Degree Requirements

Participants pursuing the doctorate degree by research shall complete a seven-phase process (equivalent to 52 credits above the Master's degree in traditional doctoral program) including three doctoral research tutorials, a comprehensive review, and a dissertation project. The doctoral research tutorials are intended to assure the participants have the skills and knowledge to examine the existing scholarly literature, design an effective advanced research study, carry out the project, analyze the data and present the findings in a publishable quality manuscript. The comprehensive review includes written and oral components that permit faculty to determine if the participant has sufficient preparation to proceed to the research phase of the program. The dissertation process includes preparation of a formal dissertation proposal, completion of the dissertation project, and preparation of the manuscript for review by the doctoral committee review. Participants then complete an oral review of dissertation as a conclusion of the degree process.

As a minimum degree requirement, doctoral participants must maintain enrollment at SAIES UK for at least one and one-half calendar years. Although a maximum period of six years is allowed to complete the program, most doctoral participants are fully capable of finishing their programs within three years. No transfer credit shall be applied to this degree, as it is based upon a seven-step quality review process.

At each phase of the doctoral process, in order to progress to the next phase, written approval by the doctoral committee is required. To remain in good standing, participants must demonstrate effective progress toward achieving quality standards at each phase. Upon successful completion of the process, participants are awarded the doctor of philosophy degree.

Phase 1: Dissertation Tutorial I - Basic Research Methods

Phase 2: Dissertation Tutorial II - Literature Review

Phase 3: Dissertation Tutorial III - Research Presentation

Phase 4: Doctoral Comprehensive Review

Phase 5: Dissertation Proposal Process

Phase 6: Conduct of Dissertation Project

Phase 7: Oral Review of Dissertation

Dissertation Committee