What resources are available if I fall behind or experience life challenges?

·        First, ask to meet with your instructor who will provide you with assistance or resources tailored to your needs.

·        Next, you may want to visit the Graduate Success Office https://www.aamu.edu/admissions-aid/graduate-admissions/graduate-student-success-center.html

·        You may want to contact the Disabilities Office disabilityservices@aamu.edu

What academic support (writing center, library services, tutoring) is available to doctoral students?

·         Please refer to the Student Resources folder in Module 0.

What types of assignments are common in doctoral social work courses?

·        We strive to have a variety of opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills and to effectively express what they have learned. We understand that adults learn in different ways. We also seek to prepare our students for the rigors and expectations of a career with a doctorate degree. Therefore, scholarly papers, research projects, presentation skills, recorded responses, group projects, case studies, evaluations, policies, discussions, self-reflections and the application of social justice are most often embedded in doctoral-level assignments.   

How are courses structured—seminars, lectures, online modules, hybrid formats?

·        This program is fully online; courses are offered synchronously (weekly) or in hybrid synchronous modalities (bi-weekly). Our semesters 15 weeks, except in the Summer which is 8 weeks.

How much reading is typical for each course?

·        Reading, writing, critical thinking, and scholarly discourse are the foundation of a doctoral education. You can expect to be assigned an average of 5 chapters per week in your texts for each course along with as many as 10 – 15 peer-reviewed articles. However, we realize that it is impossible to read everything that is offered, and we recommend that students learn to scan and highlight to locate the significant sections of texts or documents. We encourage students to develop or use tools that help them with reviewing and summarizing their readings. Students must also learn to prioritize the readings that are required and to scan the ones that are recommended.

What does “critical analysis” mean in doctoral-level writing?

·        The doctorate degree is the highest level of education possible. Therefore, people with this degree become leaders, decision makers, and architects of systems, processes, policies, assessments, and education. As such, they are required to anticipate and answer questions that others may not consider. For example, when trauma-informed care became a widely endorsed framework for helping children overcome childhood trauma, many organizations began to teach its principles and expect their employees to implement these practices. However, leaders with PhDs began to question why they were not seeing a significant improvements in either the children’s or their caretakers’ outcomes after implementing the principles. Through critical analysis, they were able to understand that trauma-informed principles were not enough to effect meaningful change. To achieve the maximum benefit of a trauma-informed approach, systems, environments, resources, training, and monitoring were required. This level of research and thinking are reflective of the analytical skills taught, developed, and practiced in doctoral programs. 

How often will I give presentations or lead discussions?

·        One of the goals of this doctoral program is to prepare its students to be educators, capable and committed to the sharing of knowledge and skills. Therefore, in each class students will be expected to contribute to or lead discussions and to present what they have learned to their instructors and classmates. In addition, the program seeks opportunities to showcase its students as they develop and refine their research interests.

Are classes more discussion-driven or research-driven?

·        This depends on the course and the instructors. Most doctoral classes have both embedded in them, while this program has 5 specifically research- based courses.

When do I begin working on my dissertation or capstone? Will my coursework help prepare me for dissertation writing?

·        A dissertation is required for graduation from this PhD program. Students are encouraged to use each assignment to advance their knowledge and writing focused on their research interest. However, the Comprehensive Exam, which is comprised of Chapters 1 and 2 of their dissertation, is expected to be submitted in Spring or Summer of the 2nd year of enrollment in the PhD program. By the Summer or Fall, students are expected to write, schedule, and defend their Proposals (Chapters 1 – 4) and to transition into Candidacy. By Fall, the start of their 3rd year in the program, students can begin their independent research, guided by the dissertation committees.

How do I choose a dissertation chair and committee?

·        After passing the Comprehensive Exam, students will begin developing their dissertation committees. Doctoral seminar courses prepare students for this task and guide them through the process. Once the dissertation committees are formed, students enter the research phase of their education and work almost exclusively with their committee chairs and members, until they successfully defend their dissertations.

What is the timeline for completing the dissertation?

·        We have structured the program so that students can expect to begin their dissertation research by the start of their third year in the program. Each dissertation is unique to the student and their research interest, so the completion is determined by the student, their Proposal, and their Committee. We encourage students to develop Proposals that will allow them to complete their research within one to two years or as they outlined during their coursework.

How do comprehensive exams work? What should I study?

·        The Comprehensive Exam is comprised of Chapters 1 and 2 of the student’s dissertation. Members of the PhD Committee review this document to assess the student’s readiness for independent research. Therefore, the Comprehensive Exam is expected to demonstrate the student’s knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct independent research. There is nothing to study; the document shows the level of mastery of doctoral level comprehension.

What are the required methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods)?

·        Students consult with research instructors to determine their research questions and methodologies based on their focus and goals.

 What software should I learn for data analysis (SPSS, R, NVivo, ATLAS.ti)?

·        Students will learn how to use SPSS, R, NVivo, and other data analysis software as determined by the curriculum and the instructor.

How can I start building a publishable line of research?

What steps should I take to prepare for peer-reviewed publication?

Are doctoral students expected to publish during the program?

·        Students are encouraged to identify previously written manuscripts, papers, and classwork that might be developed for submission for publication. Students are guided through the publication process in doctoral seminar courses.

·        While publication is not a requirement of the program at this time, it is highly encouraged, and a significant portion of the doctoral seminar courses are dedicated to guiding students through this milestone. Students graduating with a PhD who are not published are at a disadvantage when seeking employment, especially in academia.

What is the IRB process, and when do I need to complete it?

·        All students are required to complete an Institutional Review Board (IRB) application as part of their Proposals. Students will either receive a waiver or approval to conduct their independent research. This process must be completed under the guidance of the student’s dissertation committee, once the are prepared to defend their Proposals.

What writing style is expected in doctoral coursework—APA 7th edition, scholarly tone, etc.?

·        APA 7th edition is both required and taught in the doctoral program. The APA 7th edition Manual is a text in the Doctoral Seminar I course. Students will complete two 50-question exams on the APA 7th edition guidelines and must continue taking the exam until they score 100%. This process ensures that students will develop proficiency in scholarly writing and will know how to use the Manual as a reference guide when writing their dissertations.

How do I improve my academic writing at the doctoral level?

·        Doctoral Seminar I provides a plethora of information, resources, and instruction to help students become better writers. Each course encourages students to improve their writing and critical thinking skills and the rubrics for most assignments assesses the students’ proficiency in this area

What counts as plagiarism, and how can I avoid it?

·        Please see the information in Module 0 regarding plagiarism as well as AAMU’s policies and procedures related to violations. Also, Module 0 may contain resources, links, or videos to help students understand and avoid plagiarism.

   What happens if my writing or research skills need improvement?

·        The Office of Student Success within Graduate Studies is dedicated to helping students develop graduate-level writing and critical thinking skills. They offer a plethora of resources and services to increase student’s proficiency at the doctoral level. https://www.aamu.edu/admissions-aid/graduate-admissions/graduate-student-success-center.html

·        The J. F. Drake Memorial Resources Learning Center is the library at AAMU. The staff are dedicated to helping students develop skills in research and writing. They provide group and individualized assistance as requested. In addition, they serve as guest speakers in the student’s first doctoral seminar course to explain and guide new students through the library and its resources, partnerships, and 24-hour availability for online students.

What conferences should doctoral students attend? How do I secure funding for conference travel or research?

·        Students are encouraged to attend and, more importantly, present at social work conferences. This helps build their experience, expertise, and CVs. When available, the University may assist with the costs of participating in conferences. Students must contact the Graduate Studies offices to apply for financial assistance: https://www.aamu.edu/academics/graduate-studies/

How do I balance coursework, research, teaching, and work responsibilities?

·        This is the number one challenge identified by most students in the PhD program. Therefore, especially early on, a lot of discussion, planning, tips, and support is provided by instructors and encouraged to be offered by peers. Each student must develop their own time management plans and remain committed to following these schedules to be successful in the PhD program. This topic is revisited often in the Doctoral Seminar courses, as administrators and faculty focus on helping students navigate this difficult task.

What networking opportunities exist within the department or through national organizations?

How can I build relationships with faculty and peers?

·        Alabama A & M University and the Department of Social Work offer regular and periodic opportunities for students to mix and mingle with peers in virtual spaces. We are developing international relationships and research opportunities as well as relationships, MOIUs, and partnerships with allies of social work and our mission. These opportunities are announced regularly for students and/or communicated via email. This program was launched in 2024; we are constantly working to increase its reach, opportunities, and mutually beneficial relationships.

How do I navigate the Learning Management System (Blackboard, Canvas, etc.)?

·        Currently, our courses are offered in Blackboard Ultra. Once students gain access to their courses, they will be able to access the Tools tab to locate the Student Blackboard Help folder. This folder contains videos, trainings, information, and links to help students with all activities available in Blackboard.

What technology or equipment do I need for online/hybrid courses? Who do I contact for tech support or course access issues?

·        See the information provided in Module 0. Here, there are links to the Information Technology services as well as information on equipment needed for virtual learning.

What should I do if I experience internet or connectivity problems during class?

·        Notify your instructor or a classmate about the problem if possible. If not, make sure you email the instructor as soon as possible to explain the problem and to obtain possible solutions or resources. Students should contact IT with all connectivity issues and should also notify their instructors, especially if it will impact their ability to attend class or submit assignments.

How are doctoral students graded—traditional grades or competency-based?

·        Students receive traditional grades. As and Bs are passing grades. Students can have only one C on their transcripts; however they are strongly encouraged to work with their instructors to bring their C grades up to at least a B. All assignments have an attached rubric so that students are very clear about what they will be graded on.

What does satisfactory progress look like in a doctoral program?

·        Earning As and Bs on most assignments, submitting the majority of assignments by or before the due date, participating in classroom and breakout room discussions, contributing to the cohort as a member of the academy of learners, providing feedback and sharing concerns, recommendations, and timely updates with faculty as appropriate constitutes the best description of a doctoral student who is doing well in the program.

What happens if I receive an incomplete or failing grade?

·        Students will be contacted by the Office of Student Success to explain the student's status and consequences, as well as the University’s next course of action and the student’s options. Students may be placed on academic probation or expulsion. Students will be informed of their right to appeal and to apply for readmission, if desired. Decisions regarding readmission are the responsibility of the PhD Program Coordinator, the Department Chair, and, if appropriate, the PhD Admissions Committee.

How much weight do participation and attendance carry in doctoral courses?

·        Students are required to adhere to the University’s attendance policy. Students are allowed unexcused absences equal to the number of credit hours of the course. If the student exceeds these, they risk a range of sanctions, from failing the course to expulsion from the program.

Is there a cohort model, or will my classes vary by semester?

·        This program is structured in a cohort model, however, because the average class is between 40 and 60 students, the cohort is very large, diverse, and may be nationally or internationally located. Our students all have MSWs and range from recent graduates to persons with decades of experience and from clinicians to macro social workers. We have students whose educational backgrounds are HBCUs and ones who only attended PWIs. Our students are urban and rural, young and older, managers and entry level workers. We are proud of our eclectic academy of scholars who bring a vast array of experience, training, credentials, interests and skillsets to the program.

What organizations or student groups are available for doctoral students?

·        While most doctoral students are not able to participate in student groups due to their full schedules, we continue to share opportunities as they arise. Online students never have to come to campus, but they are always welcome to do so. We encourage them to obtain a One Card which identifies them as students and gives them access to the campus. Therefore, they can attend activities such as Homecoming, Founder’s Day Celebrations, sports events, service projects, as well as every event or program available to campus-based students. After graduation, students will be invited to join the AAMU alumni and to continue their participation and support of their beloved AAMU.

Are there opportunities to teach or serve as a teaching assistant?

·        The PhD program offers limited graduate assistantships (GAs) at this time. The opportunity to teach or serve as a teaching assistant will be developed and announced in the future.

How can I develop my teaching philosophy?

·        Students are required to complete the pedagogy course in which they will be guided through the process of developing and writing their teaching philosophy.

Will I receive mentorship on academic career paths (e.g., faculty vs. administrator roles)?

·        Doctoral Seminar II and Doctoral Seminar III will help students explore career paths in academia and other appropriate professions.

How can I build a CV suitable for academic positions?

·        Doctoral Seminar III guides students through the development of their CVs.