The University of Texas at Austin

First Year of Study

Prior to completion of 18 credits of coursework, the Faculty Advisor will assist the student in the optimum selection of further coursework and field experiences to meet both the student's goals and the requirements of the Ed.D. or Ph.D. Program. The Program may wish to establish Planning Committees or Ad Hoc Committees to assist the Faculty Advisor.

The Faculty Advisor and the student will jointly develop a program of coursework and field experiences which fits within the Ed.D. or Ph.D. framework and allows the attainment of the student's goals. After completing 12 credits and before 24 credits of coursework, Program faculty shall receive a written statement of the student's goals and a tentative program of study developed by the student and the Faculty Advisor and will receive feedback from Program members on the content of the proposed program.

The Program faculty will consider 1) the report of the Faculty Advisor concerning the student's progress in the program, 2) the written and oral abilities demonstrated by the student, 3) the student's GPA, and 4) the student's leadership skills as demonstrated during field placement and recommendations for future coursework and Advancement into Candidacy.

The Program faculty may recommend that the student 1) pursue Advancement to Candidacy and form a Dissertation Committee (Before pursuing Advancement to Candidacy, be sure to review the Doctoral Degree Program Assessment Stages Sheet (progress checklist), available on the Department of Educational Administration website. If the checklist is not yet available, please call the departmental office at 512-471-7551); 2) undertake particular supplementary activities in addition to the coursework and field experience requirement of the Ed.D. or Ph.D. to strengthen skills in areas of weakness; 3) not advance to Candidacy until prescribed strengthening activities are successfully completed and the student is reconsidered for advancement to Candidacy by the Program faculty, or 4) discontinue study for the Ed.D or Ph.D.