Per the Student Handbook, In Unit 1 of ED780, students will complete a brief survey to identify their general area of research interest. During week 3 of ED780, students will attend a mandatory introductory seminar covering key details about the applied research project, the role of the Research Project Coordinator (RPC), and an overview of the ED800-level courses. This session will also serve as an opportunity for students to meet the RPCs. Students will be contacted by their RPC in week 4 of ED780 to arrange for individual meetings. It is essential to allow ample time before entering ED810 to finalize research topics and secure site permission, as both must be completed before progressing to the research phase and beginning ED800-level courses.

The handbook states site permission should be obtained before being able to enroll in 810. This applies to students in 780 for the 2501C and 2502C terms.

Per the student handbook, students will be assigned an RPC during ED780.

Your RPC will send it via email. 

The RPC guides students through the research project, provides oversight and advice, and is one of the approving members for the final applied research project and paper. The RPC role is clearly defined in the Student Handbook.

• • RPCs:

    • Assists with the selection and approval of research topic.

    • Supports IRB submission for approval to conduct research

    • Support for site permission documentation

    • Consultation on research focus and project requirements

Site permission will be required from each site being utilized for research.

Yes, RPCs will be reaching out in weeks 4 and 5 of the 2501C term and in weeks 3 and 4 in the following terms.

Guidance for Students in 800s:

• • Students who have already completed chapters with faculty approval will be expected to submit cumulative work for both instructor and RPC review. Some content may be required to be updated or revised to ensure alignment of the research. 

  • Quality of content remains the primary evaluation criterion.

  • Your assigned RPC will work individually with you to ensure your writing meets academic standards.

• Only students that were given prior permission to begin data collection in ED830 just to be absolutely clear. Students who have already begun data collection with email permissions as of the 2501C term will continue with the permissions they have already obtained and will not be required to use the official form. 

• Students in 2501C ED820 who have not obtained site permission yet are encouraged to use the official site form but are not required to.

• Students in 780 and 810 as of the 2501C term will need to use the official form.

• Retroactive Accommodation:

  • If you have obtained permissions via email or alternative communication, your RPC will review these.

  • No student will be penalized for prior permissions obtained in good faith.

  • Your RPC will assist in standardizing documentation retroactively.

Page length requirements are primarily intended as guidelines to ensure your work demonstrates the depth, comprehensiveness, and rigor expected at the doctoral level. Page length guidelines are indicators of the expected scope and thoroughness of analysis. 

Courses must be taken in sequential order.  

The program is designed for students to take two 700-level classes per term initially, but there may be times when one class is required.  ED780 is the first class students are required to take one class per term.

The 800-level courses build on each other, where students propose and develop a research project, collect and analyze data, develop conclusions, and present the results.  Students must complete the 800-level courses in sequence. If a student does not successfully complete an 800-level course, the student must retake the course or, if approved by the Research Committee complete a 0-credit extension course (based on their progress in the class).

Quality always supersedes quantity. A well-crafted, concise document that thoroughly addresses the research question and demonstrates critical thinking is far more valuable than a lengthy submission that lacks focus or substance. The goal is not to fill pages but to develop and articulate sophisticated academic arguments with appropriate evidence and analysis. Work directly with your instructor on the content and length.

Timelines for submissions remain in line with the course expectations and cumulative work will be assessed by the instructor and RPC to ensure doctoral-level quality for continued enrollment into the next course and/or an extension course. 

Continue to work directly with your instructors and RPCs to establish quality and doctoral-level writing. Some research may require additional substance, therefore, page length requirements are intended as guidelines to ensure your work demonstrates the depth, comprehensiveness, and rigor expected at the doctoral level. 

The IRB checklist and template will be provided by either the RPC or the course instructor.

No, once your topic is approved in 810, the topic is set.

This will be dependent on the study. Work directly with the instructor on what is needed.

800-Level Course Progression:

• The typical progression begins in ED810 and continues through ED840

• Research focus on areas like educational leadership, professional development, and innovative practices will continue to be supported

Individual research topics will be evaluated for academic rigor and potential impact.

The IRB will not approve any research with vulnerable populations. This is not permissible in this program. 

Any students currently (2501C) enrolled in 820, 830, and 840 are not required to complete the official site permission form or topic approval.

Graduates of the Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation degree program will adhere to the following commencement schedule: 

• EdD students who officially graduate between January 1 and June 30 may participate in the upcoming Fall (October) Commencement Ceremony.

• EdD students who officially graduate between July 1 and December 31 may participate in the upcoming Spring (May) Commencement Ceremony.

Approval and signoff on the student’s final applied research project paper is required to graduate.