How Can I Earn My Doctorate While I Work?

You can earn your doctoral degree from UND while you continue to work. Although time away from work and home will be expected, many professionals have successfully completed the EDL Program while maintaining their careers and families.

You will complete 38 months of continuous coursework and then begin working on your dissertation. On average, you will meet four to seven weekends each semester in Fargo (approximately once every three weeks). Classes are held face-to-face in Fargo on Sunday afternoons and evenings and are continued on Monday mornings and afternoons. You will need consent from your employer before beginning coursework in the EDL Program. Since technology is used to support communication, you will need access to a computer with a high speed Internet connection.

Keep in mind that all admitted EDL students will constitute a closed cohort. As a cohort, you will develop a learning community in which you can professionally grow and learn together. This means that you are expected to take the full sequence of courses with your peer group. Before making the commitment to your peer group, you should carefully consider how earning your doctorate will fit with your life responsibilities.

"Earning my Ph.D. [in Educational Leadership] was a beneficial experience for me both personally and professionally. The ability to complete my course work while working full-time was a necessity and this program allowed for that flexibility. Above all, the network of support developed in our cohort extends beyond the program into our professional roles as well."

Lisa Feldner, Ph.D., CIO
Information Technology Department
State of North Dakota
Bismarck, ND