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 earned doctoral-level credits in a previous program, you’ve already invested years of effort toward your doctorate. Don’t leave that work unfinished.

The Doctor of Education in Professional Studies (Ed.D. PS) at Thomas Edison State University (TESU), the only program of its kind currently offered by a New Jersey public institution of higher education and nationwide, is specifically designed to help experienced professionals complete their doctoral journey and cross the finish line.

This innovative 48-credit degree-completion program builds on the doctoral coursework you’ve already completed, integrating it with applied research methodology and culminating in a scholar-practitioner field project rather than a traditional dissertation. This program requires you to transfer at least 21 credits (and up to 30) from prior doctoral coursework. It builds upon your prior doctoral training and leverages your prior coursework to accelerate through to completion.

Eligible students may also leverage Credit for Prior Learning, where applicable, to maximize previously earned experience and coursework.

With TESU’s long-standing commitment to adult learners, you’ll find an accelerated, student-centered pathway that respects your professional expertise while supporting your academic, leadership, and career goals.

Why Choose TESU’s Doctor of Education in Professional Studies

• Clear degree-completion pathway for students with prior doctoral coursework, featuring defined milestones and guidance from dedicated faculty mentors
• Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning education leadership, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), public service, management, and related fields
• Scholar-practitioner model focused on addressing real-world organizational and community challenges
• Flexible online format with a supportive, cohort-based structure designed for working professionals
• Comprehensive student support from admission through degree completion

Ed.D. in Professional Studies Program Highlights

• 48-credit doctoral degree-completion program for professionals with prior doctoral coursework
• Minimum transfer of 21 doctoral-level credits required, with up to 30 transfer credits allowed
• Cohort-based learning that promotes collaboration, professional networking, and peer support
• Applied culminating scholar-practitioner field project in place of a traditional dissertation
• Accelerated timeline, with degree completion possible in under three years

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.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Leadership and Career Paths for Ed.D. Graduates

Graduates of the Ed.D. in Professional Studies advance into senior leadership, management, consulting, and academic-administration roles across multiple sectors, including:

• Executives and Senior Administrators
• Higher Education Leaders
• Consultants and Policy Analysts
• Human Resources and Training Leaders
• Community and Public Service Directors

Next Steps