Application Process


Q:  Can I apply before I complete my master’s degree?

 

A:  You may apply, however, the master's degree must be "in hand" before the fall semester  begins. 

 


Q:  I already had official transcripts sent to Wilkes when applying for master’s studies. Do I have to request them again?

 

  A:   Yes, we will need your updated transcripts. You can apply and submit supporting materials online. Official transcripts are required for admission and must be sent to Wilkes from the college or university previously attended. Please direct transcripts to the below addresses. Email or mailed copies will be accepted. If you graduated from Wilkes, official transcripts will be automatically provided to the EdD program free of charge during the application process.

 

 

Wilkes University

Enrollment Services

84 W. South St.

Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766

enrollmentservices@wilkes.edu

 


 

Q:   The application packet requires a scholarly work or project. What should I submit?

 

A:  You need to determine what to send based on the criteria for this submission: an original scholarly or professional project, product, report or paper. Your selection should evidence leadership and scholarship in your field. It can be professional or academic work. Your abstract must clearly explain, in two to three paragraphs, how the contents of the submission reflects your potential for leadership in education and scholarship at the doctoral level. The submission and abstract are important components of the admission process. We cannot provide specific suggestions but encourage you to select your submission and construct your abstract very carefully. We do not encourage submission of multiple documents, portfolios or videotapes. We do not return these materials to you, so copies are encouraged, not originals.

 


Q:   Is there financial aid to support my doctoral studies?

 

A:   Learn about Graduate Financial Aid. In addition, there are limited openings for doctoral graduate assistants each year to support research and scholarly efforts of faculty working in the doctoral program. Doctoral graduate assistants will be eligible for tuition remission based on the hours worked (up to 20 hours of work per week on site). Applicants interested should indicate this in the appropriate area of the application for admission.  
 


Q: Where can I obtain admission materials and how do I apply?

 

A: The application and recommendation forms are available in PDF format on the EdD website. Applicants will download and provide the additional documentation required for this program as listed in the EdD Application process located on our website.

 


 

Academic Process

 

Q:   Do I need to take time off work for my classes?

 

A:   Students will attend three total residencies throughout the program and complete coursework outside of residencies online. Residencies and synchronous virtual meetings are held during times that are convenient for working adults. See our residency schedule.


 

Q:   How flexible is my schedule if I am admitted to the doctoral program?

 

A:   Students begin as a cohort but can move at their own pace after admission and beginning coursework within the EdD program. Students are required to attend three residencies during the program and synchronous, virtual class sessions.


 Q:   How many credits do I have to take each year?

A:   Most students take 12-18 credits each academic year. Continuous enrollment is required during fall and spring semesters. Coursework can be completed in as little as three years by taking an average of 18 credits of coursework each academic year followed by three credits of dissertation research each semester under the advisement of their dissertation chair until the successful completion and defense of the dissertation.

 


Q:   How will I know I am admitted to the program?

A:   Students will receive notice as to whether or not they have been invited to an interview, which is the second phase of admission after the review of the application. After the interview, students will be notified in writing as to their status for conditional admittance into the program. All accepted students are conditionally admitted until passing the Doctoral Qualifying Examination, which is taken by application after successful completion of the first 12 credits in the program: 9 credits in the leadership core and the first three credits of research.

 


Q:   How will I know all the procedures and requirements of the program if I am admitted?

A: Upon initial acceptance, students will be invited to attend an orientation session. At the session, students meet the faculty and program personnel. The Doctoral Student Handbook is distributed, which contains detailed information on program requirements and procedures. At the orientation, these requirements and procedures are explained, and the online course management system and online library resources are demonstrated.