Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2016-2017 
    
Graduate Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Development (Ph.D. in EHD)


This Ph.D. program offers flexibility to graduate students in the College of Education and Human Development to pursue doctoral work in emphasis areas not already offered in the College or university. The Ph.D. in EHD program combines coursework from the student’s master’s degree, additional subject area courses, and an interdisciplinary research curriculum. Additional information may be obtained from the Dean’s office or on the College website regarding the emphasis areas available.

 

Admission and Application Requirements

The following application materials are required for admission to the Ph.D. in EHD program:

  1. A master’s degree in the emphasis or related area, with a minimum of 3.25 GPA. The application must include transcripts of this and other previous degrees (as required by WMU).
  2. Graduate Record Examination scores, with such scores above the 50th percentile on Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic Writing preferred.
  3. Current curriculum vita.
  4. Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s professional experience and goals for pursuing the given emphasis area.
  5. Three letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s qualifications for the degree program.
  6. Appropriate evidence of English language proficiency for international students (as required by WMU).

Application information may be obtained from the WMU Admissions Office website www.wmich.edu/apply/graduate or directly from the College of Education and Human Development www.wmich.edu/education/academics/graduate.

A graduate committee of faculty with full graduate faculty status representing each department offering an emphasis area will be established to create policies and procedures to implement and oversee the program. Admissions decisions will be made by faculty in the specific program area where the student pursues his or her doctoral study.

Program Requirements


The Ph.D. in CEHD requires a minimum of 54 credits beyond the master’s degree distributed as follows:

Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry Core (21 credits)


Note:


Within this interdisciplinary foundation of research and inquiry core of courses, each student shall demonstrate mastery of two research tools including qualitative and quantitative methods.

Emphasis Area (21 credits)


The course of study within this emphasis area is developed by the doctoral advisor and student including guided electives, research seminars, and independent studies.

Dissertation (12 credits)


Additional Information


Overall, the Ph.D. in EHD program requires at least 54 credit hours beyond the master’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA. At least half of the credits must be at the 6000-level or above, and at least 42 credits must be taken at WMU once admitted to the doctoral program. Students must also successfully pass a comprehensive examination, and successfully defend their dissertation as evidenced by approval of their dissertation committee.

The program follows a master-apprentice model of doctoral preparation, similar to the one adopted by the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University. While in the program, the student will mainly engage in scholarly research projects with their advisors besides completing the courses in the area of Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry.