This program is delivered completely online. Coursework will take 2-2 ½ years and
dissertation proposal and research will take place after completion of required coursework.
Synchronous Online Sessions
Each course will include synchronous learning sessions where the professor and students
meet online at the same time approximately every other Saturday (morning and afternoon
sessions). These sessions will be critical for student success. There might also be
online sessions scheduled during the week as needed to support student progress.
Credits Required
- Post-Master’s Students – 64 hours including dissertation
- Post-EdS Students – 42 hours including dissertation
Students may obtain the EdD degree while also working concurrently on a principal
or administrator license, which could require additional coursework.
Course of Study
This program features a blend of required learning experiences with individualized
program development to reflect the personal, professional, and academic goals of each
student. Each doctoral student admitted to the program works with an advisor and a
program planning committee to develop a plan of study. For reference, please see:
Admission Requirements
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Applicants can enter the Doctor of Education program as either post-master’s students
or post-EdS students. Preceding degrees must be from a regionally accredited college
or university, or a comparable degree from a foreign institution.
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Have a GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 point scale) for the most recent degree earned
or current degree in progress. If you are still completing your degree at the time
you apply, admission will be based on your current cumulative GPA, and you will need
to re-submit your official transcript (showing your conferred degree and final GPA)
during your first semester. If your final GPA fell below 3.00, you will be given additional
academic stipulations to remain enrolled at UNC.
Note: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for this program.
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Prerequisite course: SRM 600 Introduction to Graduate Research (3) or equivalent (you can be admitted without this prerequisite, but will need to take
it prior to taking your first SRM course in the program).
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Preferred for students choosing a Research specialization: documented ability in completed,
published research .
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Applicants wishing to combine the degree with an Administrator Licensure should hold
a valid Principal Licensure (preferred) and have two years of educational leadership
experience.
Eligibility by State
At this time, UNC can serve online education to students from every state, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, we are not currently
accepting students to our online programs who reside in the CNMIs. Due to how fluid
these agreements can be at the state or federal level, we recommend checking our Eligibility by State page for details.
International Student Eligibility
International students residing outside of the United States are eligible to apply
to our online programs. Applicants for online programs must demonstrate English proficiency,
or enroll in the UNC Intensive English Program, in order to be considered.
Students in completely online UNC programs are not required to come to the United
States. You will not need a student visa or receive any immigration documentation,
and do not need to provide financial documentation.
Please visit the International Students Admission Requirements page for details about English proficiency requirements and applying as an international
student.
Transferring Credit
Applicable graduate credit with a grade of A or B from a regionally accredited university
may be able to be applied towards this academic program. Doctoral students must complete
a minimum of 40 semester hours through UNC of the 64 minimum required for a doctoral
degree. If the program requirements exceed the 64 credit minimum, students are allowed
to transfer additional credits, as determined by their advisor. All work counted in
a doctoral degree program must be completed within eight years. The time limit is
calculated from the beginning of the first class transferred in and counted in the
degree program. See the full Graduate Transfer Credit Policy.
Students must submit an original transcript to their advisor for review. Student and
advisor then complete a (pdf) Transfer of Credit form to submit along with the original transcript to the Grad School for review and final
approval.
A student who possesses a specialist degree may count a maximum of 21 semester hours
of specialist work in the doctoral program with the approval of the Graduate School,
the program advisor, and all members of the doctoral committee. Schools may have requirements
that exceed the minimums established by the university.
Tuition
This is an Extended Campus program, which means:
- A flat per-credit tuition rate for all students (in-state or out-of-state)
- There are no student fees – they are incorporated into our flat tuition rate
- Certain courses may carry specific course fees for additional services and materials
Program tuition for the 2022-23 academic year (which runs Fall, Spring, and Summer
terms) is $672 per credit hour. Tuition for the 2023-24 academic year will be determined
mid-June 2023.
Financial Aid
Degree-seeking students who cannot pay for tuition alone are encouraged to apply for
federal financial aid. Students must first complete the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA). The UNC FAFSA/financial aid page for graduate students has key dates and support, including the release date and deadline for each academic
year (a Fall-Spring-Summer cycle which begins each August).
Late submissions of the FAFSA are still accepted throughout the school year but you
may not be considered for the maximum amount of aid. If the priority deadline has
passed for the upcoming/current school year, we encourage you to apply for FAFSA consideration
as soon as you enroll for your first courses. Depending on the time of year, you may
be able to submit an application for the current academic year and an early/priority
application for the following academic year.
Doctoral degree students must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits per academic term for financial aid eligibility. Full time
enrollment is based on 9 credits per term.
To apply for federal financial aid assistance
Fill out the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
For more specific help, contact the Office of Financial Aid: ofa@unco.edu, 970-351-4862 or via the UNC Financial Aid website.
Students can also find helpful information such as the Guide to Federal Student Aid
at https://studentaid.gov/resources. Most of the resources are available in English, Spanish, and Braille.
Student Health Insurance
The University of Northern Colorado offers a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
to all degree-seeking students who enroll in courses on our main UNC Campus, an Extended
Campus Center, or Online.
Degree-seeking graduate students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours will automatically
receive this benefit each term. SHIP premiums will appear on your semester bill. If
you have comparable insurance coverage, and do not want to be charged for SHIP coverage,
you must opt out of this plan each Fall via an online waiver process.
Please visit the UNC Student Health Insurance pages for more information about the insurance plan.
