Educational Theory, Research and Practice, EdD

Location(s): Main Campus

The purpose of the doctoral program in Educational Theory, Research and Practice is to prepare experienced educators to become outstanding professional leaders and educational scholars across diverse educational careers. Through individualized planning, mentorship, coursework, research and teaching experiences, and the dissertation process, we strive to increase understanding and improve teaching and learning in early childhood, elementary, and secondary educational settings and related fields.

The program emphasizes a broadening experience, where students gain breadth and depth through the required core and research courses, careful planning of electives, and learning alongside a cohort of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The intent is to foster constructive and insightful discourse across professional areas and research interests.

Admission Requirements

Admissions is on a rolling basis, but be aware that the EdD Educational Theory, Research and Practice program accepts applications for both fall and spring admissions. Students who are interested in applying for graduate assistantships and attending the EdD program full-time are encouraged to submit their applications by February 1. Applications received by February 1 will be given funding priority.

In addition to the requirements listed on the graduate admissions website, EdD applicants must provide the following credentials. For specific details, visit the TLEL Admissions website.

Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate level coursework;
Personal statement - a well-substantiated written statement of approximately 2-3 double-spaced pages in which applicants describe the following: (a) their professional background, (b) their research interests including specific fields of inquiry, (c) their thinking/rationale in the selection of the two or three faculty members identified as potential advisors and (d) their career goals related to pursuing a doctoral degree;
Writing sample - a critical analysis with reference citations, of an educational issue of national/international importance;
Curriculum vitae or resume;
Letters of recommendation - At least two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s ability to assume the responsibilities of rigorous academic study at the doctoral level, and
Interview - In some cases, applicants will be asked to interview with the doctoral director. All applicants may request such an interview.

Program Requirements

Course Requirements

Students pursuing the EdD in Educational Theory, Research, and Practice must complete 36 credits of the following coursework, which includes:

Education Core Courses: 12 Credits

Research Courses: 9 Credits

Elective Courses: 15 Credits

Students enrolled in the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Educational Leadership program at Binghamton University may use up to 12 credits to fulfill elective hours in the EdD program pending approval of the EdD director. Students who have completed a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Educational Leadership at an institution other than Binghamton may be eligible to substitute those credits towards elective requirements in the EdD program, subject to approval by the EdD director. Requests for course substitutions or waivers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must include a written academic justification, along with approval from the EdD director. Additionally, students must fulfill the Graduate School’s minimum university residence requirement of 24 letter-graded credit hours.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is a major milestone in doctoral education; it marks the shift from doctoral student to doctoral candidate, demonstrating that students have acquired specialized knowledge in educational theory, research and practice, and have developed the expertise necessary to undertake advanced-level dissertation work. The comprehensive examination will take place only after students complete all of their coursework. The student will form a committee consisting of a chair/advisor and at least two faculty members. The committee will be involved in the co-creation of comprehensive examination questions. Upon successfully passing the comprehensive examination, students are officially advanced to doctoral candidacy. See the department website and the Doctoral Handbook for more information on the comprehensive examination.

Dissertation

Upon advancement to candidacy for a doctoral degree, the doctoral candidate may continue with the committee formed during the comprehensive examination process or make changes. The dissertation establishes the candidate as an independent scholar in the candidate’s area of expertise. In addition to the chair and committee members, the dissertation committee must also include an outside examiner.

On the approval of the dissertation by the committee, the candidate is required to defend it in an oral examination.

Additional Information About the Program

For more information on the Doctorate of Education program, please refer to the TLEL department website for more information. Please visit the University Admissions website to apply to the Doctorate of Education program.