School of Education

It is the responsibility of the advisory committee, either before or during the oral examination, to review all aspects of the student's doctoral program work, to assess the student's development as a scholar and a professional educator, and, if appropriate, to discuss topics for dissertation research and career goals. In other words, the committee is expected to take stock of the student's progress in the doctoral program, to inventory the work remaining, to plan program requirements so there is a good fit to career goals, and to offer critique, advice, and encouragement.

Review of all scholarly work produced by the student is an integral component of this program review. It is the responsibility of the advisory committee, and especially of the committee chair, to examine all major scholarly works produced by the student during the program of studies. These works include the research manuscript which has resulted from the early inquiry experience study, papers presented at conferences or published, and scholarly works produced in courses taught throughout the program of studies. (These may include literature reviews, position papers, curriculum development projects, program evaluation studies, measurement instrument construction studies, needs assessments, library research studies, and data-based research.) Some doctoral programs have lists and descriptions of the types of scholarly products expected of their students prior to nomination to candidacy.

When the advisory committee is satisfied with the student's performance in the written and oral qualifying examinations and with the student's overall progress in the doctoral program, the student is nominated to candidacy.

Download the Nomination to Candidacy for the Ph.D. Form »

Download the Nomination to Candidacy for the Ed.D. Form »

Admission to Candidacy

Admission to candidacy is awarded after the student has been nominated to candidacy and after all required course work has been completed. Considerable time may sometimes elapse between nomination to candidacy and admission to candidacy due to incomplete course work or old course work requiring revalidation.