Educational Specialists/Doctorates in Education from CMU Off-Campus Programs

Ed.S./Ed.D. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an Ed.S. and an Ed.D.?
a. The Ed.S. is an Education Specialist degree. It is a post-master’s degree attractive for those working in educational administration. Typically this degree is valued within K-12 settings but we have adapted the degree and created the bridge to Ed.D. so that those interested in higher education administration and college teaching may also find this to be an attractive option. The Ed.S. is a 33 credit program with an action research project capstone.

b. Ed.D. is a Doctor of Education degree. This degree is particularly attractive to those who wish to work in college/university administration, college teaching, and K-12 central office. This is a 63 credit program (27 credits from Ed.S. will transfer into the doctorate) with a dissertation capstone project.
When does the review of applications begin?
Completed applications will be reviewed May 1. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the cohort is filled. Preference will be given to those who meet the May 1 deadline.
Am I applying for both the Ed.S. and the Ed.D.?
What if I only want to complete the Ed.D.?
You may either apply to
    a. the Ed.S only
    b.the combined Ed.S./Ed.D. program
    c. the Ed.D program in 2011, if openings are available
Are there any prerequisites for the Ed.S./Ed.D. program?
To take EDL 700 Advanced Administrative Research, a core course of the Ed.S. degree, students must have completed a previous educational research course at the master’s level. Completing the Ed.S. degree covers the prerequisite requirements for the Ed.D.
When will I complete the Ed.S. courses and when will I complete the Ed.D. courses?
Admitted students will first complete the 33 credits and be awarded an Ed.S. degree. This will involve approximately two years of coursework (fall 2009 – spring 2011). The remaining doctoral coursework will take approximately 18 months (fall 2011- spring 2013) followed by 18 -24 months of dissertation work.
What is a cohort?
CMU’s Ed.S./Ed.D. program is offered in a cohort format. A cohort is a group of students that follow a set schedule of courses together from start to finish.
How many students are in a cohort?
15-20
What is the professional make up of the cohorts?
Cohorts consist of educational leaders in pre-collegiate and postsecondary learning environments. Students with the K-12 emphasis are typically teachers, assistant principals, principals, and superintendents. Students with the college and university emphasis are higher education administrators and faculty. Most students work full-time in education while taking classes.
When are the courses offered?
The core classes are offered every other weekend on Friday evenings and all day on Saturday.
How long does it take the average student to complete the degree?
It will take approximately 3 ½ years to complete the coursework. The average student then takes an additional 18-24 months to complete the dissertation.
How long does a student have to complete the degree?
Eight years
Can any of my post-master’s credits count toward the Ed.S./Ed.D. degrees?
It is possible that graduate-level courses taken post-master’s may count toward the Ed.S. Once admitted to the program, students are assigned advisors. It is recommended that students discuss possible transfer credits with their advisors.
Is financial aid available?
To learn more about financial assistance, please visit www.financialaid.cmich.edu. Students need to be enrolled in at least six credits per semester to receive aid.
What is your acceptance rate?
Approximately 50%