Program Overview

• Curriculum and Instruction Core – 9 credits
• Research Methods Core – 15 credits
• Cognate – 26 credits
• Comprehensive Evaluation – 1 credit
• Dissertation – 9 credits

1. Coursework – 1-2 years, core must be completed before comps
2. Comprehensive Evaluation – end of year 2 or beginning of year 3
3. Dissertation Proposal – shortly after comps
4. Dissertation Defense – plan on 1 year to complete dissertation

• A maximum of 33 credits may be brought in from another graduate program at Boise State. These must be graduate-level courses from an accredited university. Courses must be graded (A or B).
• Transfer credits typically apply to the cognate area must have been taken within 7 calendar years of the time of admission to the Ed.D. program.
• Initial transfer credit evaluation will be done by the advisor.
• Transfer credit request form – Grad College website:

Transfer Credit Request Form

*The course days/times/delivery method are subject to change due to necessary modifications during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Download Fillable Program Planning Form

You were assigned an initial advisor when you entered the program. It is not unusual to change advisors as you clarify your research interests.

After your first year, you will have identified the topic of your dissertation research. You will then officially name your advisor and three other committee members.

The form for your supervisory committee is available on Graduate College website:

Gradate College Forms

Candidates have the following options:

• Literature Review
• Comprehensive Exam Questions
• Pilot Study

Submit the online form for Comprehensive Exam Announcement – public event:

Comprehensive Announcement Form

• It is recommended that the Comprehensive Evaluation take place 3 semesters before dissertation defense.

The Dissertation Proposal should be submitted 2-3 semesters prior to the Dissertation Defense. The Dissertation Proposal includes the following:

1. Proposal – includes the first three chapters of your dissertation:

• • Statement of Problem
  • Review of Literature
  • Methods

2. Online Form – submit for Dissertation Proposal Announcement – public event:

Dissertation Proposal Announcement Form

3. IRB Process

The Dissertation Defense is the culminating activity before graduating from the program. Below is an outline of the process of defending the dissertation.

1.  The Dissertation Defense usually includes and covers the first five chapters:

• • Statement of Problem
  • Review of Literature
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion

2. The Dissertation Defense takes place the final semester of each candidate’s program.

3. The candidate completes a minimum of 9 dissertation credits which can be taken in one semester or    broken up over semesters.

4. The candidate must be enrolled the semester of graduation.

5. Submit the online form for the Dissertation Defense – public event:

Dissertation Defense Announcement Form

All forms are electronic and can be found on the Graduate College website:

Graduate College Forms

Timeline for submitting forms:

• Admission to Candidacy (when you have completed your coursework)
• Supervisory Committee (when you have selected your committee)
• Online Forms Announcing Defenses:
  • Comprehensive Evaluation Defense
  • Dissertation Proposal Defense
  • Dissertation Defense
• IRB approval
• Application for Graduation

Forms you may also need:

• Change of Status (if you were admitted provisionally)
• Approval of Transfer Credits (if you are transferring credits into the program)
• Academic Adjustment (if you are replacing core courses with another course)
• Change of Advisor

Familiarize yourself with the EdD Curriculum and Instruction main website for additional resources and information. Below is a listing of available resources and support for candidates during the program:

• Candidate’s advisor
• Committee members and program faculty
• Program Coordinator – Keith Thiede
• Student Advisory Group
• Doctoral Handbook
• Boise State Writing Center
• Gradwell
• Graduate College:
  • Thesis and Dissertation Office
• IRB process:
  • Research Compliance Office

• Awards consist of a stipend and a fee waiver N = 6 (College-wide)
• Graduate assistants are expected to work 20 hours per week
• Graduate assistantships are awarded by the DMC one time per year
  • Deadline to apply is March 1st
    • 2 3rd years
    • 2 2nd years
    • 2 1st years

We look forward to working with you on the next step in your academic journey!

Keith Thiede, program coordinator

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