TESU Launches Groundbreaking Ed.D. Program Designed to Help Doctoral Students Finish What They Started

Thomas Edison State University today announced the launch of a bold new doctoral pathway: the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Professional Studies, an innovative degree-completion program designed to help experienced professionals finish what they started.

Created for the tens of thousands of individuals nationwide who began a doctoral program but did not complete it, the Ed.D. in Professional Studies positions TESU is the only New Jersey public institution offering a doctorate intentionally designed to remove barriers, honor prior learning and help students with at least 21 credits from a prior accredited doctoral program cross the finish line to a terminal degree. The program reflects TESU’s long-standing commitment to reimagining higher education for adult learners and working professionals.

“Innovation has always been central to Thomas Edison State University’s mission,” said TESU President Merodie A. Hancock, Ph.D. “The Ed.D. in Professional Studies reflects our continued commitment to finding new, meaningful ways to support students, especially those who have already invested significant time and effort in their education. This program recognizes their experience, respects their realities and provides a clear pathway to doctorial completion.”

The 48-credit Ed.D. in Professional Studies builds on doctoral coursework students have already completed, integrating advanced applied research methods and culminating in a scholar-practitioner field project rather than a traditional dissertation. Students are required to transfer a minimum of 21 credits, and up to 30 credits, from accredited prior doctoral coursework.. Eligible students may also leverage TESU’s Credit for Prior Learning program to further maximize previously earned academic and professional experience, with no limit on portfolio assessment opportunities.

“This program was intentionally designed for scholars who bring deep professional knowledge but were sidelined by rigid, traditional doctoral models,” said Dr. Jeffrey Harmon, vice provost for Strategic Initiatives & Institutional Effectiveness and interim dean of the Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education at TESU. “By valuing prior doctoral work and emphasizing applied research with real-world impact, we are helping experienced professionals complete a degree that advances both their careers and their fields.” 

National data underscores the need for new approaches to doctoral education. The Council of Graduate Schools estimates that 40 to 50% of doctoral students in the United States do not complete their degrees, often due to competing professional, financial and personal responsibilities. TESU’s new Ed.D. program seeks to address these challenges head-on, reducing the emotional, financial and opportunity costs associated with non-completion.

Prospective students interested in learning more may attend an informational webinar on Feb. 10 at noon or visit tesu.edu/eddps.