Ed.D. Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the written examination is to evaluate a participant's level of mastery and synthesis of subject matter presented in the initial two years (six semesters) of the program, including his or her capacity to apply this knowledge and these skills to practical settings and problems. It is a six-hour closed book exam.

A program participant is initially eligible to sit for the examination following completion of the first 12 scheduled classes. The examination is offered on a Friday in May of Year Two. The examination begins at 8:30 a.m., breaks for 60 minutes, and resumes from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m. Illustrative questions and problem sets will be distributed during the preceding January. A second administration of the examination is offered, assuming faculty concurrence, three months later, in August, for any participant not gaining a passing grade upon initial administration. A participant must pass the examination within these boundaries to be retained in the program.

The examination will be given in a Peabody computer laboratory. Examinees need not bring a laptop. An appropriate accommodation will be made for any participant with special needs. Results will be provided within a week of the examination.

Program participants are granted doctoral candidacy upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, and successful completion of the fourth research methods course. Candidacy is granted for only one calendar year, during which individuals students are expected successfully to complete the capstone experience.