Purpose

The Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies program is designed to prepare competent researchers, effective leaders, and skilled educators with a biblical worldview who will model high standards and assume leadership roles within various organizations in the context of education. Researchers and leaders in the field of education are seen as those who assume a role in shaping the future direction of policies, goals, and objectives within an educational setting whether it be in K-12, business, or state or federal government.

Program Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

• Evaluate educational theories within the field for professional and academic practice.
• Analyze pedagogical concepts and approaches based upon research and knowledge of the discipline.
• Design and conduct original research that adds to the knowledge base of the discipline.
• Integrate a biblical worldview through decision making within the field of education.

Program Specific Admissions Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements, specific admission procedures for the Ph.D. are listed below. Submit the following items to the Office of Graduate Admissions prior to registering for any graduate courses. Where noted, forms are available online at: http://www.liberty.edu/apply.

1. Academic Records.  Applicants must submit an official transcript indicating conferred of a Doctor of Education or conferred Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree program from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
2. Ph.D. applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above on graduate degree required for entrance to the program.

Transfer of Credit

All graduate transfer credits are subject to the approval of the School of Education (SOE) Graduate Committee. Such courses must carry a grade of at least a B- and be comparable to Liberty University graduate courses. Transfer credit will only be considered from institutions or schools accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. With approval, up to 39 hours may be transferred into the Ph.D. program. It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply official transcripts along with a written request to have credit applied to the degree program. Transfer credits must have been completed within the previous ten (10) years to be eligible for transfer to the Ph.D.

Time Limits for Degree Completion

The time limit for completing the degree from the date of admission to the program is five (5) years for the Ph.D. Only in unusual circumstances may the candidate be granted an extension. Granting of an extension of time will usually result in additional requirements.

Any candidate who does not complete coursework within the permissible time limit, for any reason including discontinued enrollment, must reapply for admission. A candidate may reapply only once, and will be subject to the current standards and curriculum. The SOE Graduate Committee will determine if any previous courses are sufficiently time sensitive and must be repeated. Beginning with the date of readmission, the candidate’s time limit for degree completion is determined by the number of hours remaining.

Delivery Format: Online Only

• University Professor
• University Administrator
• K-12 Administrator
• K-12 Special Education Director
• K-12 Educational Technology Director
• Higher Education Instructional Designer
• Educational Consultant
• Educational Researcher
• Education instructor
• Instructional Designer for a business or government agency
• Training and Development Specialist