FAQ

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 there is capacity.

All application materials are submitted online through the Graduate School Admission online application portal.

Students are admitted annually for fall admission.

All numbers are estimates and subject to change each year based on faculty capacity.

• The Higher Education concentration admits 5-7 students per year.
• The Learning, Design and Technology concentration admits 3-4 students per year.
• The PK-12 Superintendency concentration admits 8-10 students per year.

The Ed.D. program does not require standardized for admission.

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 online and usually take about 30 minutes. An interview is not indicative of admission.

The program accepts up to two courses (6 credit hours) as transfer credit from a regionally accredited doctoral-granting institution. Only courses with grades of A or B 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 completed at UNC Charlotte.

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 is offered with the working professional, as well, as the full-time doctoral student in mind.

The program does not function in the strictest sense as a cohort based program. Instead, students who are admitted during the fall function and interact as a quasi-cohort. This is due in part to the flexibility that the program offers in permitting students to enroll as part-time or full-time students.

Courses are offered in the evening. Generally, classes are offered once a week on campus in the early evening.

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

Doctoral students have 9 years to complete their degree. Full-time students may complete their degree within 3 1/2 years, and part-time students may complete in 4 years. The time to degree completion is dependent on many factors, including course enrollment, dissertation topic, and execution of research design.

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

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

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.

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

Dr. Cathy Howell – Higher Education concentration: higher-ed@charlotte.edu

Dr. Jamie Kudlats – P-12 Superintendency concentration: jkudlats@charlotte.edu

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