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Education Doctoral Program Progression Requirements and Policies

Academic policies for the topics listed below in the Ed.D. program align with those found in the Molloy University Graduate Catalog.

  • Academic Integrity
  • Administrative Withdrawals
  • Disability Support Services
  • Grade Appeal Policy
  • Grievances
  • Honor Code
  • Privacy Rights of Students
  • Program Readmission/Re-Entry
  • Separation from University
  • Student Health Services
  • Withdrawals and Temporary Leave

Policies specific to the Ed.D. Program:

Academic Probation

A student placed on academic probation will need to meet with the academic advisor (cohort mentor) and the Ed.D. Program Director to establish a course of action to discuss and develop a mutually agreed upon action plan to facilitate the student’s improvement in their academic performance. The academic probation may be extended for up to one year. If the student fails to raise their GPA to 3.2 or above, they will be considered for academic suspension or dismissal from the program. Once placed on academic probation, the student’s academic performance will be closely monitored. A student may be placed on academic probation up to two times during the duration of their program participation. Being placed on academic probation may impact future course registration. Students will need to discuss their ongoing program participation with their advisors (for example, students may be advised to switch to an individual pathway and take one course at a time).

Academic Standards and Cumulative Grade Point Average Requirement

Students are expected to succeed academically and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale). If the GPA falls below 3.2, it must be raised to 3.2 by the end of the following semester. Students who fail to raise their GPA to 3.2 will be placed on academic probation. Non-compliance with this criterion may result in program dismissal.

Attendance and Religious Observations

Policy of Responsible Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes and participate online regularly and punctually. Consequences for excessive absences or lateness are noted in the course outlines.

Religious Observances: A student who will be absent from class because of a religious obligation or practice should inform the instructor in writing at least one week before the day. The student has the right to make up any examination, study or work requirements which may have been missed because of religious observances.

Continuous Registration in the Doctoral Education Program

All students are required to maintain continuous registration of a minimum of at least one credit each semester (Fall and Spring) from admission until final dissertation defense, unless an authorized Separation from College request has been granted. If the student is unable to engage in doctoral study in a given semester for health or personal reasons, a Separation from College Form for the program must be completed and approval must be obtained from the advisor and the Graduate Program Director of the Ed.D. Program.

Course Waiver Requests

Occasionally, a student is admitted to the Doctoral Program who presents the credentials of having experience that is equivalent to a required course. In this instance, the student may request a waiver of course. Any student receiving a favorable waiver of course action will be required to take a course, with advisement, that will provide the appropriate number of credits to substitute for the waived course. A Transfer Credit-Course Waiver Request Form must be submitted to the Ed.D. Program office and approved by the Program Director. If approved, an acceptable course may be substituted for the required course, or a requirement may be waived. At the Ed.D. Program Director’s discretion, the student may be asked to audit the course upon approval of the waiver.

Dismissal from Program

Students who do not meet the program standards for progression in their area of study may be dismissed by the Program Director and/or Dean of their School. Dismissed students should drop their courses at the Registrar's Office to assure a correct bill prior to the start of the term. The Registrar's Office will be authorized to drop dismissed students' classes prior to the start of the term to provide adequate classroom space.

Health of Student in the Doctoral Education Program

A student in the Program who is unable to meet course objectives due to health problems will be requested to either take an "Incomplete" in the course or withdraw from the course depending upon which is more appropriate.

Incomplete Grades in the Ed.D. Program

A grade of incomplete (“I”) will be granted only in cases of hardship (circumstances which, in the judgment of the instructor, warrant special consideration). The student will have fully participated in class activities and discussions and completed all graded assignments through the mid-semester but because of extenuating circumstances was unable to complete the final assignments. Approval is granted only when the student demonstrates circumstances beyond their control which temporarily prevents completion of the coursework. In the event that a student has not made sufficient progress through the mid-semester, an administrative withdrawal or “WA” may be granted and the student may repeat the course (see https://molloy.smartcatalogiq.com/2023-2024/graduate-catalog/ for more information).

If all coursework is not completed by week 14 of the semester and/or if the student encounters hardship that may prevent them from submitting a final paper on time, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor within 24 hours of the scheduled final examination/last class meeting. Students in the online program must contact the professor prior to the scheduled final examination or due date of the final course assignment to request a grade of Incomplete.

In the Ed.D. Program, all “Incompletes” must be resolved one week prior to the beginning of the new semester. A student may not register for courses with an unresolved Incomplete grade on their transcript.

Under special circumstances an extended incomplete may be requested with written approval from the instructor and the Director of the Ed.D. Program; however, a student must still satisfy the work associated with the incomplete course before they can register for any subsequent courses.

Length of Time to Complete the Doctoral Education Program

A student has a period of nine (9) years after admission to complete all program requirements. A student must complete all required coursework and be admitted to candidacy within five years after admission to the doctoral program. The student must complete all dissertation requirements within four years following admission to candidacy. Any variation from this must be requested in writing and approved by the Ed.D. Program Office as well as the Office of Academic Affairs.

Time spent away from the Ed.D. program based on an approved leave of absence will be evaluated at the discretion of the Ed.D. program director.

Matriculated Status in the Doctoral Education Program

Students are matriculated if they have met the requirements of admission, have been accepted into the Education Doctoral Program and are seeking to fulfill all the requirements of the Education Doctoral Program.

Non-Matriculated Status in the Doctoral Education Program

Students whose admission process is incomplete but are earning credits for the specific prerequisite or required graduate courses for the degree must request permission of the Graduate Program Director of the Ed.D. Program to take classes. Non-matriculated students should be aware that no more than 6 credits completed as a non-matriculated student may be used to fulfill requirements for the Ed.D., and that non-matriculated status can be maintained for a maximum period of one semester.

Provisional Academic Status in the Doctoral Education Program

Students who have been accepted into the Doctoral Program but have not fully met the Ed.D. admissions criteria may be considered for provisional academic acceptance. and must receive a grade of "B" in the first 6 credits taken. Re-evaluation for continued matriculated status will follow completion of these courses.

Registration and Advisement in the Ed.D. Program

It is crucial that the student meet with their academic advisor for advisement purposes prior to the registration period each semester. Students are expected to have met specified prerequisites for any course they wish to take. Students are expected to clear all holds (registrar, bursar, student health) and complete an online registration agreement prior to online registration.

Repeating Courses in the Ed.D. Program

Ed.D. students must attain a grade of B or better in all courses. Any student who receives a grade lower than a B in any course must repeat that course in the following semester. A course may be repeated only once. Failure to maintain a grade of B when taking a course for the second time necessitates withdrawal from the Ed.D. Program. According to Molloy University policy, if a student retakes a failed course and passes, the F grade will be forgiven. However, students in the Ed.D. program will not be able to repeat more than one failed course. Failure of more than one course necessitates withdrawal from the Ed.D. Program. Students who have been withdrawn due to academic failure may not be readmitted to the Ed.D. Program.