Prerequisites

Applicants seeking admission to the ELPS Ph.D. program must take certain pre-application steps prior to formal consideration for admission. The following sections describe the steps in the pre-application process. The applicant shall present and undertake the following:

• Master's degree (minimum) from an accredited graduate school. Degree should be in a field related to the goals of the ELPS Program.
• Undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher or graduate grade point average of 3.75 or higher on a 4 point scale.
• Applicants with demonstrated experience in formal research and/or publication will be given preference.
• Maximum of 30 graduate semester hours earned prior to admission as a doctoral applicant may be accepted for transfer, but not necessarily in lieu of specific course requirements. Only grades of "B" or better (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) are acceptable for transfer

Application Procedures

On satisfactory completion of the pre-application procedures, the applicant may proceed with the formal application. All students should complete an online application through the Office of Graduate Admissions. Official transcripts of all college level work, both undergraduate and graduate, are to be mailed or sent electronically (by the institution where the work was completed) directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Autobiographical Statement/Vitae/Resume)

The Autobiographical statement/Vita/Resume should present significant information regarding education, training, experience, accomplishments, current professional employment, and organizational memberships and activities, community involvement, and avocation interests.

One professional and two academic references are required from person who have knowledge of the applicant's academic and/or professional career potential. Two of the three recommendations should be from college or university professors familiar with the work of the applicant as a student.

After the pre-admission and admission requirements have been satisfied and received by the Department, the applicant may be invited to an interview conducted by the ELPS faculty admissions committee.

Post-Admission Procedures

If admitted the applicant is assigned to a faculty advisor. The applicant may request a specific advisor, advising loads permitting

Student and advisor develop the Ed.D. Plan of Work, which lists all required courses and dissertation credits. The plan of work, bearing the signed recommendation of the major advisor is filed with the Education Graduate Office, Room 489, for final approval. The plan must be submitted in the semester in which the student is completing the first 18 semester hours of coursework under advisement.  The minimum number of credit hours for the degree is 75 hours, which may include credits from the student's Master's Degree and Education Specialist Certificate Coursework.

Post-Admission Procedures

If admitted the applicant is assigned to a faculty advisor. The applicant may request a specific advisor, advising loads permitting

Student and advisor develop the Ph.D. Plan of Work, which lists all required courses, and dissertation credits. The Plan of Work, bearing the signed recommendation of the major advisor and the cognate advisor, is filed with the Education Graduate Office, Room 489.  After initial approval the Plan will be submitted to the Graduate School. The plan must be submitted in the semester in which the student is completing the first 18 semester hours of coursework under advisement.  The minimum number of credit hours for the degree is 90 hours, which may include credits from the student's previous graduate coursework.

Residency Requirement:

1. At least 30 semester hours beyond the Master's Degree, exclusive of dissertation credit, must be taken in residence at WSU;
2. At least 6 semester hours of regular course- work must be completed in each of 2 consecutive semesters anytime AFTER admission to the doctoral program;
3. At least 30 semester hours, exclusive of dissertation credit, must be taken in coursework open only to graduate students ("700" course level or above).

The student's doctoral committee shall consist of a minimum of four graduate faculty members: a) the major advisor (Chairperson of the Committee); b) three members of the Graduate faculty from inside or outside the College of Education.  If all four members of the Advisory Committee are from within the College of Education at least one of the members of the Committee must be from outside the division in which the major area of concentration resides. At least two of whom hold a Regular Graduate Faculty Appointment (RGFA). The major advisor must be one of the two members with a valid RGFA.

Course Requirements

30 semester hours (minimum). The courses constituting the area of concentration are specified by the ELPS program. They may include offerings from outside the College of Education, with the advisor's approval.

Curriculum

Courses are available in online, hybrid and traditional format.

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.