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Exceptional Learning Ph.D. Overview

The Exceptional Learning Ph.D. (ELPhD) program focuses on the characteristics, strengths, and educational needs of individuals and groups whose learning potential and opportunities for success are frequently unrealized.

Exceptional populations include people for whom social, economic, and physical characteristics may serve as a barrier to development and learning. We offer five concentrations and two strands allowing students to focus on specific areas of professional and research interests.

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Critical Discourse and Literacy Studies
• Health Behaviors and Wellness Education
• Program Planning and Evaluation
• STEM Education
  
  

The ELPhD program offers robust academic preparation of professionals who serve their communities, public school systems, institutions of higher education, and non-traditional educational environments.

Our graduates are leaders who work across local, regional, national, and international platforms to effect positive change in diverse populations of exceptional learners and educational contexts, addressing barriers to learning, primarily through research and service activities.

Exceptional Learning Ph.D. Admission Requirements

A multifaceted approach is taken in the application and admissions decision process.  The applicant will be evaluated on the criteria listed below in order to determine the applicant's overall potential for success in the ELPhD program. Please note, however, that fulfillment of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

1. GPA: Consideration for admission to the program is based on the applicant's grade point average (GPA) in the last graduate degree or the last sixty hours of undergraduate work if no graduate degree has been completed. An average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or above from a recognized baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited (e.g. SACS) college or university, or an international equivalent based on a four-year curriculum is required for admission.
2. GRE: Valid GRE scores (score date within 5 years of application) must be submitted as part of the ELPhD application.
3. Scholarly Writing: Students must demonstrate scholarly writing skill and mastery by submitting a reference-based paper, thesis, or other written document in which information from various sources has been synthesized. The applicant must be the sole author.
4. Statement of Intent: One to two pages that address the following: intended enrollment (semester and year), intended concentration, autobiographical statement, educational and professional goals, and area of interest for future research.  Applicants to the ABA concentration must indicate the strand in which they wish to enroll: School-Aged and Adult Populations (ABAS) or Young Children & Families (YCF).
   
5. Three Letters of Recommendation: Recommendation letters should be from individuals, preferably professors, who are able to comment on the student's qualifications and scholarly aptitude for doctoral study.  The letters should also address characteristics that will contribute to the student's success as a doctoral student should you be accepted in the ELPhD program.  Consideration will be made based upon the content of the letters.  Please make certain the recommenders know they must submit a letter as well as evaluate the applicant on a series of qualities (done when submitting the letter).  Applications without three letters may not receive full considerations.
6. Professional Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
   
7. Interviews with Ph.D. Doctoral Program Faculty: Applicants who pass the initial evaluation will be required to have an interview with the ELPhD program faculty and director of graduate programs.
8. International students must also meet the English Language Requirement by providing TOEFL test scores:  a minimum of 80 on the TOEFL iBT is required.  If you have taken another TOEFL version and the results are still valid (no more than 5 years old) the score requirements are: 213 on the TOEFL CBT or 550 on the TOEFL PBT.A minimum of 550 on the paper test or 213 on the computer version is required.
   1. Applicants who have been awarded a degree from a university in one of the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL requirement: Australia, Belize, the British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States, and Wales.
   2. If a candidate does not have access to a TOEFL testing site, it may be possible to accept another language proficiency test score.  Candidates should inquire before submitting a test score other than the TOEFL.
      

Fulfilling the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

*Please note the STEM Education concentration requires the following additional admission requirements:

1. Three years of STEM teaching/outreach (P-16)
2. Masters Degree and one of the following:
   1. minimum of 18 semester hours of graduate credit in a STEM discipline
   2. Teacher Licensure in a STEM discipline (Grades 7-12)
   3. Teacher Licensure (K-6/8) with Highly Qualified Status in a STEM discipline based on 24 semester hours in math/science or a passing score on the PRAXIS II middle grades math or science test

Higher Education Ph.D. Overview

The online Ph.D. in Higher Education is designed for professionals in the field who are interested in using data science to best prepare students and confront challenges facing higher education.

Success and informed professionalism in these areas is vital in today’s competitive university landscape. A terminal (doctoral) degree provides students an opportunity to move into professional roles as they gain more experience. In today’s data-driven, evidence-based context, the knowledge and skills garnered through this program will contribute to additional growth and success and situate them for greater contributions to their institutions.

The program will provide preparation to be adapted to any postsecondary role with a focus to improve college access, student success, and persistence to completion. Driven by data science, program candidates will apply actionable approaches to face challenges confronting higher education.  Ph.D. candidates will also learn to use cutting-edge to best serve students and guide higher education practices and policies. 

Graduates will use their data science knowledge and skills to guide colleges and universities, state higher education agencies, foundations, and related associations. 

Admissions Requirements

1. Statement of intent: (1-2 pages) detailing intended enrollment, autobiographical statement, educational and professional goals, and area of interest for future research;
2. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation that speak to the individual’s scholarly aptitude and capability, particularly with respect to graduate-level work;
3. Transcripts: Official academic transcripts sent directly to Graduate Studies from all institutions attended;
4. Scholarly Writing: An academic writing sample that demonstrates excellent scholarly writing ability (applicant must be sole author);
5. GPA: 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA)
   1. Based on the applicant’s GPA in the last graduate degree or the last 60 hours of undergraduate work (for those with an undergraduate degree only);
   2. From a recognized baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or an international equivalent based on a four-year curriculum
6.  Professional Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume

Counseling and Supervision Overview

The Counseling and Supervision Ph.D. program is designed to meet CACREP standards with an emphasis on rural mental health issues.

The Ph.D. consists of a minimum of 48 credit hours of advanced coursework, a 100-hour clinical practicum, a 600-hour internship, and dissertation research. The program is offered as an annual fall admission cohort.

Counseling and Supervision Admissions Requirements

The Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision is a terminal degree.  The department offers admission to applicants who appear to have the highest potential for success and the appropriate disposition for counseling and supervision in the Ph.D. program.

The recommended admission requirements are:

1. GPA: A 3.5 grade point average (GPA) from an accredited Master's level program in counseling or closely related program. Preference will be given to individuals who graduated from a CACREP-accredited program.
2. Transcripts: Official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate and graduate institution, as well as transcripts from any additional institutions of higher education attended.
3. Letters of Recommendation: Three acceptable letters of recommendation for graduate study from either former faculty members or other persons with adequate knowledge of the applicant's professional qualities and/or potential for success in a Ph.D. program (faculty review committee reserves the right to determine suitability of the letters).
4. GRE: While not required, an applicant may submit GRE General Test (GRE) scores for consideration to address their aptitude for graduate-level academic work.
5. Interview: Successful interview with the faculty review committee with a focus on dis-positional congruence, personal intent, and professional aspirations.
6. International Students: An English proficiency equivalent of Level 18 in FLS is required of applicants from countries in which the official language is other than English.

Doctoral Program Overview

A graduate program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering is offered by the College of Engineering with several distinct concentrations. Currently, the departments of Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering offer concentrations in their respective fields. The general requirements for a Ph.D. in Engineering are the same for all departments. The admission requirements, application procedures, admission to candidacy, degree requirements, and other such details may be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Ph.D. Concentration Areas Include:

• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Engineering Ph.D. Admission Requirements

A graduate program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Engineering is offered by the College of Engineering. When applying for admission, a student must state on the application the major area of study for which admission is requested.  The following concentrations are available in the Engineering Ph.D.:

• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
  
  

Basic Admission Standards for the Ph.D. Program

The basic admission standards for the Ph.D. program are the same as for the MS programs, except that, additionally, an applicant is expected to have completed an MS degree in an academic area appropriate to the proposed area of study and to have earned an MS GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, a GRE score is not required for applicants to the PhD in Engineering with a Computer Science concentration if an applicant's undergraduate degree or Master's degree is from a U.S.-based institution.

Though the general requirement for admission to the Ph.D. program is a master's degree in an appropriate discipline, students with a bachelor's degree may be admitted to the Ph.D. program directly on exceptional basis, provided the applicant has a record of excellent academic performance in an appropriate engineering program undergraduate program. The applicant's test scores, personal recommendations, and relevant work experience must indicate a high potential for success in doctoral studies and research. In addition, factors such as appropriateness of the applicant's research objectives to the research interests of the program faculty, availability of faculty to supervise the applicant's research, and prior research accomplishments of the applicant will also influence the admission decision.

Fulfilling the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission; an applicant who does not meet the above minimum, but appears to have reasonable potential for success as a Ph.D. student, may be admitted to provisional standing. His/her status may be changed to full standing after satisfying requirements specified by the Associate Dean of Engineering for Graduate Studies and Research, in consultation with the appropriate departmental chairperson, at the time of admission.

If admitted in provisional standing at either the MS or Ph.D. level, the student must remove all deficiencies and apply for reclassification to full standing prior to the completion of 15 graduate hours.

Sometimes a master's-level student takes more graduate-level courses than are required for the degree because the student is expecting to continue on to the Ph.D. program and hopes to use the extra courses to satisfy the Ph.D. coursework requirement. When this is the case, the student can request when registering for the course(s) that the course(s) be "banked" for the Ph.D. program. If the student lacks no more than 12 semester hours on the master's degree, he/she may accumulate a maximum of nine (9) semester hours which may be applied toward the Ph.D. When this is the case, the student's advisory committee must initiate approval via memo with consensus of the departmental chairperson, dean of the college, and the Director of Graduate Studies. Banked courses then show up on the student's transcript as courses taken for the Ph.D. rather than being shown as a part of his/her M.S. program. Banking course does not guarantee admission to the Ph.D. program, or, if admitted, that the student's Ph.D. advisory committee will approve the course as part of the student's Ph.D. program of study.

Degree Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree in Engineering

The Ph.D. is a research degree. The minimum requirements for a Ph.D. degree in Engineering are the same for all departments.  Each department may include additional stricter degree requirements for students pursuing specialization in that department. 

Students Admitted with a Master's Degree

1. Course Work: A minimum of 48 credits of course work and doctoral research and dissertation as follows:
   1. A minimum of 18 semester credits of course work beyond the master’s degree, acceptable to the student's advisory committee. Additional six semester credits of either graduate level course work or research experience as per the policy of the student's major department. No 5000-level courses are to be used to meet the minimum requirements of course work.
   2. The equivalent of 24 semester credits of doctoral research and dissertation built upon the student’s course of study and making a significant contribution to the state of knowledge or to the art of the engineering profession is required; not more than 9 credits may be earned in a particular semester.
2. Residence: Residence of four (4) semesters beyond the master’s degree, with at least two semesters in continuous residence, is required. All requirements, including the dissertation, must be completed within a period of eight consecutive years.
3. GPA: Maintenance of a minimum quality point average of 3.0 and adherence to the general regulations of the Graduate School are expected.
   
   

All students in the program must follow a plan of study and research developed in conjunction with an advisory committee, satisfactorily complete a comprehensive examination, achieve candidacy, and satisfactorily defend the dissertation.

Students Admitted Directly from the Bachelor's Degree

A student admitted with a bachelor's degree on exceptional basis, must successfully complete a qualifying examination based mostly on undergraduate materials before the end of the second semester of enrollment. This examination will be aimed at determining the student's mastery of the basic concepts in the discipline and the potential for successfully conducting research at the doctoral level. Based on the student's performance on the qualifying examination, the student may be (i) permitted to continue in the Doctoral Program, or (ii) advised to transfer to a MS Degree program in an appropriate discipline in the College, or (iii) recommended for termination from the graduate program of the College.

If permitted to continue in the doctoral program, the student, as described elsewhere in the catalog, will select a research advisor, form an advisory committee, and submit a program of study satisfying the following requirements.

The program of study should have a minimum total of 72 semester credit hours of academic work, consisting of course work and dissertation work, beyond baccalaureate work, subject to the following:

• The program of study should include a minimum of 42 semester credits of appropriate graduate level course work consisting of a maximum of 9 semester credits at the 5000-level, acceptable to the student's advisory committee.
• It should also include an additional 6 semester credits of either graduate level course work or research experience as per the policy of the student's major department.
• A minimum of 24 semester credit hours of doctoral research and dissertation, built upon the student's course of study and making significant contribution to the state of knowledge and the art of the engineering profession, is required; no more than nine credit hours may be earned in a particular semester.
  
  

The other requirements, such as residency, grade point average, comprehensive exam, and dissertation are the same as those for students admitted with a master's degree, as described in the catalog.

Environmental Sciences - Biology Ph.D. Admission Requirements

1. Degree: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a biological science;
2. GPA: Grade Point Average of 3.5 or above for the highest degree earned;
3. International applicants must satisfactorily complete the English Language Requirement on one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, FLS, ELS, TOEIC, CEFR, SLEP.
4. In addition, a graduate faculty member must have agreed to direct the student’s doctoral program and financial support must have been identified for a stipend and for research needs. Please click here for the form: Graduate Advisor Acceptance Form (PDF)
   
   

Applicants who do not fully meet the above requirements may be admitted in Provisional Standing on the basis of a favorable recommendation to the College of Graduate Studies by the appropriate departmental chairperson and the Director of the Environmental Sciences doctoral program.

Environmental Sciences - Chemistry Ph.D. Admission Requirements

1. Degree: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in science, mathematics, engineering, or environmental science;
2. GPA: Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale;
3. International applicants must satisfactorily complete the English Language Requirement on one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, FLS, ELS, TOEIC, CEFR, SLEP.
   
   

Applicants who do not fully meet the above requirements may be admitted in Provisional Standing on the basis of a favorable recommendation to the College of Graduate Studies by the appropriate departmental chairperson and the Director of the Environmental Sciences doctoral program.

Environmental Sciences Agriculture, Geosciences, & Integrated Research Admissions Requirements

Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Admissions Requirements for Agriculture, Geosciences, and Integrated Research Concentrations must have the following (other requirements will be updated as they are determined):

• International applicants must satisfactorily complete the English Language Requirement on one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, FLS, ELS, TOEIC, CEFR, SLEP.
• In addition, a graduate faculty member must have agreed to direct the student’s doctoral program and financial support must have been identified for a stipend and for research needs. Please click here for the form: Graduate Advisor Acceptance Form (PDF)

Applicants who do not fully meet the above requirements may be admitted in Provisional Standing on the basis of a favorable recommendation to the College of Graduate Studies by the appropriate departmental chairperson and the Director of the Environmental Sciences doctoral program.

Environmental Sciences Agriculture, Geosciences, & Integrated Research Admissions Requirements

Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Admissions Requirements for Agriculture, Geosciences, and Integrated Research Concentrations must have the following (other requirements will be updated as they are determined):

• International applicants must satisfactorily complete the English Language Requirement on one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, FLS, ELS, TOEIC, CEFR, SLEP.
• In addition, a graduate faculty member must have agreed to direct the student’s doctoral program and financial support must have been identified for a stipend and for research needs. Please click here for the form: Graduate Advisor Acceptance Form (PDF)

Applicants who do not fully meet the above requirements may be admitted in Provisional Standing on the basis of a favorable recommendation to the College of Graduate Studies by the appropriate departmental chairperson and the Director of the Environmental Sciences doctoral program.

Environmental Sciences Agriculture, Geosciences, & Integrated Research Admissions Requirements

Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Admissions Requirements for Agriculture, Geosciences, and Integrated Research Concentrations must have the following (other requirements will be updated as they are determined):

• International applicants must satisfactorily complete the English Language Requirement on one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, FLS, ELS, TOEIC, CEFR, SLEP.
• In addition, a graduate faculty member must have agreed to direct the student’s doctoral program and financial support must have been identified for a stipend and for research needs. Please click here for the form: Graduate Advisor Acceptance Form (PDF)
   

Applicants who do not fully meet the above requirements may be admitted in Provisional Standing on the basis of a favorable recommendation to the College of Graduate Studies by the appropriate departmental chairperson and the Director of the Environmental Sciences doctoral program.

Doctorate of Nursing Practice Overview

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree focused on practice and designed to prepare experts in advanced nursing practice. ETSU-TTU DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses and executive/nursing and healthcare nurse leaders to assess and evaluate evidence from research and translate or use the findings to affect practice change to enhance and promote quality of care. The program offers the opportunity to work with experienced faculty from two universities and interprofessional experiences with multiple disciplines. The blended/online program grants the conveniences of online study with face-to-face support, networking, and sharing.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the joint DNP program are as follows:

1. Application Fee: a completed application with payment of nonrefundable application fee;
2. Transcripts: official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate coursework
3. Essay: a written essay.
4. Licensure: Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States and eligibility for licensure in Tennessee or equivalency for international students;
5. Work Experience: All applicants are required to have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent) in nursing as a registered nurse;
6. Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required: one from the applicant’s current (most recent) supervisor, one from a faculty member who has worked directly with the applicant during previous academic study, and one from an individual selected by the applicant;
7. Writing Sample: All applicants will be required to complete a writing sample describing a problem the applicant has identified in clinical practice, whether as a student or a practicing RN, and what steps were taken to resolve or improve the situation; 
8. Interview: All applicants will participate in an interview;
9. Cover Letter: All applicants must submit a cover letter expressing the applicant’s personal goals for doctoral study; and
10. Professional Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume: All applicants must submit a current resume or vitae.
    
    

There are different levels of admission depending upon prior credentials of applicants and whether or not they hold a BSN, MSN, or a BSN and a master’s in another discipline. Additional requirements for admission to the DNP program include:

1. BSN-DNP applicants:
   1. A bachelor's degree in nursing is required;
   2. For international applicants, a bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalency (for BSN to DNP applicants), or a non-nursing master's degree or equivalency (for MSN to DNP applicants) from a nationally accredited nursing program or comparably recognized non-U.S. institution, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale;
2. MSN-DNP applicants (4 options) 
   1. Certification in the selected nursing specialty for the concentration. For example: Certified FNP for FNP concentration, Certified WHNP in the WHNP concentration, etc.;
      OR
   2. Master’s in Nursing in a specialty different than the intended concentrations (WHNP, PNP, ACNP, PMHNP, FNP, Nursing and Healthcare Leadership) will require a longer program of study adapted to the previous Master’s specialty and nursing experience;
      OR
   3. Non-nursing master’s with a BSN from a nationally accredited nursing program will require a longer program of study adapted to the previous Master’s specialty and nursing experience;
      OR
   4. For the General (No Concentration) MSN-DNP, Master’s in Nursing with advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certification (Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Midwife, or Nurse Anesthetist) or master’s level nursing administration/ healthcare systems leadership concentration;
      
      

NOTE: All four MSN options for the Nursing and Healthcare Leadership concentration require at least one year of experience in a nursing administration role. Nursing and Healthcare Leadership applicants must have an MSN or a BSN and a Master's in a non-nursing business or health related field (MBA, MPH, MHA, MMCH, etc.); 

Nursing and Healthcare Leadership Admissions Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the DNP program must fulfill all the requirements for admission to the Graduate School.

There are different levels of admission depending upon prior credentials of applications and whether or not they hold a BSN, MSN, or a BSN and a master's In another discipline. Additional requirements for admission to the DNP Program include: 

1. BSN-DNP applicants:
   1. A bachelor's degree In nursing Is required;
   2. For international applicants, a bachelor's degree in nursing or equivalency (for BSN to DNP applicants), or a non-nursing master's degree or equivalency (for MSN to DNP applicants) from a nationally accredited nursing program or comparably recognized non-U.S. institution, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale;
2. MSN-DNP applicants:
   1. MSN
      OR
   2. BSN and a Masters In a non-nursing business- or health-related field (MBA, MPH, MHA, MMCH, etc.)
   3. NOTE: A gap analysis Is conducted to evaluate completion of graduate level courses in Leadership, Finance, Quality Improvement, and master's level clinical hours in a specialty. Additional courses and/or clinical hours to the admitted student's program of study may be required.
3. Licensure: Unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States and eligibility for licensure in Tennessee or equivalency for lnternational students;
4. Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required: one from the applicant's current (most recent) supervisor, one from a faculty member who has worked directly with the applicant during previous academic study, and one from aln individual selected by the applicant;
5. Interview: All applicants will participate in an interview;
6. Writing Sample: All applicants will be required to complete a writing sample describing a problem the applicant has identified in practice that the applicant might explore In the DNP program;
7. Cover Letter: All applicants must submit a cover letter expressing the applicant's personal goals for doctoral study; and
8. Professional Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume: All applicants must submit a current resume or vita.
   
   

The completed application form and fee, transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work, essay, documentation of nursing licensure In the United States, MSN certification (where applicable), letters of recommendation and resume or vita must be submitted to the ETSU College of Graduate and Continuing Studies or the TTU Graduate College, depending upon the applicant's choice. International students must also forward the additionally required documentation to the appropriate school. 

Factors given consideration in the admission decision include: previous grade point average (GPA), clarity of the applicant's selected problem as stated in the writing sample and during the interview, writing ability, professional work experience and achievements, professional honors and awards, Interest In rural and underserved population groups, and quality of references/recommendations.

The ETSU-TTU DNP Program Admission Committee may recommend admission to a promising applicant who has not met all the admission standards on a conditional or provisional basis. The completed application form and fee, official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate work, essay, documentation of nursing licensure in the United States, MSN certification (where applicable), letters of recommendation and resume or vita must be submitted to the ETSU School of Graduate Studies or the Tennessee Tech Graduate College, depending upon the applicant’s home school. International students must also forward the additionally required documentation to the appropriate home school.