Introduction to the Doctoral Guidelines

The doctoral programs offered through the College of Education (COE) at Lehigh University are rated among the best in the country every year.  Not only is this the result of compelling and diverse coursework, but due to the exceptional caliber of the program’s faculty; who are leading scholars in their field.  In addition, exemplary doctoral programs have exemplary alumni, and the graduates of the COE’s doctoral program are second to none.

Admission is the first step in the four-stage Lehigh University process that ultimately leads to your becoming a doctor in your field.  If you accept our admission offer, you become a graduate student taking coursework in pursuit of a doctoral degree (Stage 1).  You are reclassified as a doctoral student when you successfully complete your qualifying examination/project under the guidance of a faculty adviser (Stage 2).  You become a doctoral candidate when your dissertation committee approves your dissertation proposal (Stage 3).  And you become a doctor when you successfully defend your dissertation and have completed all requirements of your program of study (Stage 4).  For more details, please refer to the College of Education Doctoral Program Requirements and Procedures.

Steps to the Completion of the Ph.D. and Ed.D. and Required Forms:

Printable Graduation Checklist

Open Access Permission Form0001