instruction must receive
a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT) or 80 on the Internet Based Test
(iBT) or 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS).
For more information on TOEFL visit the website: www.ets.org/toefl.
Transfer Credit
The acceptance of transfer credits between academic institutions
lies within the discretion of the receiving college or university.
Credits earned at William Howard Taft University may or may not
be accepted by another institution depending upon its own programs,
policies, and regulations.
Transfer credit is limited to 15% of the total doctoral credits
required to complete the degree (9 units). The courses considered
for transfer must be equivalent in both content and degree level.
No credit may be awarded for experiential learning (Portfolio
Credit) in this program.
Financial Information
Tuition is billed at the rate of $420.00 per month during the
term of enrollment. The obligation of students to pay tuition
shall continue until the earliest of the following events:
a. satisfaction of all degree requirements;
b. 48 billing months (four years);
c. withdrawal from the Program;
d. academic dismissal from the Program.
Additional information on financial aid and tuition financing
can be found under Tuition, Financial Aid
and Financing.
|
| Application Fee |
$100 |
| Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee |
$55 |
Registration and Orientation Fee
This one-time fee is charged at the time of a student’s
initial enrollment and is related to the costs associated
with setting-up the student’s file and developing a
Degree Completion Plan. |
$150 |
Enrollment Commitment Fee
(Applies
Only to Matriculating Students) |
$100 |
Dissertation Defense Fee
(Payable
when the oral defense is scheduled) |
$450 |
Dissertation Fee
(Payable after
the oral defense) |
$350 |
Continuation Fee (Per Month)
Students who have not completed all degree requirements after
four full years of active enrollment in the Program will be
assessed a monthly continuation fee for the balance of the
enrollment period or until they have satisfied all degree
requirements. (This is in lieu of tuition.) |
$125 |
Non-Resident Surcharge (Per Month)
(Applies Only to Students Residing Outside of the United
States) |
$25 |
| Graduation Check/Diploma Fee |
$75 |
| Transcript Fee (Two Provided at No
Cost) |
$10 |
Late Payment Fee
(Returned Check/Declined Credit Card/ACH) (Per Item)
|
$25 |
Withdrawal Processing Fee
(Applicable
to withdrawing students only) |
$100 |
The cost of books and materials, other than each course syllabus,
is not included in the tuition. The University does not sell books
or materials. Most books and materials may be purchased at local
colleges, retail bookstores, directly from publishers or over
the Internet. The cost is estimated to average approximately $150.00
per course. Students are always provided with a mail or Internet
source for acquiring all required materials.
How to Enroll
To apply for admission to the Master of Education Program, an
applicant must first complete the University’s Application
for Admission Form and submit it to the Admissions Office
with a check in the amount of $100.00.
It is not necessary to submit official transcripts at the time
of application. (However, official transcripts must be received
by the University within 60 days of enrollment. The University
provides students with a form which may be used for this purpose.)
Should additional information be required the applicant will
be contacted. If the applicant is accepted for admission to the
Program, an enrollment commitment form will be prepared and sent
to the applicant. At the time the commitment material and the
$100.00 commitment fee are received by the Admissions Office,
a formal enrollment agreement will be prepared and sent to the
applicant for review and signature. All payments submitted for
tuition and fees must be payable in U.S. dollars. Payments may
be made by MasterCard® / Visa® / American Express®
or personal/business check.
Applicants are encouraged to call the Admissions Office if there
are any questions regarding enrollment procedures.
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Course Descriptions
EDU501 Educational Administration (4 Units)
The objectives of the course therefore are based upon assisting
students to enhance and expand their knowledge, skills, and conceptual
awareness as related to current and future leadership roles. Course
objectives underscore a belief in the value of informed "reflection
on practice” both individually and collectively.
Prerequisites: None.
EDU503 Leadership in Institutional Settings
(4 Units)
Concepts of leadership and leadership styles will be examined.
This course also explores the various concepts of effective management
in the institutional setting.
Prerequisites: None.
EDU504 Psychological Foundations of Education
(3 Units)
This core course studies psychological principles as related to
learning. Discussion on learning theory, motivation and quantitative
methods will be explored.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
EDU505 The Laws and Politics of Education (4
Units)
This core course provides an overview of the legal and political
framework of education in the nation. Emphasis is on current issues
and how they affect the learning environment.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
EDU506 Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting
(4 Units)
Theory, strategies and techniques of effective organizational
behavior in educational/institutional settings. Intervention techniques
will be studied to improve organization effectiveness.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
EDU507 Educational Finance (4 Units)
The economic theories of institutional finance. Emphasis on the
management and evaluation of fiscal operations in an institutional
setting.
Prerequisites: None.
EDU508 Principles of Curriculum Development
(4 Units)
An analysis of the influences of curriculum and instruction from
a philosophical, psychological and sociological perspective. Various
approaches to the design and evaluation of curriculum and instruction
will be examined.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
EDU509 Societal Diversity (4 Units)
An examination of diversity in the workplace and society. Emphasis
will be on the understanding of the differences and similarities
of a variety of cultures prevalent in the workplace.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
EDU511 Research Methods (4 Units)
Emphasis on types of research designs and the skills in developing
and organizing research studies in institutional settings.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
EDU512 Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
(3 Units)
This core course reviews major social influences as they are applied
to current movements in educational instruction, research and
curriculum.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
EDU602 Contemporary Topics in Educational Policy
(Elective) (1 to 4 Units)
An examination of several broad range contemporary topics in institutional
management.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
EDU603 Fieldwork (Elective) (1 to 6 Units)
A planned field experience under the supervision of an approved
advisor. Fieldwork may include experience in a variety of settings
as an adjunct to
the student's current employment.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
EDU604 Management of Adult/Occupational Programs
(Elective) (4 Units)
An examination of the social forces involved with adult education.
The history and philosophy of adult and occupational training
will be reviewed, as well as training and development programs
in both public and private sector settings.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
EDU607 Principalship (Elective) (4 Units)
This course contains an overview of the principalship at all levels.
The emphasis is on expectations for principals as well as the
practical aspects of the
principal’s job.
Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
EDU700 Comprehensive Examination (1 Units)
This proctored examination, which can be taken anytime between
the completion of the core courses and the Dissertation Proposal,
is designed to measure a student’s knowledge and understanding
of the curriculum content that has been covered in the Program.
Students must pass the examination prior to advancement to candidacy.
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of all Required Courses.
EDU701 Dissertation Proposal (3 Units)
Organization and design of a formal proposal including a substantive
research topic of original work. An accepted proposal constitutes
the framework for the Statement of the Problem (Chapter 1), Review
of the Literature (Chapter 2), and Research Methodology (Chapter
3).
Prerequisites: Successful Completion of the Comprehensive Examination
(EDU700).
EDU702 Dissertation (12 Units)
The successful completion of a dissertation results in a quality
research effort, documented and written following American Psychological
Association, (APA) guidelines, an oral defense consisting of a
PowerPoint presentation presented to the student’s dissertation
committee, and written in a format ready for publication. The
completed dissertation document is a five-chapter dissertation
beginning with the Introduction to the Problem, Chapter 1; Review
of the Literature, Chapter 2; Research Methodology, Chapter 3;
Research Findings, Chapter 4; and the Summary, Conclusions, and
Recommendations of the researcher, Chapter 5. In addition, the
final document will include the frontal pages as described in
the University’s Dissertation Handbook, as well as necessary
appendices, references, and other appropriate documents.
Prerequisites: Approval of Dissertation Proposal (EDU701).
