phd in education at uj

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PhD vs. EdD in Education: Nine expert tips to help you choose [with infographic]

If you want to elevate your career in education, an advanced degree can open the door to more job opportunities. Many schools offer graduate programs in education, but before you go down a rabbit hole of research, first decide if you want to get a PhD or EdD degree.

A PhD and EdD in education are both doctoral degrees. The one you choose will have a significant impact on your graduate school experience, and your career as well. (Already know what you want? Visit our Admission and Deadlines and Requirements pages for more information.)

For a quick overview of differences between the two degrees, view the infographic below or download it here .

Before we explore tips to guide your decision, let’s review important context for each degree.

What is a PhD in Education?

A PhD is a doctorate in philosophy. Historically, it was the first degree offered to students in the field of education and is perhaps more well-known than the EdD.

The PhD in Education is ideal for students who are excited by a career in research. Programs train you to interpret existing theory on a subject, identify opportunities for exploration, and advance theory through critical analysis. It is not necessarily a degree that prepares you for an administrative or leadership role.

With a PhD in Education, you will become an authority on a particular topic or range of topics, and make recommendations on how practitioners should approach or implement them. Examples of research topics might include teaching practices, the effect of learning environments on student outcomes, and inequity in education.

What is an EdD in Education?

An EdD is a doctorate in education, and prepares you for a career in educational leadership. Like the PhD degree, you will learn to interpret research. However, EdD programs train you to apply the research in real-world settings.

While pursuing your EdD degree, you will study critical theory and determine how you can implement it to drive change in K–12 classrooms, universities, community colleges and other organizations. You will also reflect on your role as a leader. Top EdD programs encourage you to analyze your relationship to your research topics and work environments. The goal is to ensure that your leadership is fair and equitable for all people.

PhD vs. EdD: What are the main differences?

The table below summarizes the key differences between a PhD and EdD in education:

Find your program

PhD vs. EdD: How to choose

To help you figure out which doctorate in education is right for you, check out these nine helpful tips:

1. Follow your passion

Rather than focusing on the title of the degree, think about what motivates you. Why did you get into education in the first place? Do you want to have a direct impact on classrooms or pursue big-picture change behind the scenes? You may assume that one degree is more prestigious than another, but it’s important to choose a path that will bring you personal satisfaction that is consistent with your career goals.

2. Picture your day-to-day

PhD and EdD programs are a significant time investment. If you’re struggling to decide because both degrees sound rewarding, try picturing what your daily life might look like in each program.

A PhD in Education is decidedly more research-heavy. A majority of your study will include—but is not limited to—investigating theory and research methodologies. By contrast, EdD programs include the application of your research. Much of your time will be spent using your knowledge to solve professional challenges.

3. Explore career options with a PhD in Education

Earning your PhD in education will make you a more desirable candidate for a range of research-oriented positions. Your ability to evaluate research and make recommendations will be a valuable skill to many organizations.

Many people with PhD in education degrees secure jobs as:

• University professor
• Research scholar
• Education director
• Policy researcher

Want specific examples? For a list of positions held by recent graduates from USC Rossier’s PhD in Urban Education program (PhD), check out our Benefits and Career Paths page.

4. Explore career options with an EdD in Education

EdD programs prepare you for different kinds of senior positions. You will be eligible for leadership roles primarily in education administration, however your high-level skill-set will be desirable to certain nonprofits and businesses as well.

Position titles for professionals with an EdD degree may include:

• Superintendent
• University or college president
• Director of a research center
• Development manager
• Curriculum developer

5. Compare PhD vs. EdD coursework

Doctor in education programs are rigorous and challenging, and while both are rooted in research, their paths diverge. Coursework in PhD programs highlights qualitative and quantitative research methods, and gives you the tools needed to perform your own research. You will also work on your dissertation, and be required to take oral and written exams.

Additionally, PhD students typically have the chance to work one-on-one with a research faculty member on their research. As you narrow your search for a graduate school, remember to review faculty and consider opportunities for collaboration.

EdD courses in educational leadership train you to view common problems in education from multiple perspectives. Courses early in the program urge you to use research as a tool that can provide practical solutions that promote equity. As you progress, you will then take actionable steps to address a problem of practice.

6. Review PhD vs. EdD specializations at different schools

You want to choose a university that aligns with your personal interests. Start by reviewing schools’ mission statements. Do they seem principle-driven or focused on ushering you through the program?  You also want to check out the concentrations offered by each program. Select a program that is going to let you explore issues and challenges that matter to you.

Concentrations vary by university. For example, some concentrations may include educational leadership in K–12 schools, educational psychology or higher education. Expect universities located in or near cities to offer concentrations exploring urban education settings as well.

7. Consider PhD and EdD online programs

If you’re a working professional and don’t want to commute to a physical campus while you earn a degree, an online doctor of education program may be right for you. Online programs cover the same information as their in-person counterparts, but offer a little more flexibility for students.

However, classes such as those included in USC Rossier’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online program are held live, meaning you are required to attend the online class at a specific day and time.Note: It may be easier to find online options for EdD than PhD programs.

8. Research PhD vs. EdD dissertation requirements

A traditional part of a PhD in education is the dissertation. Dissertation requirements vary by program and school, but generally include thorough investigation of a topic from multiple angles, copious research, and an exam to defend your written work once it’s completed.

By contrast, some EdD programs require you to complete a dissertation in practice. Using research methods learned in the program, you will attempt to resolve a problem in education dealing with equity and access. You may also have the chance to work alongside a group of students and an advisor to tackle the problem. In addition to the different requirements of PhD and EdD dissertations, individual schools may want you to explore issues that fall within their philosophical focus.

9. Estimate your time commitment

Before committing to a doctorate in education program, make sure you understand how much time it will take. A PhD in Education typically requires four to six years to complete, while EdD programs take three years, and may be completed while you work.

Additionally, some PhD programs are full-time commitments. Because of the workload, you can’t work a full-time schedule. However, your tuition is covered by a graduate assistantship. A Master’s degree may also not be necessary for acceptance into a PhD program.

USC Rossier resources

If you’re still unsure about which doctorate in education is right for you, we’re happy to provide personalized guidance .

You can also use USC Rossier’s simple career survey tool.

Curious about the requirements for our doctoral programs ? Check out the list of program comparisons. As a school that has offered doctoral degrees for 100 years, USC Rossier is uniquely positioned to provide insight and expertise on doctoral programs in education

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Online Postgraduate Opportunities at UJ

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UJ offers both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications that can be studied entirely online and in your own time. Our postgraduate programmes are particularly popular due to the convenience they provide to those who are already climbing their way up the career ladder with full-time work commitments.

UJ offers the following postgraduate programmes online

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Bachelor of Education Honours in Education Leadership and Management Master of Education in Educational Management Master of Education in Information and Communication Technology Master of Public Health

While the programme content varies, all of our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offer the following benefits:

• Flexible learning format for part-time study
• Six start dates each year
• Pay-per-module fee structure
• Support from our dedicated online team

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

UJ’s sought-after online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programme is offered by the prestigious Johannesburg Business School (JBS). Pursuing an MBA degree offers many benefits, setting a foundation for potential career advancement and personal growth.

Graduates of the two-year programme will emerge with comprehensive knowledge of business practice and theory and well-honed critical and strategic thinking skills needed to succeed in the global business environment.

The programme also provides networking opportunities, connecting you with fellow students, industry professionals and the JBS alumni network. The knowledge gained opens graduates to seek better job opportunities and earning potential, while the skills learnt are also invaluable to entrepreneurs, whether starting or growing their own businesses.

Master of Business Administration syllabus summary:

The Master of Business Administration ( MBA ) is a comprehensive programme designed to empower aspiring executives with essential business and leadership skills. Covering core business disciplines such as strategy, finance, marketing and operations management, the programmes offer in-depth insights into business operations on a global scale.

Students gain a nuanced understanding of ethical leadership, decision-making and strategic thinking. The curriculum also integrates current issues such as sustainable business and digital transformation.

A key highlight is a dissertation that allows students to delve into a business issue of interest, fostering their research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Graduates emerge as versatile, well-rounded business leaders capable of driving organisational success.

To learn more about this career-accelerating degree, please view the Master of Business Administration page.

• Admission requirements
• Programme fees

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION HONOURS IN EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

This Honours-level programme is specifically tailored for current and aspiring leaders in education – principals, deputy principals, department heads, district officials and seasoned teachers. The curriculum has been meticulously designed to enhance your research abilities and foster academic scholarship.

It provides a deep dive into all the latest leadership theories and management perspectives. By honing your research prowess and understanding of management theories, UJ Online’s Bachelor of Education Honours in Education Leadership and Management degree will propel you to the forefront of educational leadership.

Like all UJ Online programmes, it is geared towards busy professionals and allows the flexibility to balance your work, studies and personal life. The programme takes 20 months to complete and comprises a mix of theory, covered in several seven-week-long modules, as well as a final research project.

Bachelor of Education Honours in Education Leadership and Management syllabus summary:

The Bachelor of Education Honours in Education Leadership and Management programme offers educators an advanced understanding of leadership and management within an educational context. Throughout the programme, students explore topics such as organisational management, education policy, resource management and curriculum development.

A key feature of the course is a research project where students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, honing their analytical skills and understanding of the practical implications of leadership theories. On completion, graduates are equipped to take on leadership roles in educational settings, capable of influencing positive change and improving education outcomes.

To learn more about this programme, please go to the Bachelor of Education Honours in Education Leadership and Management page.

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT

The online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Management is a valuable asset for individuals engaged in any form of educational setting, be it formal or informal. The programme is specifically aimed at qualified teachers and education managers holding a BEd Honours degree and will build upon your prior knowledge.

The curriculum covers global perspectives and practices, but it does so with a view to how these apply to the local South African context. Students will have the opportunity to draw on their own experiences and knowledge and are encouraged to develop their unique voices in educational management.

Master of Education in Educational Management syllabus summary:

The Master of Education in Educational Management degree entails a comprehensive programme designed to develop educational leaders. The curriculum delves into policy development, school law and finance, people management and community relations. It also explores the contemporary issues impacting education, such as diversity and the influence of global trends on local education systems.

A significant focus is placed on research methodologies, equipping students with the skills to conduct educational research and apply findings to their management practices. Graduates emerge prepared to manage educational institutions, shape policies and drive innovation in education.

To learn more about this programme, please go to the Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Management page.

MASTER OF EDUCATION IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The purpose of the Master of Education in Information and Communication Technology is for students to acquire, strengthen and deepen specialist advanced theoretical knowledge of ICTs in educational environments. The themes that are covered include educational ICT policy development, current and emerging issues in digital learning, contemporary learning design theories and frameworks and framing assessment within 21st-century contexts.

The programme targets education practitioners from the public and private sectors who have an interest in advancing digital learning in their education ecosystems. The programme will appeal to instructional and learning designers, educational researchers, teachers and lecturers, corporate trainers, subject and curriculum specialists, policy advisers, monitoring and evaluation specialists and NGO officials.

Master of Education in Information and Communication Technology syllabus summary:

The Master of Education in Information and Communication Technology programme centres on the intersection of education and technology, equipping educators with the skills to integrate ICT into teaching and learning processes. The course emphasises both the theoretical and practical aspects of ICT use in education, covering areas such as multimedia design, e-learning principles, ICT policy and educational software evaluation.

Additionally, a strong research component empowers students to investigate ICT’s impact on education, making evidence-based decisions to improve pedagogical practices. Graduates will become adept at harnessing technology to enhance learning experiences and educational outcomes.

To learn more about this programme, please go to the Master of Education in Information and Communication Technology page.

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Our pioneering online Master of Public Health programme is designed to equip health professionals with the tools to assess, strategise and address public health challenges both locally in South Africa and globally. Key areas of study include environmental health, occupational health and epidemiological threats.

Our curriculum stands shoulder-to-shoulder with those offered at globally accredited public health institutions, yet it’s uniquely shaped to cater to South Africa and sub-Saharan specificities, including local legislation, health priorities and economic conditions. Completing this program paves the way for further academic progression, such as a doctorate in a health-related discipline.

With no travel or in-person sessions required, this flexible programme allows you to earn credits at your own rhythm, enabling you to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments. The programme can be completed in as little as two years. Step into the world of public health and make a difference on a local and global scale.

Master of Public Health syllabus summary:

The Master of Public Health programme is an interdisciplinary course that provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in public and environmental health. The course combines elements of epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, health systems, economics and environmental health. It focuses on understanding and addressing health challenges at local, national and global levels, with an emphasis on the practical application of theories through research methodologies.

The course culminates in a minor dissertation, allowing students to delve into a public health issue of their choice, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts. Graduates will complete the programme well-prepared to influence health policy, manage health systems and initiate interventions for health promotion and environmental health.

To learn more about this programme, please go to the Master of Public Health page.

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Our Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management is meticulously crafted for current and aspiring school principals, honing the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education. This programme aims to cultivate proficiency and competency in teaching management, enabling students to seamlessly incorporate these principles into their professional milieu.

The qualification focuses on fostering an in-depth understanding of school systems, leadership dynamics and managerial roles within these systems. It also prepares individuals to handle the complexities of managing people and driving change effectively. Enrol for this qualification to gain the tools to transform educational environments with confidence and skill.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
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The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Reshaping Teacher Licensure: Lessons from the Pandemic

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Clinical Research

About the program.

As one of the only universities in the world with an accredited, all-online PhD in Clinical Research, University of Jamestown helps you advance in the field of your choice—without having to pause your career. In this program, you will master the skills necessary to conduct clinical trials, analyze research, and ensure the safety and efficacy of products, medication and information provided to the global society.

Earning your terminal degree in a broadly applicable program like Clinical Research means you can apply your knowledge to a range of disciplines, including government, higher education, healthcare, private industry, and beyond. You will not only learn how to critically analyze the literature and interpret evidence, but to design your own rigorous and ethical research projects—all while creating a repeatable and sophisticated methodology appropriate for dissemination at the national level.

Our Mission Our mission is to provide students with rigorous academic preparation which produces independent investigators who can conceptualize research inquiry that positively impacts the University, community, and global society. Students will gain the expertise needed to perform ethical data collection and analysis across a variety of disciplines and modalities.

What is it like to be an online PhD student at UJ?

Our program blends synchronous and asynchronous learning. Overall, your schedule will be flexible, allowing you to learn on your terms. At the same time, you will have the opportunity connect with experienced and esteemed faculty and classmates to develop your clinical research skill set while promoting regular communication and networking. We like to think it’s the best of both worlds.

Application Requirements

Applicants are NOT required to submit GRE test scores to be accepted into the program. Once you click Apply Now (below), you will be taken to AHCAS (Allied Health Centralized Application Service) to complete your application.

Applicants must:

• Have completed, at minimum, 42 credits of post-bachelor’s work from an institution of higher education. Opportunities for prerequisite work will be provided for students short of the 42-credit minimum requirement.
• Submit transcripts.
• Complete two essays, one on healthcare and one on research inquiry.

Tuition and Cost

*estimated costs based on student surveys

Why UJ Accelerated?

• Our program is one of the only online PhD programs in Clinical Research in the country, with the focus of preparing students to perform clinical research across a variety of disciplines.
• In a smaller, collegial environment, students will receive individualized attention and support from faculty and their PhD advisor.
• We demystify the dissertation experience by requiring a dissertation seminar that helps students understand the thesis process and expectations.

Our curriculum provides a rigorous, yet flexible, option for working professionals interested in earning a PhD.

Certificate/Elective Tracks

Increase your specialization with four certificate tracks available in:

• Health Professions Education
• Biomechanics & Movement Science
• Health Services Research

Outstanding Program Advisory Board

Our advisory board—made up of established academics, clinicians, and experts from across the United States—review curriculum, assist with program outcomes, and provide research expertise to support students.

Program Objectives and Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a phd in clinical research at the university of jamestown will:.

• Demonstrate profound knowledge of the disciplines inherent to performing ethically based and rigorous clinical research.
• Disseminate dissertation research that will achieve acceptance for dissemination at local and national level conferences and through peer reviewed journals.
• Apply local and federal guidelines that ensure safety and efficacy of products, medication and information provided to the global society.
• Appraise evidence in their respective fields.
• Define the value of data provided in evidence publications and presentations based on their extensive knowledge of research methodology and data analysis.
• Explain the importance of racial, ethnic, gender, age, socioeconomic and educational diversity in data collection, analysis, and research to produce results that are generalizable to the global community.
• Participate in their professional associations as evidenced by active membership and participation in local or national conferences or other forms of dissemination prior to graduation.
• Evaluate technology available for data collection and analysis, including survey instruments and statistical software.

Required Courses

Thesis credits (12 credit hours total + 1 credit hour optional extension as needed), possible elective tracks (12 credit hours total required).

Total Semester Credits Required: 48 (Includes coursework and thesis preparation)

View Academic Catalog

HLC ACCREDITATION The PhD in Clinical Research program at the University of Jamestown is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Meet Your Faculty

Kristin Lefebvre, PT, PhD

• Director, PhD in Clinical Research

Kerstin Leuther, PHD

• Assistant Professor

Benjamin Wolden, DPT

• Director of the Clinical Certificate/Elective Track
• Assistant Director of Clinical Education

Mitchell Wolden, PhD, DPT

• Associate Director of the PhD in Clinical Research and Dissertation Coordinator

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Financial aid for online students.

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Academic Advisory Board: Clinical Research

Meet the people behind the program..

The PhD in Clinical Research program is guided by an accomplished advisory board. This board is made up of established academics, clinicians, and experts from across the United States. They are responsible for reviewing curriculum, assisting with program outcomes, and providing research expertise to support students.

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Jagiellonian University Doctoral Schools Virtual Information Office

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PhD programmes

Doctoral school in the humanities.

The Doctoral School in the Humanities offers education in PhD programmes in the field of disciplines in which the Jagiellonian University has the right to confer the degree of doctor. These are: archaeology, history, linguistics, literary studies, philosophy, studies on arts, studies on cultures and religions and an interdisciplinary programme.

Doctoral School in the Social Sciences

Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences

Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences

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College of Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog - Fall 2023

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• 2023-2024 Academic Calendar
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• Admission, Cost, and Financial Aid Policies and Information
• Academic Policies and Procedures
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PhD in Clinical Research

• Doctor of Physical Therapy
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Program Details

As one of the only universities in the world with an accredited, all-online PhD in Clinical Research, University of Jamestown helps you advance in the field of your choice—without having to pause your career. In this program, you will master the skills necessary to conduct clinical trials, analyze research, and ensure the safety and efficacy of products, medication and information provided to the global society.

Earning your terminal degree in a broadly applicable program like Clinical Research means you can apply your knowledge to a range of disciplines, including government, higher education, healthcare, private industry, and beyond. You will not only learn how to critically analyze the literature and interpret evidence, but to design your own rigorous and ethical research projects—all while creating a repeatable and sophisticated methodology appropriate for dissemination at the national level.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide students with rigorous academic preparation which produces independent investigators who can conceptualize research inquiry that positively impacts the University, community and global society. Students will gain the expertise needed to perform ethical data collection and analysis across a variety of disciplines and modalities. 

Admission and Costs

Application Information

Between September 7 and July 31 of a calendar year, applicants can use the Allied Health Common Application System (AHCAS) to submit their application to the University of Jamestown Ph.D. in Clinical Research program. The requirements for admission are:

• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Selection of elective focus area
• Recommendations (optional)

Program Costs

48 Credits Total

*estimated costs based on student surveys

Requirements

Required core courses, thesis credits, leadership track courses, health professions education track courses, biomechanics and movement science track courses, health services research track courses, plan of study.

Students who successfully complete a PhD in Clinical Research at the University of Jamestown will:

• Demonstrate profound knowledge of the disciplines inherent to performing ethically based and rigorous clinical research.
• Disseminate dissertation research that will achieve acceptance for dissemination at local and national level conferences and through peer reviewed journals.
• Apply local and federal guidelines that ensure safety and efficacy of products, medication and information provided to the global society.
• Appraise evidence in their respective fields.
• Define the value of data provided in evidence publications and presentations based on their extensive knowledge of research methodology and data analysis.
• Explain the importance of racial, ethnic, gender, age, socioeconomic and educational diversity in data collection, analysis, and research to produce results that are generalizable to the global community.
• Participate in their professional associations as evidenced by active membership and participation in local or national conferences or other forms of dissemination prior to graduation.
•   Evaluate technology available for data collection and analysis, including survey instruments and statistical software.