COHORT 2007

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For what will this degree prepare me?

This program is designed for individuals who aspire to leadership, faculty or administrative positions in institutions of higher education, public schools, and other education organizations, or individuals who wish to enhance their skills in curriculum, instruction, leadership and research.

How do I apply for admission into the program?

Applicants must provide the following documents, materials and information:

1. An application with the appropriate fee.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate degrees.
3. Appropriate and acceptable test scores on the GRE or MAT
4. An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae
5. A goal statement
6. A writing sample
7. Three recommendations on the provided forms
8. An interview with program faculty

What are the criteria for admission?

Applicants must provide a complete application packet as listed above. Test scores on the GRE or MAT must be at or above the 60^th percentile, and the Writing Sample must be assessed as acceptable or better.  Finally, program faculty will examine the entire set of application materials including information and impressions from the interview with the applicant to determine admission of the applicant.

What will be the cost of the program?

The current cost for coursework taken in the doctoral program is           per 3 hour course. Students will personally be responsible for associated travel and lodging costs when necessary.

When will decisions be make about admission to the cohort?

Decisions will be made as soon as possible, and applicants will be notified of their status by August 10. Upon acceptance by the student, enrollment will be made into the classes, and payment for the fall semester will be due by August 17, 2007.

How will the program be delivered?

Courses will be delivered in a blended mode, combining live class meetings with Internet participation. The current web-based delivery model is Blackboard Vista.  Students will meet once each month at Flatwoods, within the scheduled time frame of Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday, from 8 am to 4 pm. Dependent upon the nature of the courses scheduled for a given term, the amount of time needed for each course, and additional activities or information to be delivered, the exact time to be used each term, or each month may vary, but will fall within the established time frame. Twice a year, students will be expected to attend a seminar in South Charleston, scheduled on a Saturday, once in the fall term and once in the spring term. Classes are scheduled over 3 terms each calendar year: fall, spring and summer.

How will students access texts and other course materials?

Texts will be available through the Marshall University bookstore. Students should contact the bookstore directly at 1-800-642-9842 ext. 2501 to arrange for payment and delivery of needed materials.

How will students have library access?

All students will have access to Marshall Libraries through http://www.marshall.edu/library/ . The MU Library provides on line document delivery, interlibrary loan, and other services to off-campus students.

How long will it take to complete the program?

Coursework will be completed in approximately 3 ½  years. The completion of the remaining requirements, primarily the dissertation, are dependent upon the individual student. Most students complete the requirements after the coursework in approximately 1 ½ years, but motivated and driven students may finish before this time.

Who will teach this program?

The program will be delivered by graduate faculty from Marshall University.

What are the phases of the program?

1. Completion of Coursework and participation with faculty in scholarly activities
2. Presentation of the Portfolio of scholarly activities
3. Conceptualization and acceptance of a research study (the prospectus)
4. Implementation of the research study
5. Defense of the dissertation

How do I select a doctoral committee and who is eligible to serve?

Upon admission to the program, students will be assigned to an advisor pending the selection of the committee chair. Students may request a specific advisor and can request a change of advisor. C&I students will be assigned to C&I faculty and Educational Leadership Students will be assigned to Educational Leadership faculty. The advisor will assist the student in selecting the chair, and the chair will assist the student in forming the committee. Students will be provided with a list of eligible chairs and committee members, and opportunities to meet these faculty members will be provided.

What are the advantages to participating in a cohort program?

Students who participate in a cohort develop a strong network of colleagues across the region. During participation in the program, students encourage and support each other, work together in teams, and cooperate to develop skills and knowledge. Completion of the program is done on a timely basis, because all students enroll in the same courses at the same time, and travel time is minimalized because of the use of the Internet to supplement live coursework, which is itself delivered in a convenient location.

What happens if students do not continue with the program?

Except for emergency situations, all individuals who are accepted into the cohort are expected to make a commitment to complete the program. Courses not taken when offered in the cohort schedule must be taken at the student’s initiative with approval of the student’s chair or advisor. A student may withdraw from the program at any time by notifying the program coordinator in writing. Readmission to the program or admission to other doctoral programs will be considered on an individual basis.

Is there information on the MU Website about the program?

Students may access information about the cohort at the MU Doctoral Programs in Education Website at http://www.marshall.edu/gsepd/edd/. Information specific to the cohort is available under the link COHORT 2007. Information may also be requested by calling 1-800-642-9842 ext. 68949.

What computer access and knowledge is necessary for participation in the program?

Online and blended courses at Marshall University are currently taught using Blackboard VISTA (formerly WebCT). Refer to Marshall University’s MUOnline site for computer requirements, including a browser check and minimum hardware/software specifications –   

http://www.marshall.edu/muonline/computer_requirements.asp.

Where can students get assistance with technology problems?

For technical support, students may contact the Marshall University Computing Services Help Desk by email (helpdesk@marshall.edu) or by phone: (304) 696-3200 – Huntington, (304) 746-1969 – Charleston, (877) 689-8638 – toll free.