Doctor of Education in Professional Studies
Finish what you started. Complete your doctorate with TESU.
Doctor of Education in Professional Studies Overview
If you’ve reached ABD (“All But Dissertation”) status or if you have earned credits in a previous doctoral program, you’ve already put in years of hard work toward your doctorate. Don’t leave it unfinished. The only degree of its kind currently offered by a New Jersey public institution of higher learning, The Doctor of Education in Professional Studies (Ed.D. PS) at Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is designed to help you cross the finish line.
This innovative 48-credit program builds on the doctoral coursework you’ve already completed and integrates it with applied research methodology courses and culminates with a scholar-practitioner field project. This program allows eligible students to also leverage Credit for Prior Learning where applicable.
With TESU’s commitment to adult learners, you will find an accelerated, student-centered pathway that honors your professional expertise and helps you achieve your academic and career goals.
Why Choose TESU’s Doctor of Education in Professional Studies
- Clear degree-completion path for students who have successfully completed prior doctoral coursework, with defined milestones and guidance from dedicated mentors.Interdisciplinary design spanning education leadership, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), public service, management, and more.
- Scholar-practitioner model focused on solving real organizational and community challenges.
- Flexible online format with a supportive, cohort-based structure for adult learners.
- Comprehensive student support from admission through graduation.
Ed.D. in Professional Studies Program Highlights
- 48-credit program with transfer of 21-30 doctoral-level credits
- Cohort-based learning that fosters collaboration, networking, and peer support
- Applied culminating project that replaces the traditional dissertation
- Accelerated timeline with degree completion possible in under three years
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Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Ed.D. in Professional Studies will be able to:
- Evaluate and synthesize academic and professional literature.
- Apply advanced research methods to address organizational and community challenges.
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning and cultural competency in leadership.
- Communicate effectively across academic, professional, and public settings.
- Make evidence-based decisions using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice.
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Courses and Credit Allocation
Domain I: Foundational Courses — 6 credits
- EDD-8000: Critical Thought and Informed Action: Models of Decision Making and Organization Achievement (3)
- One specialization course (choose one):
Domain II: Core Courses (Required Transfer) — 21 credits
- Accepted through transfer or Credit for Prior Learning methods.
Domain III: Cultural Competency (Eligble for Transfer) — 3 credits
Domain IV: Research Methods (Eligble for Transfer) — 6 credits
- EDD-8200: Seminars in Cultures of Change: Anatomies of Transition and Transformation (3)
- EDD-8300: Quantitative Research Methods and Applications (3)
Domain V: Doctoral Field Project — 12 credits
- EDD-9050: Seminar in Scholar — Practitioner Research (3)
- EDD-9100: Field Project I — Research Methods, Project Identification, Framing and Site Preparation (3)
- EDD-9200: Field Project II — Research Methods Supervised Practicum: Data Collection and Analysis (3)
- EDD-9300: Field Project III — Project Completion, Presentation and Publishing (3)
Total Credits: 48
Admission Requirements
Earning a Doctor of Education degree requires commitment, persistence and dedication.
Read through our Ed.D. in Professional Studies degree program requirements to ensure you meet our admissions criteria and start your application today.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Ed.D. in Professional Studies advance into leadership, management and consulting, and academic-adminstration roles across industries as:
- Executives and Senior Administrators
- Higher Education Leaders
- Consultants and Policy Analysts
- Human Resources and Training Leaders
- Community and Public Service Directors
Next Steps
- Learn More Join our weekly webinar every Tuesday at 12:00 noon EST. [Zoom link placeholder]
- Check Eligibility Complete the quick screening application. [Application link placeholder]
- Apply Once approved, submit your full TESU application and take the next step toward finishing your doctorate.
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