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Plymouth State University
MSC 11
17 High Street
Plymouth, NH 03264-1595
Program of study
Degree Requirements
Prerequisite coursework
- Qualitative Methodology and Applied Research
- A graduate-level course in Research Design
Doctoral Core Courses - 24 credits
- Emerging Perspectives on Learning and Development
- Quantitative Methods for Program Assessment and Evaluation
- Ethical Leadership and Advocacy
- Leadership in a Diverse World
- Resource Planning and Stewardship
- Vision: Synergy and Synthesis
- Doctoral Seminar: Writing the Proposal
- Externship
Concentrations/Specialization - 27 credits
Students select coursework based on their professional goals, certification needs, and interests. In some instances, career goals may require a degree program in excess of 60 credits; therefore, consultation with an academic advisor prior to taking courses is essential. Course selection must have the approval of the academic advisor and the doctoral program coordinator.
This requirement can be fulfilled with courses taken for the student's Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), or equivalent, program. For example, students may apply courses from CAGS program options such as superintendent certification; arts, leadership, and learning; or special education administrator to their doctoral degrees. Visit plymouth.edu/graduate/cags for a complete list of CAGS options.
Dissertation - 9 credits
Total for Doctor of Education (EdD) in Learning, Leadership, and Community - 60 credits
Comprehensive Examinations
At the conclusion of coursework, doctoral candidates are expected to take comprehensive exams, written examinations grounded in the essential learning from each of the core courses.
The Dissertation
The EdD is a practitioner degree oriented to the improvement of professional practice by extending the knowledge, expertise, and skill of candidates through the application of research to leadership issues. The dissertation should display mastery of and the ability to apply research findings, new analyses, syntheses, interpretations, and other research methods and procedures in order to contribute to the improvement of practice in leadership.
The assessment for the award of the EdD degree is based on four components: coursework, the comprehensive examination, the dissertation with oral and final defense, and the final approval by the dissertation committee.
