Transcript
Hello, my name is Sean Mohr and I’m a senior enrollment advisor here at Bradley University.
Welcome to Bradley University’s Online Doctor of Education program Graduate Admissions Made Easy webinar.
Hi, my name is Rebecca and I’m an enrollment advisor here at Bradley University.
Thank you again for joining us today.
Here’s a look at our agenda.
- We will begin by discussing an overview of the doctor of education program details.
- We will provide insight regarding admission requirements.
- We will share an application checklist.
- Lastly, we will provide a few tips to assist you during the application process.
Bradley’s EDD courses have been structured to help you meet the growing demand for improved testing and accountability measures, solutions to modern educational challenges, effective communication skills and improve teamwork strategies.
Additionally, our faculty strives to inspire leaders to think thoughtfully and address societal issues that impact day-to-day operations.
The focus of this program is on higher education administration.
Coursework is 100% online and we do not require any visits to campus during this program.
Our doctoral research requirement is a little different than other schools may require. At Bradley, our online EDD program separates itself from other online educational doctoral programs by applying theory to real-world issues, selecting professors with practical experience, and emphasizing social justice in educational leadership. So instead of completing extensive research as a dissertation requirement, our doctor of education allows the student to apply what they’re learning in real time. EDD students and graduates can affect change in their community while in the program.
The program includes leadership and change management through five action research projects related to a challenge in their own workplace, which can be shaped on students’ interests and used as a foundational preparation for the two week internships also completed in their workplace.
These action research projects and the internship replaces a traditional dissertation requirement.
Additionally, students can take their five-chapter research project and format it into a book or journal article for publication.
The online doctorate of education program details include 48-credit hours completed within the program. This includes five Action Research Project courses and two internships.
The internships are done towards the end of the program. During your internship you will have on average, a 6-hour commitment per week.
The internship includes virtual and in-person hours. You can use your place of employment or educational facility as your internship site.
There is approximately a 20-hour commitment each week with lectures and assignments. The program can be completed in 2.3 years, seven semesters, but can be customized. The total cost of tuition is $950 per credit hour, not including books and minimal university fees. The estimated tuition total is $45,600.
Next, we’ll talk about the admissions considerations. An applicant must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
You must also submit the following with your application packet:
- A current resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Three recommendations from supervisors, current or prior, to assess your leadership skills.
- A personal essay. A personal statement detailing why you’re seeking admission to the EDD program in 500 to 1000 words.
- We will require your official transcripts from your prior institutions.If it is more convenient, we will use your unofficial transcripts as part of the admissions process. But, if you do get accepted into the program, we will need to get your official transcripts on file before the end of your first term.
A successful Bradley candidate includes an individual who is wanting to further their education in an administrative and leadership field.
- A successful Bradley candidate is ambitious, dedicated, and a lifelong learner.
- They are future focused, resilient, agile, and they are strong.
- They have strong learning abilities and academic background.
Some tips for crafting your personal statement. The essays are one of the most important parts of your application.
- We ask that they reflect your own thinking and analysis while also demonstrating your writing skills.
- The application includes the 500-word essay discussing why the applicant, why you were interested in this program.
- Four writing prompts or writing samples where the application includes four specific questions the applicants need to submit. Some helpful tips is to include corporate education and training in your essay.
- Write accordance with basic API guidelines.
- Please address all items requested and upload the essays to your application.
Some other tips as far as perfecting your resume, include:
- Being concise and specific
- Write in active language and don’t overuse jargon terms.
- Highlight leadership or other professional experience and projects or teams that you have worked on.
- Include a full-time work experience with clear descriptions of positions held and responsibilities within that position.
- Ensure there are no significant work experience gaps on your resume.If there are gaps you can work with your enrollment advisor to supplement your application with an explanation letter.
- Describe and quantify your achievements.
- Pay attention to formatting. Your font choice should be simple and legible. Choose the font size between 11-12.
Now let’s discuss gathering your application materials, some do’s and don’ts.
So under the Do column:
- Make note of application deadlines
- Ensure you are completing the application for the online program versus the on-campus program
- There is an option to order transcripts electronically, as opposed to having them sent through the U.S. postal system, which will expedite the receipt of the transcripts at the university.
- Reach out to references as soon as possible. Let the know that they can expect an email with the next steps, because the recommendations are done electronically.
- Please proofread all your documents and schedule regular check-ins with your enrollment specialist.The enrollment specialist is there to help you have a smooth transition throughout the application process.
Now some things we don’t want to do.
- Don’t disqualify yourself.It is not necessary for you to think that you are not a good candidate in this program. We take a holistic approach to admissions, so we’ll look at your application package on your merits. Even if you don’t meet some of our stated requirements, talk to our element specialist. That’s what we’re here for, to help you.
- Don’t procrastinate.Make sure you factor in the time to order transcripts and letters of recommendation. These things are outside of your control.
- Don’t overthink your resume and personal statement.
- Make sure you connect with an enrollment specialist for help or feedback.
- Please don’t ghost your enrollment advisor.The enrollment advisor is there to assist you and can be a valuable resource in you having a very fairly completed application packet. We understand life gets busy, it gets busy for all of us and plans change, so please stay in touch. Like I said, we can help navigate the process.
Here are some final tips regarding the application process.
- You will work with your enrollment advisor on building a timeline for submitting application items. You will break down the application process into small, achievable pieces.
- Your enrollment advisor can assist you with the best timeline to submit application items.
- Transcripts and letters of recommendation, again, are out of your control.Prioritize these items and request them early.
- It’s a good idea to have backup references in mind for your recommendations so you can upload more than the needed recommenders. You can upload more than three, and once we receive three responses, the others will be waived.
- Give yourself space and time to complete your essay and think of it as your first homework assignment.
- Remember, if you are too busy to complete your application and materials in a timely manner, you should consider if you are ready for graduate level coursework.
I’m sure you’ll have questions about this process, but please reach out to an enrollment advisor. They are here to assist you in every step of the way.
Our enrollment advisors can be reached by phone, by email, or you can schedule a one-on-one appointment on their appointment calendar.
We hope you found this video helpful, but please reach out to enrollment advisor with any questions you may have, and we will be happy to assist you.