School of Education

The mission of the School of Education is to create and disseminate knowledge that improves teaching and learning and to develop and implement effective programs for the preparation of education professionals who will enhance both the practice and outcomes of education.

The School of Education is primarily a graduate school that offers certification programs and master's and doctoral degree programs. With the exception of the athletic training program, all certification programs, including all teacher certification programs, are offered at the graduate level only.

The School of Education is organized into four academic departments:

The graduate programs offered by each department are described in detail under program descriptions.

Contact Information

School of Education

Office of Student Personnel Services

5N Posvar Hall (WWPH)

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Phone: (412) 648-2230

Fax: (412) 648-1899

E-mail: soeinfo@pitt.edu

Web site: http://www.education.pitt.edu/

Types of Programs Offered

The School of Education offers a variety of certification programs, degree programs, and combination certification-degree programs at the graduate level. The various types of programs offered are identified below. (For more detail, go to program descriptions.)

Teacher Education Programs in Regular or Special Education

Option 1. Initial Certification—for students seeking initial regular or special education teacher certification but not a graduate degree [e.g., Professional Year (PY) Program].

Option 2. Additional Field Certification—for students already certified in one or more teaching fields who are seeking teacher certification in an additional specialty area but who are not pursuing a graduate degree.

Option 3. Certification plus a Graduate Degree—for students seeking initial regular or special education teacher certification along with a master's degree [e.g., Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education (MEd)].

Advanced Certification Programs

Supervisory Certification (e.g., in Mathematics, Reading, Special Education)

Educational Specialist Certification (e.g., as a Reading Specialist)

Administrative Certification (e.g., as a Principal, Superintendent)

Master's Degree Programs

Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Arts (MA)

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

Master of Science (MS)

Doctoral Degree Programs

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Admission

Admission application forms are available in the Office of Student Personnel Services (see Contact Information above) and online via http://www.education.pitt.edu/

Admission Application Deadlines

Deadlines for application for admission to all graduate programs in the School of Education are:

February 1 for the Summer Term and the Fall Term

November 15 for the Spring Term

Some programs admit students once a year (e.g., the MAT Program for the Summer Term only and the Professional Year Program for the Fall Term only) while other programs admit more than once a year for the Fall, Spring, and Summer Terms. Any questions concerning the terms for which a specific program admits students should be directed to that program or to the Office of Student Personnel Services.

Admission Application Requirements for Teacher Education Programs in Regular or Special Education (Options 1, 2, and 3 above)

Each applicant to the Teacher Education Programs in Regular or Special Education must submit:

1. the completed application form;
2. the non-refundable application fee;
3. official transcripts of work done in all previous undergraduate study (a minimum QPA of 3.00 overall on a 4.00 scale is usually required) and any graduate study;
4. an undergraduate Plan of Studies to indicate that all prerequisite courses will be taken prior to beginning graduate studies if the applicant has not completed a baccalaureate degree at the time of application for admission;
5. evidence of the appropriate number of prerequisite credit hours in Content Core Studies (applicable to Professional Year and MAT applicants only; see paragraph on Content Core Studies below);
6. a thoughtful, clearly written goal statement of two to five typewritten, double-spaced pages;
7. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score if the applicant's native language is not English;
8. three letters of recommendation; and
9. a resume.

The following information is for individuals making application to Initial Teacher Certification [Professional Year (PY)] or MAT Programs (not Special Education):

Applicants to a Teacher Education Program should be aware that, if they are admitted, they will be required to submit results from a tuberculin test, child abuse clearance, and criminal history check (as required by Pennsylvania Acts 33 and 34) before beginning their internship or student teaching.

Admission Application Requirements for Master's Degree Programs and Advanced Certification Programs

Each applicant to the master's degree programs and advanced certification programs must submit:

1. the completed application form;
2. the non-refundable application fee;
3. official transcripts of work done in all previous undergraduate and graduate study (A minimum QPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is usually required.);
4. a thoughtful, clearly written goal statement of two to five typewritten, double-spaced pages;
5. three letters of recommendation;
6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score if the applicant's native language is not English; and
7. other requirements of particular programs, such as additional standardized admissions test scores, a professional writing sample, a personal interview, or letters of recommendation (as stated in the relevant area under Program Descriptions).

Admission Application Requirements for Doctoral Degree Programs

Each applicant to the doctoral programs must submit:

1. the completed application form;
2. the non-refundable application fee;
3. official transcripts of work done in all previous undergraduate and graduate study. (A minimum QPA of 3.30 on a 4.00 scale in graduate studies for students with a master's degree, or a minimum QPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in undergraduate studies for students without a master's degree, is usually required.) Students with QPAs below that usually required may be admitted with evidence of professional and academic competence);
4. scores on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test (recommended but not required of international students);
5. a thoughtful, clearly written goal statement of two to five typewritten, double-spaced pages;
6. three letters of recommendation;
7. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score if the applicant's native language is not English; and
8. other requirements of particular programs, such as additional standardized admissions test scores, a professional writing sample, a personal interview, or letters of recommendation (as stated in the relevant area under program descriptions).

Admission Procedure

Faculty members in the program to which the student applies evaluate the applicant's credentials and recommend admission for those applicants meeting the criteria set by the program.

Approved applicants will be notified of their admission for a specific term. Should they be unable to register for courses for the term specified in their admission letter, they should notify the Office of Student Personnel Services. Approved applicants may defer admission for up to one year from the term specified in their admission letter. Approved applicants unable to register for courses within one year of the term specified in their admission letter must reapply for admission.

Admission Status

The admission status of each student admitted to a certification or degree program is either full graduate status or provisional graduate status and is stated on the admission letter. If a student is admitted with provisional graduate status, the deficiencies that must be removed will also be stated on the admission letter. For further details on full and provisional status, see Admission Status.

Special Graduate Status

Changing Programs for Graduate Study

A student wishing to change programs for graduate study must file a new application for admission, noting the request for the change, in the Office of Student Personnel Services. All work taken both in undergraduate and graduate study will be reviewed by the program to which the student is applying before a decision will be made about admission to the new program. Any change from one program to another in the School of Education while the student is on active status will not alter that status. Thus, the student must register within the dates set for continuing active students.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to graduate students through graduate student assistantships (GSA), teaching assistantships (TA), teaching fellowships (TF), a variety of scholarships and fellowships, and loan programs. GSA, TA, TF, and tuition scholarship awards are primarily merit-based. GSA, TA, and TF awards provide a stipend in return for carrying out assigned duties, as well as a tuition scholarship based on merit. (See Teaching and Research Appointments under Financial Aid for further detail.) Other need-based and/or merit-based scholarships and fellowships established through gifts or grants both within and outside the University are also available to students. These include the following:

Administrative Studies Fellowships

These fellowships provide awards to graduate students demonstrating superior academic and scholarly achievement who are enrolled in the Administrative Studies program. Applicants must submit a research proposal. Funded through the William A. Yeager Fellowship endowment.

African-American Graduate Fellowships

These fellowships provide merit-based stipends to graduate students each year on a competitive basis.

Alumni Doctoral Fellowships

These fellowships provide multiple awards to doctoral students demonstrating superior academic and scholarly achievement. Funded through the School of Education Alumni Fund.

Graduate Colloquium Awards

These awards are provided to graduate students presenting the outstanding research papers at the annual Council of Graduate Students in Education Research Colloquium. Funded through the Dr. Clara Barnes Jenkins Scholarship in Memory of Dr. William J. E. Johnson.

Graduate Research Grants

These grants provide funds to support research related to data collection and analysis for graduate students enrolled in the School of Education who demonstrate superior academic and scholarly merit. A well-developed research proposal must be submitted as part of the application. Funded through the School of Education Alumni Fund.

Graduate Student Researcher (GSR)

GSR positions are available. Money originating from sources external to the University to support faculty research is often available for the employment of graduate students in a research capacity. The sums awarded depend on the source of the funds and the amount of work required.

K. Leroy Irvis Fellowships

These are competitive, merit-based awards available for under-represented students, particularly African-American students, in the early stages of their doctoral programs. Include full tuition assistance as well as an enhanced stipend. Multi-year funding is available depending on continued academic success.

International Education Fellowships

These provide support to School of Education graduate students demonstrating superior academic and scholarly achievement and potential to make a contribution to international education. Funded through the Paul H. Masoner Scholarship endowment.

Minority Teacher Education Scholarships

These scholarships provide multiple awards for minority students enrolled for teacher education study as fifth-year post-baccalaureate students. Funded through the J. Orville Wood Scholarship, the Mary O. Saltsman Scholarship endowments, and the School of Education Alumni Fund.

The Oermann Scholarship

This scholarship is a merit-based stipend for a student pursuing a degree in athletic training or exercise science.

Outstanding Dissertation Award

This award is given each year to one doctoral student who has completed his/her dissertation during the preceding year.

Professional Education for Teaching Awards

These are provided to students enrolled for teacher education study as fifth-year post-baccalaureate students. Funded through the J. Orville Wood Scholarship endowment and the School of Education Alumni Fund.

Student Travel Grants

These are awarded to support students traveling to professional meetings to present their research results. Available through the Dean's Office, the Council of Graduate Students in Education, and the Graduate and Professional Student Association.

The priority applicant deadline for GSA, TA, TF, tuition scholarships, and most other awards for each academic year is February 1. However, application for support can be made anytime during the academic year. The continuous application period provides opportunities for awards to be made through projects that result from external contracts, grants, or other forms of special funding. Deadline dates for these awards are specified in the updated listings available in the Office of Student Personnel Services. New applications must be filed each academic year if the student wishes to seek support beyond the year of his/her initial application.

Advising

Each student is assigned an academic advisor at the time of admission to a program. All course work scheduled must be approved by the academic advisor, who assists in the preparation of a student's Plan of Studies and who regularly meets with the student to review the student's academic progress and to complete registration forms. Most School of Education faculty members are not in residence from May until late August. Thus, students should consult with their academic advisors prior to the end of the Spring Term to complete registration forms for the upcoming Summer and Fall Terms.

Each graduate student who is completing a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation selects a research advisor to provide guidance during the conduct of the thesis or dissertation research. The research advisor may be the same faculty member as the academic advisor or another faculty member. Whatever the case, the faculty member's consent to serve as the research advisor must be formally obtained. A student continuing from a master's program involving a thesis to a doctoral program may select a different research advisor to provide guidance for the doctoral dissertation.

A change of the academic advisor or the research advisor may be initiated by the student, the advisor, the program, or the department. Any such change must be made according to applicable departmental policy. Notification of such a change must be sent to the student, to the new and former advisors, and to the Office of Student Personnel Services.

Teacher Education Regulations

The following section details regulations pertaining to the school's teacher education certificate programs.

Instructional I and II Certificates

The Instructional I, or provisional, certificate is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to applicants who:

1. possess a baccalaureate degree;
2. have successfully completed a PDE-approved teacher certification program;
3. pass all required PRAXIS Examinations; and
4. are recommended for certification by the college or university offering the PDE-approved teacher certification program.

An Instructional I certificate is valid for six years.

The Instructional II, or permanent, certificate is issued by PDE to applicants who have completed all of the following:

1. A PDE-approved induction program for beginning teachers.
2. Three years of satisfactory teaching in the field specified on an Instructional I certificate, attested to by the chief school administrator of the approved public or non-public school in Pennsylvania in which the most recent service of the applicant was performed.
3. Twenty-four credit hours of collegiate study or in-service courses approved by PDE. (Some credits earned beyond the baccalaureate degree in teacher education study at the University of Pittsburgh may be used to satisfy this requirement.)

Applicants already holding the Instructional I certificate who are seeking admission to the School of Education in pursuit of Instructional II certification may be admitted under special graduate status. Applicants desiring to combine Instructional II certification with a master's or doctoral degree must apply for admission to an academic program offering the desired degree.

Additional Field Certification

The School of Education offers additional field certification study opportunities to students already holding a Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II certificate. Students must complete major field prerequisites, course work in the subject area pedagogy, and an advanced teaching practicum and pass the PRAXIS Examination specialization test in the additional area. Individuals who possess an Instructional II certificate and who complete requirements for an additional certification area will receive Instructional II certification in the additional certification area.

Maximum Credit Load

No teacher education student is allowed to register for more than 15 credits without recommendation by the student's advisor and permission of the Dean/Associate Dean. Such permission will be given selectively after a review of the student's record when the planned course work suggests that such an overload is academically justifiable in the specific instance. No admission forms or subsequent add/drop requests totaling over 15 teacher education credits will be accepted without special written permission and appropriate payment for the additional credit hours.

Quality Point Average/Academic Probation

All students enrolled for teacher education study are required to maintain a quality point average (QPA) of at least 3.00. The cumulative QPA is based on all course work taken after enrollment for teacher education study. A student is automatically placed on academic probation when the cumulative QPA, exclusive of transfer credits, falls below 3.00. No student on academic probation is permitted to participate in student teaching, a teaching internship, or an advanced teaching practicum. Although the credits allowed for acceptable work completed elsewhere by transfer students count toward the total number of credits required for teacher education study, the grades earned in such courses are not included in QPA computations, except in determining QPAs required for admission to the School of Education.

Credit Requirements

Teacher education study in the Professional Year Option normally requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 credits of course work approved by the department and the School. The Master of Arts in Teaching option requires 45-48 credits. Credit requirements for other certification options vary. Certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education is recommended only for those students who have satisfactorily completed all courses required for certification with at least a 3.00 QPA.

Teacher Certification Testing Program

The PRAXIS Examination core battery, required for all students seeking their first Instructional I certificate, consists of a series of examinations to assess basic communication skills, general knowledge, professional knowledge, and specialized area knowledge. Persons already holding a Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certificate are exempt from the core battery tests. Individuals seeking Instructional I certification in more than one area must take and pass specialization area tests in all areas in which certification is sought. Individuals seeking additional field certification must pass the PRAXIS Examination in the specialization area.

Students may take the PRAXIS Examinations at any point during or after attendance at a post-secondary institution. The tests are administered four times each year at the University of Pittsburgh.

Early Field Experiences

Early field experiences in schools are provided for undergraduates and first-semester professional-year students in connection with several courses. These experiences are made possible through the cooperation of the public and private schools of Pittsburgh and suburban school districts in the Pittsburgh area. Options include a variety of case study, observation, tutoring, and practicum situations. Upon completion of specialized theory, methods, and practicum courses in the certification area, the student participates in a full-time student teaching practicum.

Student Teaching

In most programs, student teaching is a full-time school-based apprentice teaching experience offered only during the Spring Term. Students must file an application for student teaching in the Office of Teacher Education, 4H01 Posvar Hall, during the term prior to student teaching. Applicants must also submit results from a tuberculin test, child abuse clearance, and criminal history check, as required by Pennsylvania Acts 33 and 34. Liability insurance coverage is strongly recommended for student teachers. Student teaching usually begins in early January and sometimes sooner than the opening day of University classes. Specific procedures and regulations governing student teaching practica can be found in the student teaching handbook, available in the Office of Teacher Education, 4H01 Posvar Hall.

Teaching Internship

Students in the Master of Arts in Teaching Option must complete a nine-month teaching internship in lieu of student teaching. The internship requires a minimum of 20 hours per week at an assigned school site, beginning in late August or early September and ending in late May or early June. To qualify for the internship and the Pennsylvania Teacher Intern certificate, applicants must:

1. pass the Communication Skills test of the Praxis Examination core battery, the General Knowledge test of the core battery, and any specialty area tests of the PRAXIS Examination;
2. take part in the interview and selection process of the school district where intern positions are available;
3. apply for the actual Intern Certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education; and
4. pass a medical examination, tuberculin test, child abuse clearance, and criminal history check, as required by Pennsylvania Acts 33 and 34.

Liability insurance coverage is also recommended for interns. Specific procedures and regulations governing intern teaching can be found in the intern teaching handbook, available in the Office of Teacher Education, 4H01 Posvar Hall.

Advanced Teaching Practicum

Students in the additional field certification option must complete an advanced teaching practicum, which usually lasts from three to six weeks depending upon the applicant's background knowledge and professional experience. Students must file an application for advanced teaching practicum in the Office of Teacher Education, 4H01 Posvar Hall, during the term prior to the practicum. Depending upon regulations of the school district where the practicum takes place, applicants who possess a Pennsylvania teaching certificate may not be required to pass the medical exam, tuberculin test, child abuse clearance, or criminal history check. Specific guidelines governing advanced teaching practicum are available in the Office of Teacher Education, 4H01 Posvar Hall.

Application for Certification

Applications for Pennsylvania Instructional I certification may be obtained in the Office of Student Personnel Services, 5N Posvar Hall, or in the Office of Teacher Education, 4H01 Posvar Hall. Completed applications must be filed in the Office of Teacher Education by the announced deadline during the term in which students expect to complete certification requirements. Upon the successful completion of all certification requirements, including submission of passing scores on all required PRAXIS Examinations, and payment of the required fee, the application will be endorsed by the Dean/Associate Dean and forwarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Education requesting issuance of an Instructional I certificate.

It is the student's responsibility to obtain, complete, and submit the application for certification before the announced deadline. A portion of the form must be completed and signed by a licensed physician attesting to the applicant's mental and physical health. Additional field certification applicants do not need a physician's signature but they must submit a copy of their previous certificates. Incomplete applications and forms accompanied by payment other than a money order will be returned to the student.

Along with the application for certification, the student must submit a copy of the approved Plan of Studies. When students take the required PRAXIS Examinations, they must request that official results be sent to the University of Pittsburgh. Applications from students on "provisional" status will not be endorsed. Students who do not apply for certification immediately upon completion of teacher education study will be required to meet institutional, state, and PRAXIS Examination requirements in effect when they eventually file applications.

MASTER'S DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The requirements presented in this section are primarily school-wide requirements that have been established in addition to the University-wide requirements detailed under General Academic Regulations. Students should review the General Academic Regulations section in addition to the school-specific information detailed below. A booklet entitled "Master's Degree Requirements in the School of Education, University of Pittsburgh" presents the school-wide requirements integrated with the University-wide requirements. This booklet is available in the Office of Student Personnel Services.

Master's Programs

Programs leading to the master's degree provide an introduction to scholarly activities and research and often serve as preparation for teaching careers.

The School of Education awards Master of Education, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Science degrees.

Common Requirements

All master's degrees awarded by the School of Education require the completion of an approved Plan of Studies consisting of a minimum of 36 credits (including nine credits in Basic Areas of Education) and the passing of a comprehensive examination.

Acceptance of Transfer Credits

For University-wide rules, see Acceptance of Transfer Credits under General Academic Regulations. School-specific detail follows.

A maximum of six transfer credits may be counted toward a master's degree.

Both applicants for admission and continuing University of Pittsburgh graduate students seeking acceptance of transfer credits toward a master's degree must submit their transcripts with a completed "Petition to Transfer Credits" form, available in the Office of Student Personnel Services. When approved, transfer credits must appear on the student's Plan of Studies. The Registrar, after notification of acceptance of transfer credits, will enter the transfer credits as block credits on the student's transcript. Grades (and quality points) are not recorded for credits accepted by transfer.

Quality Point Average/Academic Probation

All students enrolled in master's degree programs are required to maintain a quality point average (QPA) of at least 3.00. The cumulative QPA is based on all course work taken after enrollment in the appropriate graduate program. A student is automatically placed on academic probation when the cumulative QPA, exclusive of transfer credits, falls below 3.00. Ordinarily, students are required to terminate graduate study after two terms on probation. Although the credits allowed for acceptable work completed elsewhere by students enrolled in the School of Education count toward the total number of credits required for the graduate degree, the grades earned in such courses are not included in quality point computations.

Statute of Limitations

All requirements for a master's degree must be completed within a period of four consecutive calendar years from the student's initial registration for master's study in an MA or MS degree program or within five years in an MAT or MEd program.

An extension of a student's statute of limitations may be granted by the Dean/Associate Dean. A request for an extension must first be submitted by the student to his/her academic advisor, next be recommended by the academic advisor to the student's specialization/program, and then be recommended by the student's specialization/program to the Dean/Associate Dean for final action. The request must include an explanation of the reason for the requested extension, a specification of the requirements to be completed during the requested extension, and a timetable for completing those requirements. All students who request an extension of their statute of limitations must demonstrate proper preparation for the completion of all current degree requirements.

Ordinarily, a request for a statute of limitations extension that is recommended by both the student's advisor and the student's specialization/program will be granted provided that the student has passed the master's comprehensive examination within three years of the time that all master's degree requirements will be completed. If more than three years elapse between the time that the student completes the master's comprehensive examination and the time that the student completes all master's degree requirements, the student will be required to retake the comprehensive examination in order to demonstrate current knowledge in the field of study. This three-year period may not be extended through a leave of absence. If the student passes the second administration of the master's comprehensive examination, the student is eligible for a statute-of-limitations extension of up to three years. For a written examination, a copy of the comprehensive examination and the student's answers must be submitted with the recommendation from the specialization/program to the Dean/Associate Dean for a final decision. For an oral examination, an audio tape of the examination must accompany the recommendation.

If the student has not taken, or taken but not passed, the master's comprehensive examination, the student is required to pass the comprehensive examination in order to be eligible for a statute of limitations extension of up to three years. Students in this situation should meet with their advisor and update their Plan of Studies before taking the comprehensive examination. The advisor may recommend that additional course work be taken as part of the student's preparation for the examination.

It is suggested that, when a student needs to take/retake and pass the comprehensive examination for the statue of limitations to be extended, the student's advisor contact the Dean/Associate Dean after the examination is developed but before it is administered. Then, the Dean/Associate Dean can discuss with the advisor whether the proposed examination adequately measures current knowledge in the field of study.

Leave of Absence

All conditions described under Statute of Limitations/Leave of Absence apply to School of Education master's students. Additionally, if a leave of absence is approved, the time of the leave will count against the three-year period associated with taking/retaking the comprehensive examination when an extension of the statute of limitations is requested (see Statute of Limitations above).

Plan of Studies

Before completion of 15 credits, each student, in consultation with his/her academic advisor, should complete a Plan of Studies that conforms to program requirements. The Plan of Studies, approved by the academic advisor and the program coordinator, is filed in the Office of Student Personnel Services.

Any changes in the Plan of Studies must be approved by the academic advisor and the program coordinator, conform to program requirements, and be filed in the Office of Student Personnel Services. At the time of graduation, completed courses must comply with the approved Plan of Studies.

Basic Areas of Education Requirement

All master's degrees conferred by the School of Education require a minimum of nine credits of study from the Basic Areas of Education (BAE), three credits each from courses offered in the content areas of Education and Human Development, Education and Society, and Disciplined Inquiry. This requirement may be met by taking a core BAE course (EDUC 2000, EDUC 2100, EDUC 2200) or a menu course in each of the three areas. A maximum of six credit hours of BAE courses may be taken from those offered within a single department. The courses in each area that may be used to meet this requirement are listed below.

Education and Human Development

EDUC 2000 Psychology of Learning and Development for Educators

EDUC 2001 Educational Psychology for Instruction

EDUC 2002 Survey of Developmental Psychology

EDUC 2003 Adult Learning

EDUC 2004 Individual Differences in Instruction

EDUC 2005 Psychology of Cross-Cultural Development and Learning

EDUC 2006 Psychomotor Development

Education and Society

EDUC 2100 Education and Society

EDUC 2102 History of Education in the United States

EDUC 2103 Race and Racism in Education and Society

EDUC 2104 Education and Social Movements

EDUC 2105 Sociology of Education

EDUC 2106 Education and Culture

Disciplined Inquiry

EDUC 2200 Disciplined Inquiry

EDUC 2201 Introduction to Research Methodology

EDUC 2202 Educational and Psychological Measurement

EDUC 2203 Educational Anthropology

Master's Comprehensive Examination

The School of Education requires a comprehensive examination for all master's degrees. The comprehensive examination is designed to assess the student's mastery of the general field of his/her graduate study. The comprehensive examination is constructed, administered, and scored by the program or department to which the student has been admitted. Procedures and schedules of administration are available from the program or department. See also Comprehensive Examination under Regulations Pertaining to Master of Arts and Master of Science Degrees. The University-wide regulations on comprehensive examinations detailed there apply to all School of Education master's programs.

Thesis, Thesis Equivalent, and Research Paper Requirements

Some MA and MS degree programs within the School of Education are offered with a thesis requirement while others are offered with the option of completing either a thesis or a thesis equivalent. All MAT degree programs and some MEd programs require the completion of a research paper.

Master's Degree with Thesis

The master's degree with thesis is intended for graduate students who have pursued advanced graduate study in at least one field of education specialization and have demonstrated through the master's thesis the capability to plan and carry through a project of original research. The Plan of Studies should include at least six credits in thesis work.

Thesis Overview

The thesis overview is a written proposal for the thesis. The overview is presented to the master's committee, which consists of a minimum of three faculty members (at least one from another program or department) selected in consultation with the student by the research advisor and approved by the department. A student must be registered in the term during which the thesis overview meeting is scheduled. A unanimous vote of the master's committee is required for approval of the overview. The outcome of the overview meeting is submitted on the appropriate form along with a corrected copy of the overview to the Office of Student Personnel Services.

Approval of Research with Human Subjects

If the research proposed in the overview involves human subjects, the proposed research must be approved by the University Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects before it may be carried out. Information on materials that must be submitted and the procedures that must be followed for an IRB review are available in departmental offices and the Office of Student Personnel Services.

Advancement to Master's Candidacy

To be advanced to candidacy for the master's degree with thesis a student must have satisfied the following requirements:

1. be admitted to full graduate status;
2. have a minimum quality point average of 3.00 (transfer credits not considered);
3. have an approved Plan of Studies on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services;
4. have passed the comprehensive examination;
5. have an approved overview on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services; and
6. if the proposed research involves human subjects, have a letter on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services from the IRB approving the proposed research.

Thesis Preparation

The thesis research is completed and the thesis is prepared under the direction of the research advisor according to the approved overview. In preparing the thesis, the student must follow the University's Style and Form Manual, available in the Office of Student Personnel Services, and specific departmental or program requirements.

Final Oral Examination

The completed thesis is submitted to the master's committee for the final oral examination. The student must be registered in the term during which the final oral examination is scheduled. The final oral examination is devoted primarily to the thesis, and an affirmative vote by a majority of the committee members is required to pass the examination. One corrected copy of the thesis as approved by the master's committee must be filed, along with one copy of a research advisor-approved abstract and the form showing a passed final oral examination, no later than one week before the end of the term during which the student expects to graduate. Any exception to this requirement must be approved by the Dean/Associate Dean.

Master's Degree with Thesis Equivalent Option/Research Paper

Master's degrees with the thesis equivalent option or research paper requirement are intended for graduate students who have pursued advanced study in at least one field of educational specialization and have demonstrated capability of presenting information relevant to an issue or problem in education. The Plan of Studies should include at least three credits in a research seminar, supervised research, or directed study involving research in the student's focus area.

Research Paper Requirements

Each candidate for the master's degree with the thesis equivalent option or research paper requirement must complete, in acceptable form, a research paper that demonstrates the ability to locate, organize, and summarize information bearing on an issue or problem in education. This project is usually initiated and completed in the research seminar of the student's major. For certain majors, this requirement may be met by other means, such as successful exhibits or demonstrations.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation with a master's degree requires the following:

1. an application for graduation filed in the Office of Student Personnel Services at the beginning of the term of graduation
2. full graduate status
3. completion of an approved Plan of Studies with a minimum quality point average of 3.00
4. passing the master's comprehensive examination
5. if required, an approved thesis on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services (for students completing a thesis) or an approved thesis equivalent or an approved research paper on file in the departmental office (for students completing a thesis equivalent or a research paper)

DOCTORAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The requirements presented in this section are primarily school-wide requirements that have been established in addition to the University-wide requirements detailed under General Academic Regulations. Students should review the General Academic Regulations section (in particular the Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Study) in addition to the school-specific information detailed below. A booklet entitled "Doctoral Degree Requirements in the School of Education, University of Pittsburgh" presents the school-wide requirements integrated with the University-wide requirements. This booklet is available in the Office of Student Personnel Services.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs are offered by the School of Education to provide advanced graduate study and professional specialization in education. Each recipient must show evidence of superior scholarship, mastery of a special field of knowledge, and ability to do significant and relevant research. In doctoral study in the School of Education, a distinction is made between the preparation of education professionals resulting in the EdD degree and the preparation of education professionals resulting in the PhD degree. While EdD and PhD degrees produce experts in critical inquiry, the School of Education distinguishes the degrees according to, among other factors, the focus of the area of inquiry, the type of knowledge advanced, and the career path chosen by the individual student.

PhD research focuses on the study of basic problems arising primarily from behavioral and social science theory with the goal of advancing such theory and knowledge. Individuals pursuing this degree often seek academic positions in universities or research institutes. EdD research focuses on the study of applied, practical problems with the goal of contributing to solutions. Careers for these individuals often center on professional positions as administrators, curriculum developers, or specialists in schools and clinical settings.

Important features of doctoral programs of study required by the School of Education include two requirements that are common to the PhD and EdD degrees and four requirements that clearly distinguish the degree programs.

Common Requirement I: Research Methodology Course Work

EdD and PhD students are required to complete 12 credits of research methodology courses.

Common Requirement II: Supervised Research

EdD and PhD students are required to complete a supervised research experience that results in a written report of the experience. Enrollment for six credits of supervised research, internship, practicum, or directed study is required.

Distinguishing Requirement I: Residency

EdD: No residency requirement.

PhD: Two consecutive terms of full-time, on-campus study, including involvement in research activities.

Distinguishing Requirement II: Supporting Field(s)

EdD: A minimum of nine credits in fields other than the area of specialization or required research methodology courses. Specific requirements regarding appropriate supporting fields are determined by the program or department.

PhD: This requirement may be met in three ways:

1. For a student who does not have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent number of credits to that for a bachelor's degree in an appropriate academic discipline, a minimum of 18 credits must be taken outside the School of Education in one field or in an interdisciplinary concentration (e.g., Latin American Studies or psycholinguistics) as approved by the program or department. No more than six of these credits may be used to satisfy research methodology requirements.
2. For a student who has a bachelor's degree or an equivalent number of credits to that for a bachelor's degree in an academic discipline, a minimum of nine credits must be taken outside the School of Education in one field or in an interdisciplinary concentration as approved by the program or department. None of the nine credits may be used to satisfy research methodology requirements.
3. For a student who has a master's degree or an equivalent number of credits toward a master's degree in a relevant academic discipline, no additional credits outside the School of Education need to be taken.

Distinguishing Requirement III: Dissertation

EdD: A dissertation that contributes to the improvement of practice in the student's area of specialization and reflects the application of relevant theory and knowledge.

PhD: A dissertation that reports research that contributes to the development of theory or methodology in the student's area of specialization or one of the recognized disciplines.

Distinguishing Requirement IV: Doctoral Committee

EdD: At least one member of the doctoral committee must be from another program within the student's major department, from another department in the School of Education, from another department in the University of Pittsburgh outside the School of Education, or from an appropriate graduate program at another academic institution. (See Doctoral Committee below for additional requirements.)

PhD: At least one member of the doctoral committee must be from another department outside the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh or from an appropriate graduate program outside education at another academic institution. (See Doctoral Committee below for additional requirements.)

In formulating the doctoral Plan of Studies, both the student and the academic advisor must pay close attention to these School of Education requirements as well as requirements specific to the particular program or department in which the degree specialization is taken. It is the responsibility of the student to learn particular requirements from the academic advisor.

Acceptance of Transfer Credits

PhD students should review the section on Credit Requirements, under Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Degrees, and Acceptance of Transfer Credits in conjunction with the school-specific information detailed below.

The completion of requirements for the doctorate must be satisfied through registration at the University of Pittsburgh. However, under certain circumstances, a student may earn in an accredited graduate institution other than the University of Pittsburgh a limited number of credits toward a doctoral degree (see Credit Requirements).

In addition to being able to apply a maximum of 30 post-baccalaureate credits for transfer from other institutions in keeping with University-wide requirements (See Acceptance of Transfer Credits), students may earn an additional nine doctoral-level credits from institutions fully accredited for doctoral degree study. Each course transferred must meet the following conditions:

1. The course grade must be at least B or its equivalent.
2. The course must be judged relevant to a student's doctoral Plan of Studies by the program or department.
3. The course must be approved for equivalent graduate degrees at the accredited institution, extension, or off-campus center of other institutions at which the course was taken.

Doctoral students desiring to take courses at another institution following admission to the University of Pittsburgh should review the course descriptions and receive approval from their academic advisors and program or department prior to registering for those courses if they wish to ensure that these credits will be acceptable for transfer.

Doctoral students already enrolled may, when approved in advance by their department and the Dean/Associate Dean, spend a term or more at another graduate institution to obtain training or experience not available at the University of Pittsburgh and transfer those credits toward the requirement for a doctoral degree at the University of Pittsburgh. A doctoral student who has done additional academic work elsewhere will be reinstated upon application to the Office of Student Personnel Services provided (a) the student received in advance written approval to study elsewhere and (b) the completed academic work is acceptable to the School of Education.

Both applicants for admission and continuing University of Pittsburgh doctoral students seeking acceptance of transfer credits toward a doctoral degree must submit their transcripts with a completed "Petition to Transfer Credits" form, available in the Office of Student Personnel Services. When approved, transfer credits must appear on the student's Plan of Studies. The Registrar, after notification of acceptance of transfer credits, will enter the transfer credits as block credits on the student's transcript. Grades (and quality points) are not recorded for credits accepted by transfer.

Credit Requirements

Doctoral degrees require a minimum of 90 course credits in a degree program beyond the baccalaureate, distributed as follows: a minimum of 72 course credits (including transfer credits) and a minimum of 18 dissertation credits. Doctoral-level courses are numbered in the 3000 series, but courses numbered in the 2000 series may also be appropriate for doctoral study. Generally, courses numbered below 2000 do not meet the minimum requirements for doctoral study. Exceptions require the approval of the program or department. No lower-level undergraduate course (numbered 0001-0999) may be applied toward a master's or doctoral degree.

Quality Point Average

All doctoral students are required to maintain a quality point average (QPA) of at least 3.30. The cumulative QPA is based on all course work taken after enrollment in the appropriate doctoral program. A doctoral student is automatically placed on academic probation when the cumulative QPA, exclusive of transfer credits, falls below 3.30. Ordinarily, students are required to terminate graduate study after two terms on probation. Although the credits allowed for acceptable work completed elsewhere by students enrolled in the School of Education count toward the total number of credits required for a graduate degree, the grades earned in such courses are not included in quality point computations.

Statute of Limitations

All the conditions for the Statute of Limitations described above under the Master's Degree Requirements apply to doctoral students as well, except for the following distinctions:

Leave of Absence

All conditions described under Statute of Limitations/Leave of Absence apply to School of Education doctoral students. Additionally, if a leave of absence is approved, the time of the leave will count against the five-year period associated with taking/retaking the comprehensive examination when an extension of the statute of limitations is requested (see Statute of Limitations above).

Plan of Studies

Prior to advancement to the formal stage called Doctoral Study, the student, in consultation with the academic advisor, must complete a Plan of Studies that conforms to program requirements. The Plan of Studies, approved by the academic advisor and the program coordinator, is filed in the Office of Student Personnel Services.

A doctoral Plan of Studies should include the following parts:

1. Major Area of Study Courses
2. Minor Area of Study Courses (if applicable)
3. Supporting Field Courses
4. Research Methodology Courses
5. Supervised Research Courses
6. Dissertation Courses

Courses approved for transfer credit must be listed individually on the Plan of Studies. Also, when a student's Plan of Studies lists Directed Study credits, the following information for each Directed Study experience must be placed in the student's file: (a) the term that the student registered for the Directed Study and the number of credits; (b) the topics and content of the Directed Study; (c) the faculty member supervising the Directed Study; and (d) the nature of the student's accomplishment.

Any changes in the Plan of Studies must be approved by the academic advisor and the program coordinator, conform to program requirements, and be filed with the Office of Student Personnel Services. At the time of graduation, completed courses must comply with the approved Plan of Studies.

Doctoral Preliminary Examination

Each doctoral student is required to take a preliminary examination designed to assess the breadth of the student's knowledge of the discipline, the student's achievement during the initial phase of graduate study, and the student's potential to apply research methods independently. The preliminary examination is administered by the program or department to which the student has been admitted. Procedures of administration are available from the program or department.

Advancement to Doctoral Study

To advance to doctoral study, a student must:

1. be admitted to full graduate status;
2. have completed at least 15 post-master's graduate credits at the University of Pittsburgh;
3. have earned a QPA of at least 3.30 (transfer credits not considered) in post-master's graduate study at the University of Pittsburgh;
4. have a Plan of Studies approved by the academic advisor and the program coordinator on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services; and
5. have passed the doctoral preliminary examination.

It is recommended that these steps be completed by the time the student has earned 30 post-master's graduate credits at the University of Pittsburgh.

The form recommending that a student be advanced to doctoral study is initiated by the student's academic advisor, signed by the academic advisor, the program coordinator, and the department chairperson, and then sent to the Office of Student Personnel Services. After verification that all requirements have been met, the Dean/Associate Dean notifies the student of advancement to doctoral study.

Doctoral Comprehensive Examination

See Comprehensive Examination under Regulations Pertaining to Doctoral Study for an overview of the examination's form and nature. After advancement to doctoral study, each doctoral student is required to take a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination is constructed, administered, and scored by the department or program to which the student has been admitted. Procedures and schedules of administration are available from the department or program.

A student must be registered in the term during which the comprehensive examination is taken. In no case may the student be graduated in the same term in which the comprehensive examination is taken. After the comprehensive examination is passed, the student has the remaining time specified by the statute of limitations to complete all remaining doctoral degree requirements. Satisfactory completion of the doctoral comprehensive examination requirement is part of the demonstration of doctoral competency.

Ordinarily, students do not register for dissertation credits until they have passed the comprehensive examination.

Doctoral Competency

Each doctoral student is required to demonstrate doctoral competency by satisfactorily completing both the supervised research and doctoral comprehensive examination requirements. The form certifying that a student has demonstrated doctoral competency is initiated by the student's academic advisor, signed by the academic advisor, the program coordinator, and the department chairperson, and then sent to the Office of Student Personnel Services. The Dean/Associate Dean notifies the student that doctoral competency has been demonstrated.

Doctoral Committee

For the EdD student, the doctoral committee consists of the research advisor and at least three other members, including one member from a program other than the student's major program. This member may be from another program within the student's major department, from another department in the School of Education, from another department in the University of Pittsburgh, or from an appropriate graduate program at another academic institution.

For the PhD student, the doctoral committee consists of the research advisor and at least three other members, including one member from another department outside the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh or from an appropriate graduate program outside education at another academic institution.

For both EdD and PhD committees, the research advisor and a majority of the total committee must be full or adjunct members of the Graduate Faculty of the University of Pittsburgh.

Membership on and subsequent changes in the doctoral committee must be approved by the program faculty, the department chairperson, and the Dean/Associate Dean. After the program has approved the doctoral committee, the research advisor initiates the "Proposed Doctoral Committee" form to obtain the signatures of the program coordinator, the department chairperson, and the Dean/Associate Dean. The Dean/Associate Dean must give final approval of the doctoral committee before the overview examination may be scheduled.

Dissertation Overview

The dissertation overview is a written proposal and must be presented to the doctoral committee for approval after doctoral competency has been demonstrated.

Scheduling the Overview Examination

Overview examinations may be scheduled during the Fall and Spring Terms at any time except during the final two weeks of those terms. Under exceptional circumstances, overview examinations may be scheduled during the final two weeks of the Fall or Spring Terms or during the Summer Term with the approval of the doctoral committee.

For an examination to be scheduled between the 1st and 15th of a month, all relevant information must be submitted to the Office of Student Personnel Services no later than the 15th of the preceding month. For an examination to be scheduled after the 15th of a month, all relevant information must be submitted to the Office of Student Personnel Services no later than the 1st of that month. The Office of Student Personnel Services publishes an announcement of scheduled overview examinations on the 1st and 15th of each month.

The Overview Examination

The overview examination is conducted by the doctoral committee, is chaired by the research advisor, and is open to any faculty member of the Graduate Faculty of the University wishing to attend. Although any faculty member may participate in the examination, only members of the doctoral committee may be present during the final deliberation and vote on approving the overview.

In the event that an overview examination is scheduled at a time when one committee member cannot attend, written comments must be submitted by that member in advance of the meeting. If those comments are not available before the meeting, the meeting must be rescheduled. If a meeting is scheduled at a time when all committee members can attend, but one member is absent because of an unanticipated emergency, the meeting may be held, even if that member is unable to submit written comments before the meeting. No overview examination may be held when two or more committee members are absent from the scheduled meeting.

Approval of the Overview

Each member of the doctoral committee must sign the overview form and vote on approving the overview. The committee must unanimously approve the overview in order for the student to be advanced to doctoral candidacy. If the decision of the committee is not unanimous, the case is referred to the Dean/Associate Dean for resolution.

Approval of Research with Human Subjects

If the research proposed in the overview involves human subjects, that proposed research must be approved by the University Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects before it can be carried out. Information on materials that must be submitted and the procedures that must be followed for an IRB review are available in departmental offices and the Office of Student Personnel Services.

Advancement to Doctoral Candidacy

To be advanced to doctoral candidacy, a student must have completed the following requirements:

1. Be advanced to doctoral study
2. Completed all formal course work on the approved Plan of Studies with a minimum QPA of 3.30 (transfer credits not considered)
3. Demonstrated doctoral competency
4. Successfully completed the dissertation overview with unanimous committee approval
5. If the proposed research involves human subjects, have a letter on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services from the IRB approving the proposed research

The form recommending that a student be advanced to doctoral candidacy is initiated by the student's academic advisor, signed by the academic advisor, the program coordinator, and the department chairperson, and then sent to the Office of Student Personnel Services. After verification that all requirements have been met, the Dean/Associate Dean notifies the student of advancement to doctoral candidacy.

Dissertation

Students should review the information detailed under Dissertation and Abstract and Final Oral Examination for University-wide regulations regarding dissertations and dissertation defenses. School of Education-specific rules follow:

Scheduling the Dissertation Defense

The same rules apply here as detailed under Scheduling the Overview Examination above.

The Dissertation Defense

The same rules apply here as detailed under The Overview Examination above.

Vote on the Dissertation Defense

Each member of the doctoral committee must sign the dissertation defense form and vote to pass or fail the student on the dissertation defense. If the decision of the committee is not unanimous, the case is referred to the Dean/Associate Dean for resolution.

Submission Requirements and Fees

At least one week prior to the end of the term, one unbound copy of the dissertation is submitted in final form to the Office of Student Personnel Services along with the following materials:

1. signed dissertation defense form
2. signed dissertation approval form
3. four copies of the dissertation abstract, the first of which is signed by the research advisor
4. completed University Microfilms International Agreement Form
5. completed Survey of Earned Doctorate Form
6. receipt from Student Accounts for payment of the binding and microfilm fees

Information concerning requirements for preparing the abstract, the forms to be completed, and the amount of the fees to be paid is available in the Office of Student Personnel Services. The dissertation and abstract will be examined by the Office of Student Personnel Services to see that they are prepared in an acceptable form and style. Any question about form or style will be referred to the Dean/Associate Dean for review and final decision.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation with a doctoral degree requires (a) an application for graduation filed in the Office of Student Personnel Services at the beginning of the term of graduation, (b) full graduate status, (c) advancement to doctoral candidacy, and (d) an approved dissertation on file in the Office of Student Personnel Services.

All doctoral students must register for at least one credit during the 12-month period preceding graduation and must be registered in the term in which they are graduated.

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