Coursework

The minimum credit hour requirement for the Ph.D. in Adult and Higher Education is 90. This number is inclusive of credit hours gained in the student's master's degree program (this has no time limit) or any post-master's work not enveloped in a degree (these credit hours can be accepted as long as they are no older than five years). Potentially up to 44 credit hours may be considered contingent on the student's career objective and the best judgment of the student's doctoral committee. The required credit hours can consist of courses in the program area and outside, practica, independent studies, research tools, and dissertation hours. Learning opportunities and experiences not covered by coursework but are judged to be necessary for the student's development will be covered in residency requirements. 

• List of EDAH courses offered (PDF). Also note that special topics courses are offered on a regular basis.
  
• Overall EDAH doctoral timeline (PDF)
• Timeline regarding coursework only (PDF)
• EDAH PhD current required coursework as approved by Graduate College

If a student did not complete the comprehensive examination through the EDAH program during the M.Ed. program, then they are required to take the Qualifying Examination. See the “Overall EDAH doctoral timeline (PDF)” above. Students will be allowed to take the comprehensive exam only after they have completed three core courses (Adult Learner, Administration, and Critical Literature) and the PhD Prosem: Foundations of Research in Higher Education. (Waivers for the core courses can be granted by the faculty advisor based on reason and how the students proposed to make up for the content area).This Ph.D. qualifying exam is also the master's comprehensive exam. It will consist of questions to be written over a four-hour proctored time period, usually on a Saturday (for Norman campus students). Failure to provide plausible answers to all questions will result in a failure for the exam. The questions will be based on contents from the courses. Students must be registered for at least two credit hours to take the exam--this is a Graduate College requirement and no exception can be granted. This exam is not offered during the summer term. The exam is typically on the first Saturday in November during the fall semester and the first Saturday in April in the spring semester, unless there is a conflict, such as a large campus event or a national holiday. Please contact Anna Steele in the Graduate Programs Support office (325-4525) for the exact date of the exam. The Comprehensive / Qualifying exam date will be determined at the beginning of each Fall/Spring semester.  Application forms to take the exam are due during the first month of the semester the student wants to take the exam. Download the application form here (PDF).  

Also note that there is no set format for the exam. For example, some exams have had one question that was comprehensive in nature (i.e. one question with a number of sub-questions that incorporate different areas) while other exams have included separate and distinct questions (i.e. three different questions, each directed at a different area). An example of both types of questions can be downloaded below. In all cases, the “comprehensive” nature of the exam remains the same. Download the sample questions here (PDF).

The doctoral degree is more than a series of courses, and successful candidates must show evidence of the ability to engage in scholarship, whether as professors or practitioners. The purpose of the residency requirement is to promote and ensure the quality of academic and professional growth. A variety of activities beyond the traditional course work, examinations, and dissertation research is necessary for complete preparation. Therefore, the intent of the residency requirements is to both broaden and extend those experiences that will enhance the student's skills and abilities. These activities include: (a) research, writing and speaking, (b) professional service, (c) teaching, (d) development, consultation, and project management and (e) general professional participation.

The residency plan will be reviewed and approved during the Advisory Conference. Students should submit a list of activities and expected products which represent competency in each of the major categories of residency activities. The student may include activities that are a part of their current professional responsibilities, but must be prepared to demonstrate to the doctoral committee how doctoral study has impacted this work.

Minimum research proficiencies consist of the following:

1. Introduction to Research Design for PhD Students
   
2. Quantitative Series, I & II
   
3. Qualitative Series, I & II
4.  Advanced Research Methodology / Methods Courses based on dissertation interests (Quant, Qual, Mixed, Historical)
5. Prospectus Development

A minimum of 21 hours is required to establish minimum proficiency in these five areas. All research related credits count toward the minimum 90 hours required for the degree.

Intro to Doctoral Research (one course)

• EDAH 6970 – Pro Seminar (Research Design in Adult and Higher Education)

Note: Depending on the student’s research interests, other courses listed below may be in the student’s program of study as electives, but may not substitute for any of the above requirements