College of Education and Human Development

College of Education and Human Development
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5229 USA
Main office:  (269) 387-2960
Student services: (269) 387-3474

Ph.D. in EHD program requirements

This program requires at least 54 credit hours beyond the Master's degree. There are three components to the program:

  1. Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry Core (21 credits)

  2. Emphasis Area (21 credits) The course of study within this emphasis area is developed by the doctoral advisor and student including guided electives, research seminars, and independent studies

  3. Dissertation (12 credits) While in the program, students will engage in scholarly research projects with their advisors in addition to completing the courses in the area of Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry

The PhD-EHD requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the Master鈥檚 degree distributed as follows:

1. Interdisciplinary Foundation of Research and Inquiry Core (21 credits)

  • EMR 6450 Data Analysis I: Design of Studies
  • EMR 6480 Qualitative Methods
  • EMR 6580 Qualitative Practicum
  • EMR 6650 Data Analysis II: Correlation Studies
  • Three other research or research design courses (as selected in conjunction with, and approved by, the student鈥檚 advisor)
Note that within this interdisciplinary foundation of research and inquiry core of courses, each student shall demonstrate mastery of two research tools including qualitative and quantitative methods.

2. Emphasis Area (21 credits)

The course of study within this emphasis area is developed by the doctoral advisor and the student including guided electives, research seminars, and independent studies.

3. Dissertation (12 credits)

The supervision of the program of study and research project will be provided by the dissertation chair/advisor along with additional consultation with dissertation committee members.
Successful completion and defense of a research proposal, and other requirements for a comprehensive exam as determined by the emphasis area, is required for advancement to candidacy. The dissertation chair and committee will ensure that the standards for their discipline/emphasis are met.

Completion of a dissertation that involves original research is required.
The student and the dissertation committee will meet at least annually to review the student鈥檚 progress.
Successful oral defense of the dissertation and approval by the dissertation committee is required. The dissertation chair or co- chairs and committee will ensure that the standards for their disciplines are met.

View the Ph.D. in EHD Handbook for full program details:

HANDBOOK PDF