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General Questions

When is the application deadline?

The priority deadline is January 15 and the secondary deadline is March 1.  For best consideration, applications should be completed (including all transcripts, recommendations, and test scores), by the priority deadline.  Applications reviewed for the secondary deadline are given consideration to the extent that the class is not full.

Where do I apply to the doctoral program?

All applications are completed through the Graduate Admission online application portal.  All application materials should be uploaded to the online application.

When are students admitted into the program?

Students are admitted annually for fall admission.

How many students are admitted into the program?

The number may vary between 10 to 15 students with some years being less.

Are standardized tests required for admission?

Submission of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is optional for admission. Any submitted test scores should not be more than five years old.  See the Graduate School website for exceptions.

What are the minimal test scores for admission?

Submission of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is optional for admission. Applicants must earn satisfactory scores on the quantitative and verbal sections of the GRE.  Although there is no minimal acceptable score, it is expected that an applicant would have competitive scores taken within the last five years.

Is an interview part of the admissions process?

Interviews are scheduled for selected applicants.  The interview is an opportunity for faculty to learn more about your research interests and career direction as described in your statement of purpose.  Interviews may occur face-to-face or via internet video and usually take about 30 minutes.

Can I transfer credits?

The program accepts up to two courses (6 credit hours) as transfer from a regionally accredited doctoral granting institution.  Only courses where grades of A or B were earned are considered. Transfer credit must be approved by the Graduate Program Director with approval from the Graduate School.  All other Graduate School policies regarding transfer credit apply. All dissertation work must be complete at UNC Charlotte.

Can I enroll part-time?

Yes.  The majority of our doctoral students are enrolled part-time and are able to take two courses each semester (fall and spring).  The program is offered with the working professional, as well, as the full-time doctoral student in mind.

Is this a cohort based program?

Students in the Higher Education and Learning, Design and Technology concentrations function as a quasi-cohort in that they are admitted in the fall and generally will take the many courses together.  There is flexibility in concentration offerings that allow students to enroll in courses that are of professional interest. In addition students are permitted to enroll in these concentrations as part-time or full-time students.

The P-12 Superintendency concentration is a traditional cohort program. The students start in the fall and take courses together throughout the program during the fall, spring, and summer.

When are classes offered?

Courses are offered Monday through Thursday, in the evening, usually beginning at 5:30pm and ending at 8:15pm.

Courses are typically offered Monday through Thursday, in the evening, usually beginning at 5:30pm and ending at 8:15pm. This schedule varies slightly in the summer.

Students in the P-12 Superintendency concentration enroll in two courses per semester that are offered on Tuesday or Wednesday evening at Mallard Creek High School as part of the Distance Education Program.

How are classes delivered?

Courses are offered through a variety of formats including face-to-face, hybrid, and a few are 100% online.

How long will it take for me to complete the program?

The 48 credit hour program is designed for students to complete in approximately four years. The time to degree completion is dependent on factors including course enrollment, applied dissertation topic, and execution of research design. Each part-time student should plan for enrollment in a minimum of two courses each semester.

How much are tuition and fees?

Go to the Niner Central for information regarding tuition and fees.

Is funding available?

Each applicant is strongly encouraged to considered their funding options prior to enrollment.

Niner Central administers several federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs available to graduate students at UNC Charlotte who complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants can also review funding options from the Graduate School.

Full-time incoming doctoral students have the opportunity to be considered for the Graduate Assistant Support Plan (GASP).

Is there a time limit to complete the program?

No course older than nine (9) years may be applied towards an Ed.D. (including transfer credit).  Time begins with the student’s first term in the program.  This would include any courses completed during post-baccalaureate enrollment and were applied to the Ed.D. degree.  The time limit cannot be paused, even if the student takes an approved leave of absence.  Failure to adhere to the time limit may result in the termination of a student’s enrollment.

The Graduate School may consider requests for a single extension of one (1) year in cases with rare, extenuating circumstances.

Who do I contact with questions?

Dr. Cathy D. Howell - General Ed.D. Program Inquiry: edld-edd-program@uncc.edu

Dr. Ryan Miller - Higher Education concentration: higher-ed@uncc.edu

Dr. Walter Hart – P-12 Superintendency concentration: walter.hart@uncc.edu

Dr. Ayesha Sadaf – Learning, Design and Technology concentration: asadaf@uncc.edu