Commonly Asked Questions About the Graduate Leadership Programs

1. How long does it take to complete a Leadership degree?

MA: 2-3 years
EdS: 3 years
EdD/PhD: 3-5 years (maximum allowed = 7 years)
Advanced standing reduces the maximum time allowed to 5 years in the PhD.

2. How much time must I spend on the Andrews University campus?

Participants must attend an orientation in summer (1 week) to begin their program, followed by the 4-day annual Roundtable Conference. Each successive summer, they must attend the 4-day Annual Conference, usually at Andrews University and optional learning offerings (e.g.: the Research Bootcamp or the Innovation Lab after the Roundtable).

3. How much does the program cost?

MA (2024): $1,318.00 per credit (approximately $47,448 for entire 36-credit degree) + fees that are subject to change.
EdS/EdD/PhD (2024): $1,530.00 per credit (approximately $55,080.00 for EdS for 36 credits and $91,800.00 for EdD/PhD degree for 60 credits) + fees that are subject to change. Please check the current bulletin for detailed financial information.

4. Do you have online courses?

Yes, including three required online courses. You will have the option to work on your remaining credits through independent studies, intensives, and field work experiences. The objective is to strengthen your knowledge base so you can demonstrate the competencies in your workplace.

5. May I take classes on campus?

Yes, this is an option that you can discuss with your advisor. Leadership participants often take summer intensives around the Roundtable Conference (especially EDRM611 or EDRM712 both Statistics courses).

6. How many credits for the degree?

MA: 36 semester credits
EdS: 36 semester credits
EdD/PhD: 60 semester credits beyond your master's degree, including 16 dissertation credits
Graduate Certificate: 12 semester credits
Post-doctoral Certicificate: 12 semester credits

7. What if I need to make changes in my program or credits?

You’ll be pleased with the flexibility in the Leadership Program. As participants experience changes in their lives and/or jobs, they can adapt their individual learning plans (LLPs) and their courseplans accordingly, in consultation with their advisor. *Please note that one cannot change credits that have already been registered for in the past.

8. If I am working on my degree in a field-based program, how will I receive academic advising and guidance?

You will have a faculty advisor who will mentor you throughout your degree program. You will also meet monthly with a regional learning group consisting of fellow Leadership participants. The group shares substantial learning and provides collegiality and support within a small learning community as you develop the competencies.

9. How long does it take to complete a dissertation?

The dissertation stage often takes 2-3 years, sometimes longer. It is advisable not to rush the dissertation process, but to think of it as a chance to research a topic that you are passionate about.

10. What if a life-situation arises in which I cannot work on my program?

If unable to work on your program for more than two semesters, it is advisable that you request to be inactivated. Then, when you are ready to be reactivated, your request will be reviewed; you may or may not be assigned a new advisor. Most people find that they are able to successfully reactivate into the Leadership program.

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