Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2020-2021 Graduate Academic Catalog
preferred area of concentration . For applicants where distance is a factor , an electronic medium may be utilized for the interview .
• A written statement of professional goals and topic of research interest
• A 750-1000 word sample of applicant ’ s writing abilities
• Evidence that non-US applicants have received a minimum score of 550 ( written ), 213 ( computer ), or 79 ( internet ) on the TOEFL examination . International applicants may not be able to secure all required background checks
• Applicants who cannot meet one or more of the above requirements are encouraged to contact the Program Director for a review of qualifications .
Upon acceptance into the program , the doctoral student must obtain the following clearances : Child Abuse Clearance , Criminal Background Check , and Federal Criminal History .
Requirements for Graduation
1 . Course of Study : Students must complete a total of 54 semester hours in a prescribed Ed . D . course of study to fulfill course requirements for graduation . Students must complete all coursework with a grade of “ B- ” or higher . A student may not earn more than two grades of C + or less and a cumulative grade point average not less than 3.0 must be maintained to continue in the program . Students may not earn any grade below a C and remain in the program .
2 . Comprehensive Exam : Prior to EDU 814 , Dissertation Advisement IV , which is typically the last course in the doctoral program course sequence , students must pass a written comprehensive examination that gives evidence of content mastery .
3 . Scholarly Article : Students must also prepare and submit a scholarly article suitable for publication that represents their dissertation research . This article is to be submitted to their Dissertation Advisor for approval prior to submitting it for publication and immediately after acceptance of the dissertation in electronic form and Oral Defense . Academic tradition suggests that the first such article submitted for publication is to show the Dissertation Advisor as co-author with the student ’ s name shown first .
4 . Dissertation and Oral Defense : The doctoral student ’ s dissertation must be formally accepted by all members of the Dissertation Committee through two forms : a . In academic writing style that meets APA requirements . b . Through an Oral Defense of Dissertation . The Oral Defense shall be scheduled after all members of the committee agree that the dissertation is ready to be accepted . The Oral Defense is a celebration , not an obstacle . c . After acceptance of the dissertation in electronic form and through Oral Defense , the student must submit a bound copy to Keiss Library . d . The student must also submit form IRB 011 , Research Completion Report , to the Institutional Review Board ( IRB ). After receiving form IRB 011 , the IRB will issue a letter of receipt to the student for presentation to the Dissertation Advisor . 5 . When the student has met all of the above requirements , the Program Director shall submit a written statement to the Dean , School of Graduate and Professional Studies , attesting that the student has done so and is eligible to graduate . Upon receipt of copy of such letter from the Program Director , the student must formally apply for graduation with the Office of the Registrar . At graduation , a Doctoral Hood is conferred , pursuant to centuries-old tradition .
Doctorate of Education : Leadership in PK-12 Schools and School Districts Track
79