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• Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations Designed for current and aspiring leaders, the curriculum bridges the divide between theory and practice, equipping students with relevant skills to lead organizational change.
• Master of Education in Human Development Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling The curriculum provides a rigorous and humanistic training model that prepares students to become effective K-12 school counselors. Students will be able to translate theoretical knowledge and extensive research into successful counseling programs that help children thrive and succeed.

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• Master of Science in Computer Science A curriculum designed by our world-renowned faculty to give students a body of fundamental computer science knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to be relevant as a software engineer and to be an innovative problem solver in today’s tech industry.
• Master of Engineering in Engineering Management The uniquely and cohesively designed program prepares professional engineers for leadership positions by equipping them with applicable management skills for leading diverse, engineering-focused teams, driving impactful technological outcomes and creating solutions to real-world problems.

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• Master of Science in Nursing Vanderbilt School of Nursing is creating more flexible ways to earn the MSN degree, as well as employing innovative approaches and offering widespread opportunities for experience in clinical practice.

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• Coursera Build skills with online courses taught by Vanderbilt University faculty.
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• Vanderbilt Business Management Certificate Learn how you can become a better manager and learn to speak and understand the language of business. Take courses individually, or complete all four courses within eight months to earn a Professional Certificate in Business Strategy.

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How to use this guide

Welcome to the Research Guide for Vanderbilt University Doctor of Education Programs! As students in the Doctor of Education programs (LPO, LLO), you may have questions about what resources are available to you for your research projects. This guide can help! Click through the tabs above to learn more about the research process, types of sources available by subject, organizing your research and more!

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PhD in Nursing Science

Vanderbilt’s PhD in Nursing Science prepares nurse scientists to engage in innovative, multidisciplinary and biobehavioral research and to transform the discipline of nursing through advancing health equity. Students’ academic experience is closely aligned with our faculty’s scholarship and area of research focus. Graduates conduct and disseminate research that responds to regional, national and international priorities.

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This program prepares diverse scholars for research and academic careers in public or private sectors of health care.

Fully Funded

Student tuition is fully funded, covering up to four years of required didactic and research coursework.

Personalized

All students have personalized plans of study tailored to their research interests. Class sizes are small. Faculty are accessible and known for their strong mentorship. 

Courses are primarily online, with limited on-campus visits. 

This program’s rigorous training and collaborative environment lead to high achievement and leadership positions for our graduates. They advance the discipline and practice of nursing through research, education and health policy, locally, nationally and globally. Angela McNelis, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, CNE Assistant Dean and Director of the PhD in Nursing Science Program

About the Program

The PhD in Nursing Science program prepares scholars for research and academic careers in major universities and for research positions in public or private sectors of health care. 

Students work full time with faculty mentors who guide and oversee their educational program from admission through completion of degree requirements. They engage weekly in synchronous classes and intensive research experiences connected with faculty research projects, Vanderbilt’s research-focus program exposes students to a variety of research designs and analytic techniques. All students take core courses related to both health services and clinical research. 

Research is organized into main signature areas:

• Acute and Chronic Illness (pain management, cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer; sleep and substance use disorders)
• Maternal and Child Health (pregnancy outcomes; mother, infant, child and family health) 

Requirements for the degree include successful completion of advanced course work, qualifying examination and dissertation. Students are only accepted for full-time study and only if the school has faculty that work in the student’s desired area of research.

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Admissions information, financial aid & scholarships, degree requirements.

The PhD in Nursing Science is conferred by the Vanderbilt University Graduate School. It requires at least three years of graduate study and 72 credit hours. Students may be able to transfer up to 15 credit hours from their master's degree. Requirements include:

• Completion of 47 credit hours of required coursework, including 6 elective and 10 hours supporting research focus (4 research practica and 6 dissertation research credits)
• Passing written and oral qualifying exams
• Completing and publicly defending a dissertation

Program Philosophy

The ultimate goal of nursing science is to improve health and health care for all. Vanderbilt is committed to the education of a diverse group of nurse scholars who can lead the nation in nursing research.

Community of Scholars

Diversity is a VUSN core value and priority. The PhD program welcomes students from diverse and underrepresented groups. We are committed to foster advancement and equity, diversity and inclusion for all students, faculty and staff.

Accreditation Information

Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s, professional and doctorate degrees. Vanderbilt University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Vanderbilt University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA  30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website ( www.sacscoc.org ).

See all VUSN accreditation information.

Take the Next Step

Interested in the Vanderbilt PhD in Nursing Science program? Explore our curriculum and admissions requirements . Then take the next step and request information about the program .

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Memphis pharmacy student wins appeal over 'vulgar' social media posts in free speech case

A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that a Memphis graduate student’s social media posts were protected speech after the University of Tennessee Health Science Center temporarily expelled her from the school over posts made to the student’s private social media accounts in late 2020.

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals determined that graduate student Kimberly Diei’s social media posts, which had no connection with the university, could not be used to threaten academic punishment.

“This ruling confirms what I’ve known all along,” Diei said. “I have a right to express myself in my private life that’s separate from school, and so do my classmates. I enrolled in pharmacy school to learn, not to have my taste in music and my thoughts on culture policed.”

The decision reverses a lower court’s August 2023 ruling that dismissed the case, sending the case back for further argument.

“Diei’s speech did not identify her with the College, had no connection to her studies, and did not lead to disruption,” the ruling stated. “So unless the College had a genuine educational purpose for regulating Diei’s speech, her communications fell safely within the confines of First Amendment protection.”

The case centered around a number of posts made on Diei’s personal social media accounts between 2020 and 2021. The accounts, under a pseudonym and with no mention of her university enrollment, contained various posts about fashion, song lyrics and sexuality — one post central to the complaint, for instance, was a joke made about a remix of Cardi B’s song "WAP."

More: UT College of Pharmacy student says she was expelled over social media posts, files suit

Diei was investigated twice by university administrators over her posts after the school claimed anonymous complaints were made about what administrators said were “sexual,” “crude” and “vulgar” posts.

The school’s Professional Conduct Committee voted to expel her from the pharmacy program in late 2020, claiming her actions violated the school’s “professional behavior requirements” — requirements Diei stated she had never received.

The expulsion was reversed after lawyers from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, commonly known as FIRE, wrote a letter to administration affirming Diei’s First Amendment rights to post on personal social media.

Shortly after, Diei filed a lawsuit against the university alongside FIRE.

Following the lawsuit dismissal in August 2023 and Diei’s subsequent appeal, the Stanton Foundation First Amendment Clinic at Vanderbilt Law School filed an amicus brief in support of her case.

“It is perilous for higher education institutions to stifle protected expression,” said Jennifer Safstrom, director of the clinic. “If schools are permitted to punish student speech online merely for being perceived as distasteful or lewd, it would have a significant and impermissible chilling effect on expression in collegiate and professional schools.”

FIRE praised the appeal court’s Tuesday decision to affirm Diei’s First Amendment rights.

“The court affirmed what a young woman says about sexuality on social media has nothing to do with her ability to be a pharmacist,” said Greg Greubel, a senior attorney at FIRE. “Kimberly stood up for every American who hopes to have a personal life in addition to their professional life.”

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has not yet responded to a request for comment.

The USA TODAY Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at [email protected], by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.

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Home / Ed.D. / Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.

For many lifelong learners, the decision to pursue a doctoral degree is a major step. But there are several questions to answer first: Is an Ed.D. the same as a Ph.D.? Which type of doctoral program is right for your career goals?

Below, we take a closer look at these degree options: the doctor of education (Ed.D.) and the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education.

What Is a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)?

An Ed.D. is a doctoral degree designed for professionals who are eager to solve organizational challenges and lead meaningful change. The Ed.D. is a good fit for those interested in a career in educational leadership, but it can also be applied broadly across many industries and sectors.

Career options with an Ed.D. may include:

• University or college president
• Superintendent
• Development manager
• Curriculum developer
• Policy director

Postsecondary education administrator

$97,500 Median Annual Salary 1

What Is a Ph.D. in Education?

A Ph.D. in education is a doctorate in philosophy and is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in research and advancing knowledge in an educational context.

Career options with a Ph.D. in education may include:

Postsecondary professor

• Research scholar
• Education director
• Policy researcher

$80,790 Median Annual Salary 2

The Difference Between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D.

When choosing between a Ph.D. and Ed.D., it’s important to consider what you want your future career to look like. A Ph.D. in education generally prepares you for a career in education research and teaching. An Ed.D. is designed to build your leadership capacity through research and practical applications of those research theories — in the education field and beyond.

Another difference to consider when weighing a Ph.D. vs. Ed.D. is the time commitment. A Ph.D. in education delves more deeply into a specific area of research, and can often take four to six years to complete. An Ed.D. can be completed in three years. Ed.D. students often work full time while pursuing their degree.

Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

The online Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations from Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development prepares mid-career professionals to become leaders who positively influence systemic change. Designed to help students strengthen their communication, management, and assessment skills, the 54-credit online program can be completed in three to four years.

Learn more about the online doctor or education (Ed.D.) in leadership and learning in organizations, including start dates and admissions requirements.

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1  U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (April 9, 2021).  Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postsecondary Education Administrators.  Retrieved May 6, 2021. arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

2  U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (April 9, 2021).  Occupational Outlook Handbook: Postsecondary Teacher.  Retrieved May 6, 2021. arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

Department of Philosophy

Ph.D. Program Requirements and Guidelines

The Ph.D. program in philosophy is composed of the following requirements:

Coursework Requirements

Logic requirement, foreign language requirement, dissertation field exam requirement.

• Dissertation Prospectus and Dissertation Requirements

Below are the requirement details for the degree and the standards of progress .

Ph.D. Requirements

Credits The Graduate School requires a total of 72 hours of credit (formal coursework plus registered research hours) for the Ph.D. Within this 72 credit hours, the philosophy department requires students to complete 47 credit hours of coursework. Graduate students are required to complete at least three three-credit courses each semester, from among those courses approved by the department for credit toward the Ph.D., for each of the first five semesters. During the first fall semester, students are also required to take a two-credit proseminar focusing on research and teaching. Therefore, by the end of the fifth semester students will have taken a minimum of 47 credits of course work, with at least 11 credits in the first semester and 9 credits in each of the following four semesters.

Related requirements concerning graduate credits are as follows:

1. 12 Seminars By the end of the 5th semester, graduate students must have taken at least 12 regularly scheduled graduate seminars (36 credit hours) in the Department of Philosophy.

2. Proseminar In the first semester of graduate study, all graduate students must pass a two-credit department seminar on teaching and research methods. This course, graded on an A/F basis, will include guest participation by many members of the faculty.

3. Other Possible Sources of Credit for Remaining 9 Credit Hours The regularly scheduled graduate seminars and the proseminar must together account for a minimum of 38 of the required 47 credits of coursework in the philosophy Ph.D. program. This leaves students with some flexibility regarding the remaining 9 credits:

• Regularly scheduled graduate seminars : Students may take additional regularly scheduled graduate seminars in the Department of Philosophy toward remaining 9 credits.
• Independent studies : Students may take, with DGS approval, PHIL 8050: Readings in Philosophy (i.e., an independent study) with department faculty toward the remaining 9 credits. Student and professor must agree in writing to a one-semester (and no more) course of study that includes a reading list and writing assignments. Students must complete the Request for Independent Study/Directed Studies/Readings & Research form in YES to enroll in the course. The form requires original signatures from the student, instructor, and DGS. The form must be filed with the department no later than the first week of classes and submitted to the Graduate School no later than the tenth day of classes.
• Enhanced undergraduate-level courses : Students may take, with prior DGS approval, enhanced undergraduate level courses with department faculty toward the remaining 9 credits. In this case, students are expected to do additional work beyond the undergraduate requirements for the course. Student and professor must agree in writing to a one-semester (and no more) course of study that includes writing assignments. Students must complete the Request for Permission to Receive Graduate Credit for an Undergraduate Level or Professional Course form to enroll in an undergraduate class for graduate credit. The form requires original signatures from the student, instructor, and DGS. The form must be filed with the department no later than the first week of classes and it must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than the tenth day of classes.
• Transfer credit : Under unusual circumstances and with DGS approval, at most 6 credits can be transferred into the Ph.D. program toward the 47 credit requirement. Students entering the Ph.D. program with graduate credit in philosophy from strong graduate programs who would like to transfer credit can petition to do so at the end of the spring semester of their first year. They need to set up a meeting with the DGS and supply the DGS with their transcript/s, course syllabus/syllabi, and coursework. They should also be prepared to discuss how such transferred credit might fulfill course distribution requirements.

Graduate courses taken while at Vanderbilt in departments other than the philosophy department do NOT count toward the required 47 hours of the departmental coursework, but they do count toward the 72 hours required by the Graduate School for the Ph.D.

After completing coursework, students will enroll in 9 hours of PHIL 8999: Non-Candidate Research and PHIL 9999: Ph.D. Dissertation Research each semester until they have earned 72 credit hours. Once students have sufficient credits, students will continue registering for 0 credit hours of PHIL 9999: Ph.D. Dissertation Research each semester to maintain active student status until graduation.

Course Distribution Students will take at least five seminars in the history of philosophy and at least five seminars in topical areas of philosophy, with the additional stipulation that students must take seminars from at least three different categories in each. The topical area and historical categories are below, and the categorization of each graduate seminar in any given semester will be designated on the departmental course schedule.

Topical Area Categories:

T1. Mind and Language T2. Ethics, Politics, and Aesthetics T3. Metaphysics and Epistemology T4. Race, Gender, Identity T5. Contemporary Philosophical Movements

Historical Categories:

H1. Ancient Philosophy H2. Medieval Philosophy H3. Modern Philosophy H4. 19th Century Philosophy H5. 20th Century Philosophy H6. Trans-era History of Philosophy

Instructor Distribution By the end of the fifth semester, graduate students must have taken seminars from at least eight different tenured or tenure-track faculty in the philosophy department.

Incompletes If a student wishes to get a grade of incomplete for a given course, the student must meet with the instructor at least one week before the final week of classes . In that meeting, the instructor must approve a specific plan for completion of the work, including a submission date. The instructor should also specify the grade the student will receive if s/he does not meet the deadline for the incomplete. For final approval, the student must then submit to the DGS an Incomplete Request Form signed both by the student and the instructor (this form specifies the agreed-upon completion plan and the student’s current incompletes). An incomplete grade will not be approved if a student already has an incomplete. No incompletes may be carried past August 1. Also, incompletes may negatively impact the possibility of receiving departmental support for professional development, so students are advised to discuss this possibility with the DGS.

Course Grades A student must earn a grade of B or higher in each course counted toward the 47 hours. Grades in the A range are the norm for graduate students, while grades in the B range are the exception. If a student accumulates three grades in the B range, they will need to meet with the DGS to discuss their status.

Students enrolling in Philosophy 8999: Non-Candidate Research and Philosophy 9999: Ph.D. Dissertation Research will be assigned S/U grades, in accordance with the Graduate School’s policy:

“One U grade requires consultation between the student and the research advisor; a second U grade triggers a locally defined program-level intervention process involving (at least) the student, the research advisor, the student’s thesis or dissertation committee and the DGS; and a third U grade leads to de-matriculation. These steps are triggered by the accumulation of U grades, not simply U grades in succession. Each U represents approximately one-half of one academic year of unsatisfactory progress. No credit hours are awarded for an enrollment that earns a grade of U.”

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All graduate students must satisfy the department’s logic requirement in one of two ways:

• By passing a departmental logic exam, or
• By receiving a “B” or better in PHIL 3003: Formal Logic & Applications. PHIL 3003 is offered only in the fall semester. Students with no or minimal training in logic are strongly encouraged to audit PHIL 3003 in their first semester. The logic requirement must be satisfied by the end of the third semester. If students wish to formally audit the logic course, they must submit the Permission to Audit form . The form requires original signatures from the student and instructor. The form must be submitted to the department during the first week of classes and submitted to the Graduate School by the tenth day of classes.

The logic exam and coursework will cover the following three areas and will require a demonstration of competence at a level sufficient to teach an introductory symbolic logic course:

• Informal concepts of logic;
• Translation into symbolic notation for both propositional and predicate logic; and
• Natural deduction proofs for both propositional and predicate logic.

Students should contact the DGS to arrange for the administration of the exam. The exam will be given only once at the end of each semester.

Students who fail the exam or who fail to receive a grade of “B” or better in PHIL 3003 may re-take the exam or re-do the work for the course the next time the department schedules the exam and/or the course.

Students must take the logic exam by the end of the first semester and must pass the logic exam by the end of the third semester.

PHIL 3003: Formal Logic & Applications does not qualify for graduate credit and so does not count toward the minimum of 47 credits students must accumulate by the end of the fifth semester.

All graduate students must satisfy the department’s foreign language requirement by passing a departmental exam that tests for competence in an approved foreign language. The student should request the exam from the administrative assistant to the graduate program, who will then arrange for the exam with the DGS. The timed translation exam will be blind-reviewed and graded by faculty (typically but not necessarily in the philosophy department) with special competence in the given foreign language. The exam will consist of the students translating into English:

• A text (selected by the faculty member administering the exam, in consultation with and approval by the DGS) by a single philosopher (selected by the student), and;
• A second text (selected by the faculty member administering the exam, in consultation with and approval by the DGS) by a different philosopher (selected by the faculty member).

During the exam, students may use only a hard-copy dictionary. The translation exam will be marked pass or fail; passing it requires a demonstration of competence as measured by quality and quantity of translation. Students must first take the foreign language competence exam by September 1 of the third semester and must pass the exam by April 15 of the fourth semester .

Preparation for the Exam The Dissertation Field Exam (DFE), or Preliminary Exam, is a crucial component of the Department of Philosophy Ph.D. program. The DFE takes place during the sixth semester; by the end of this semester students are expected to have successfully transitioned from coursework to dissertation-related work. If students have satisfied all previous department requirements, they will have this sixth semester off from teaching (in addition to no longer having any coursework) to be able to devote themselves fully to this Dissertation Field Exam and the Dissertation Prospectus Abstract that follows the Field Exam at the end of the semester. While the DFE takes place during the sixth semester, work related to the DFE begins earlier; work on the DFE bibliography and planning of a DFE Committee should begin over the previous summer (the second summer).

Dissertation Field Exam Committee Students must choose the members of their Dissertation Field Exam Committee and report news of the committee to the DGS and the administrative assistant to the graduate program by December 1 of the fifth semester . This committee needs to be composed of a minimum of three philosophy department graduate faculty members, one of whom is the committee chair. This committee need not overlap in part or whole with the later Ph.D. Committee, though there usually is significant overlap.

Dissertation Field Exam Bibliography: Draft and Final Students must also submit a complete draft of their DFE bibliography to their DFE Committee members, the DGS, and the administrative assistant to the graduate program by December 1 of the fifth semester . The bibliography should include approximately 50 sources and should follow bibliography formatting guidelines as specified in a leading source, such as the Chicago Manual of Style. Students are advised to begin work on this bibliography over the previous (second) summer in the program.

Students must have a complete final DFE bibliography approved by their DFE Committee by January 15 of the sixth semester , and students must email this approved bibliography to the DGS and the administrative assistant to the graduate program by this date.

Dissertation Field Exam Questions By February 15 of the sixth semester , students must submit to the DGS, the administrative assistant to the graduate program, and to the members of the DFE Committee, a final list of possible DFE questions, previously approved of by the student’s DFE chair. Usually anywhere from six to nine questions are submitted, each of which looks forward to the possible dissertation area.

Dissertation Field Exam In the sixth semester, students will be given their DFE (which will be a subset of the questions on the list of possible DFE questions) by their DFE chair at some prearranged point during Spring Break and will be instructed by the DFE chair about when to return the exam . Students are usually given around three questions and answers are usually around 10-15 pages each, depending on the number of questions and amount of time given. The maximum amount of time that a chair can give is all of Spring Break (from the Friday before Spring Break until the Monday morning after), but less time can also be given.

Dissertation Field Exam Oral Defense The DFE Oral Defense needs to be taken and passed within one week following the Monday after Spring Break (by the end of the following Monday) of the sixth semester. The oral defense tests the student on the written exam and the broader constellation of issues brought up by material listed in the bibliography.

Provided the student passes the Oral Defense, they move on to the Dissertation Prospectus Abstract (see below). If they fail the Oral Defense, they may be dismissed from the program or they may be given another chance to take the exam, depending in part on factors surrounding the failure, previous performance in the program, and the degree of promise they have shown. If a student fails the exam twice, they will be dismissed from the program.

Dissertation Prospectus Process and Dissertation Requirements

Ph.D. Candidacy Admission to the philosophy graduate program does not imply admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. To be admitted to Ph.D. candidacy, the student must satisfy departmental requirements, the last of which are the Dissertation Prospectus Abstract, the Dissertation Prospectus, and the Dissertation Prospectus Defense (Qualifying Exam). Once students have successfully defended their Dissertation Prospectus, they are admitted to the Ph.D. candidacy and have All But Dissertation (ABD) status.

Dissertation Prospectus Abstract After a student successfully passes the Oral Defense of their Dissertation Field Exam, they must next complete a Dissertation Prospectus Abstract by April 15 in the sixth semester. This abstract should be one page long, single-spaced. The student should email this abstract to their DFE Committee members, the DGS, and the administrative assistant to the graduate program.

The abstract should be submitted to an agreed-upon dissertation adviser and at least one more faculty member who has agreed to serve on the Dissertation Committee. Students must meet with these members individually by May 1 of the sixth semester for feedback on the abstract, and they must send an email to all with whom they have met, the DGS, and the administrative assistant to the department reporting that they have held their meetings.

Dissertation Committee The Ph.D. Dissertation Committee is appointed by the Graduate School on the advice of the director of graduate studies. The committee consists of no fewer than four members. Three of the members must be graduate faculty member from within (“internal” to) the Department of Philosophy; a fourth “external” member must come from outside the department. Graduate faculty include full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty with primary appointments in the philosophy department. Tenured or tenure-track faculty having secondary appointments in the philosophy department may also be considered “internal” committee members. The “external” committee member may be an appropriate academic from outside of Vanderbilt and needs to be approved by the DGS and the Graduate School.

In cases where a faculty member who had been chairing a dissertation committee departs Vanderbilt for another institution, that faculty member may serve as a co-chair of a dissertation committee but must count as an “external” member. Emeritus philosophy faculty may not serve as the sole chair of a dissertation committee, but they may co-chair dissertation committees, and they count as “internal” committee members.

The functions of the Ph.D. Dissertation Committee are to:

• Administer the Dissertation Prospectus Oral Exam (Qualifying Examination);
• Approve the dissertation subject;
• Aid the student and monitor the progress of the dissertation; and
• Read and approve the dissertation and evaluate the final Oral Dissertation Defense.

Dissertation advisers are responsible for submitting the following paperwork to the director of graduate studies (or the administrative assistant to the graduate program) to appoint the Ph.D. Committee, at latest three weeks before the Qualifying Exam:

• Request to Appoint the Ph.D. Committee form
• Rationale for selecting external reader (a few paragraphs)
• CV for the external reader

The paperwork will then be submitted to the Graduate School at least two weeks in advance of the Qualifying Exam .

Students are encouraged to begin assembling a Dissertation Committee during the sixth semester, during or soon after the DFE process, in order to make progress on their Dissertation Prospectus Abstract. It is strongly recommended that the committee be formally appointed during the summer following the sixth semester. At latest, Dissertation Committees may be appointed in the early fall of the seventh semester, with at least three weeks notice before the Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense (Qualifying Exam), which itself must be completed by September 30 of the seventh semester .

Any changes to the Ph.D. Committee need to be approved by the Graduate School through the Request to Change the Ph.D. Committee form. If a new external reader will be added to the committee, the adviser needs to provide a rationale and the reviewer’s CV to the director of graduate studies or the administrative assistant for the graduate program.

Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense (Qualifying Exam) Under the direction of the dissertation adviser and with appropriate input from members of the Dissertation Committee, graduate students must write a Dissertation Prospectus. Once the Dissertation Committee has deemed the prospectus worthy of defense, the student must take and pass a Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense (or Qualifying Exam). This exam must be passed by September 30 of the seventh semester .

The final version of the Dissertation Prospectus must be distributed to the Dissertation Committee well in advance of the Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense. It should reflect prior consultation, though not necessarily agreement, with each member of the committee.

It is the responsibility of the Dissertation Adviser to schedule the Dissertation Prospectus Exam and to submit the Request to Schedule the Qualifying Exam form to the DGS or to the administrative assistant to the graduate program at least three weeks in advance of the defense. This request must be received by the Graduate School at least two weeks in advance.

The Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense is administered by the student’s Dissertation Committee in consultation with and approval by the DGS. The Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense will test the student’s mastery of the proposed dissertation topic as well as the student’s overall knowledge of the sub-field within which the proposed dissertation project resides.

If a majority of Dissertation Committee members grade the Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense as passing, the student passes the exam.

Students who fail the Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense may be required to pursue one or more courses of action, including: re-writing the prospectus and then re-taking the exam; re- taking the exam; assembling a different Dissertation Committee to prepare for a different exam; perhaps pursuing a different course of study; or being dismissed from the graduate program. If a student fails the Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense on a second attempt, the student must, according to Graduate School policy, be “officially dismissed from the Graduate School unless s/he has been given the option of receiving a master’s degree ( insert link ) .” Because all possible Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense re-takes must be completed by September 30 of the seventh semester , students are encouraged to schedule their exams in the spring or summer before their seventh semester.

It is the responsibility of the dissertation adviser to complete the Results of the Qualifying Exam form and submit the results to the director of graduate studies or the administrative assistant for the graduate program following the defense. Once the form has the final approval of the director of graduate studies, the results will be forwarded to the Graduate School.

Final Dissertation Defense After the Dissertation Prospectus Exam, students begin writing a dissertation under the guidance of the dissertation adviser and committee. Once the committee judges the dissertation worthy of defense, the student must take and pass a public oral examination of the dissertation. It is the responsibility of the dissertation adviser to schedule the Final Dissertation Defense and to submit the Request to Schedule Final Defense form to the director of graduate studies or to the administrative assistant to the graduate program at least three weeks in advance of the defense. This request must be received by the Graduate School at least two weeks in advance.

Likewise, it is the responsibility of the dissertation adviser to complete the Results of Dissertation Defense form and submit the results to the director of graduate studies or the administrative assistant for the graduate program following the defense. Once the form has final approval of the director of graduate studies, the results will be forwarded to the Graduate School.

At least a majority of the Ph.D. Committee must be present at the Dissertation Prospectus Oral Defense and at the Final Dissertation Defense and original signatures from at least a majority of the committee are required on the “results” forms.

After the Final Defense Following a successful Dissertation Defense, students are responsible for preparing and submitting the final version of their dissertation to the Vanderbilt Library. Students are also responsible for completing the required paperwork for the official conferral of the Ph.D. and graduation from Vanderbilt. These matters may be discussed with the DGS at the appropriate time.

Standards of Progress

Overview of requirements and standards of progress.

To maintain good standing in the Ph.D. program, students must satisfy all requirements by the deadlines specified above. Failure to maintain good standing will result in departmental action, which may include expulsion of the student from the Ph.D. program.

Training for the Ph.D. goes beyond formal coursework and the dissertation; it includes participating in the life of the department. Students are expected to regularly attend departmental events, including colloquia, public lectures, workshops, and other events. Moreover, students are expected to exhibit an appropriate level of professionalism and responsibility in their roles as students, scholars, teachers, colleagues, and academic citizens. All graduate students should check and respond to their departmental email daily and should check their ground mail at least twice a week.

A student’s fellowship funding and good standing in the graduate program are conditional upon the student’s meeting appropriate standards of progress. In usual cases, these standards are as follows:

End of the first semester :

• Students must have completed eleven credits, including three three-credit courses and the required two-credit Proseminar.

End of the second semester :

• First summer: The department strongly encourages students to study for the Foreign Language Exam if they have not already satisfied this requirement and/or study for the Logic Exam if they have not already satisfied the Logic Requirement.

End of the third semester :

• Students must have completed three additional three-credit courses for nine additional credits, thereby bringing the student’s total number of coursework credits to 29, and must have passed the Logic Exam (or have previously earned “B” or higher in Logic 3003). Students must also take the Foreign Language Exam by September 1.

End of the fourth semester :

• Second Summer: The department strongly encourages students to begin work on their Dissertation Field Exam Bibliography. They should also begin organizing the bibliography into levels of priority and should begin reading material from the bibliography. Students may also want to start putting together their Dissertation Field Exam committee. Students must be in compliance with all departmental requirements by August 20 in order to qualify for the upcoming sixth semester off from teaching.

End of the fifth semester :

• Students must have completed three additional three-credit courses for nine additional credits, thereby bringing the student’s total number of coursework credits to 47 and must have satisfied all distribution requirements.

End of the sixth semester :

• Third Summer: Students should complete their Dissertation Prospectus if they have not already done so, should defend the Dissertation Prospectus, or should be working on their dissertation.

End of the seventh semester :

• If students are not ABD entering the seventh semester, they should register for a sufficient number of PHIL 8999: Non-Candidate Research credits to stay on pace for the timely completion of the required 72 credit-hours by the time they are ready to defend the dissertation.
• If students are ABD at the start of the seventh semester, they should register for PHIL 9999: Ph.D. Dissertation Research instead. Please note the policy on “S” and “U” grades for PHIL 9999 .

Eigth, ninth, and tenth semesters :

• Students must register for a sufficient number of Ph.D. Dissertation Research credits (PHIL 9999) to ensure the completion of the required 72 credit-hours by the time they are ready to defend the dissertation. Please note the policy on “S” and “U” grades for PHIL 9999 .
• By the end of the tenth semester, students should have completed a dissertation and passed a public Final Dissertation Defense, thereby completing all requirements for the Ph.D. Graduate students for whom the faculty have approved a longer course of study should complete and defend the dissertation and all Ph.D. requirements according to the schedule. No funding is guaranteed beyond this tenth semester.

• Library News Online

Heard Libraries seeking applicants for new graduate library fellowship

The Jean and Alexander Heard Libraries announce the 2024–25 McCord Graduate Library Fellowship , an opportunity to work under the mentorship of Vanderbilt professional librarians or archivists. The fellowship is designed to enhance the learning experience for graduate and professional students, providing a unique opportunity to engage in inquiry-based and experiential learning related to a variety of topics in libraries and the information sciences.

Fellowships run from mid-October 2024 through mid-May 2025, and fellows receive a monthly stipend of $1,000 for the duration of the fellowship.   

Applications for the McCord Graduate Library Fellowship are due Oct. 1, 2024 . Application requirements and additional details are available at library.vanderbilt.edu/teaching-and-learning/mccord-graduate-library-fellowship .

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Sep 16, 2024, 8:00 AM

“You need experience to gain wisdom.” —Albert Einstein

Vanderbilt added 61 new professors and researchers to our more than 1,800 faculty in 10 schools and colleges for the 2024–25 academic year. What do some of these new faculty wish they’d known when they were younger? Here they answer the question, “What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?”

Amal al-Wahish , senior lecturer in physics and astronomy College of Arts and Science Academic focus: condensed matter and neutron scattering

  al-Wahish is a physicist studying condensed matter experimental and neutron scattering. Her latest research focused on neutron scattering studies of phosphate proton conductors.

  ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF

“My advice to my younger self is to take my time and listen more.” -Amal al-Wahish

Thomas G. Szabo , lecturer of special education, director, applied behavior analysis online graduate program Peabody College of Education and Human Development Academic focus: acceptance and commitment therapy

Szabo’s work focuses on teaching ways to ignite psychological flexibility through acceptance and commitment training (ACTr) for autistic people, their parents and caregivers, siblings, and staff members. Szabo was a middle school teacher before going on to become a peer-reviewed acceptance and commitment therapy trainer, board certified behavior analyst, and a behavior analysis professor. He currently directs the Vanderbilt University online graduate certificate program in ABA.

ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF

“I say this to myself today as much as I say this to my younger me when I need to: Find a place in your home or if possible, in a wild place outdoors, where you can gain perspective, see things newly, and embrace your now with all its ups and downs. From there, create your tomorrow, one breath at a time.” – Tom Szabo

Katie Coate , assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics School of Medicine Basic Sciences Academic focus: human pancreatic islet endocrine cells

Research in the Coate Laboratory seeks to identify mechanisms controlling the activity and identity of human pancreatic islet cells in health and disease.

“ The path to success will be paved with detours, challenges, and apparent setbacks. While it is healthy to acknowledge the emotions you may feel during such times, it is equally as beneficial to view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow – both personally and professionally. Such a response will foster the development of a growth mindset that will enable you to embrace the ‘detours’ of life with joy and steadfast hope.” – Katie Coate

Jesús Ruiz , assistant professor of the practice in Caribbean studies College of Arts and Science Academic focus: Caribbean history and the 1791 Haitian revolution

Ruiz is a historian of Latin America and the Caribbean. His work focuses on slavery, freedom and Black political thought in the Atlantic World. He teaches courses on Afro-Latin America, Migration in the Americas and Caribbean Studies. He is particularly interested in the history of Haiti and its monumental revolution of 1791-1804.

“Take the time to learn about money management to better your financial literacy.” –Jesús Ruiz

Madeline Brandt , assistant professor of mathematics College of Arts and Science Academic focus: combinatorial algebraic geometry

Brandt studies combinatorial algebraic geometry. Algebraic geometry investigates complicated shapes. Many aspects of this geometry can be described by discrete data and examined computationally. Brandt develops computational tools to study the geometry of these shapes.

“The most important ingredient to success in your endeavors is to have a growth mindset,” Brandt said. “Your abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and perseverance. Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, view them as opportunities to grow and improve. When you encounter difficulties, remember that struggle is a part of the learning process, and recognize that each step forward is a testament to your hard work and resilience.” – Madeline Brandt

Max Dosser , senior lecturer in communication studies College of Arts and Science Academic focus: speculative fiction and fan studies

Dosser’s research looks into the intersection of speculative fiction and fan studies. Speculative fiction is any narrative from science fiction to fantasy that is not true-to-life. Dosser examines the relationship between attachments fans have to speculative fictional characters and the mentality behind the violence and exclusion often prevalent in these fan movements.  

ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF  

“It’s okay to say no to things. Don’t stretch yourself too thin.” – Max Dosser

Haein Kang , assistant professor of art College of Arts and Science Academic focus: new media art

Kang focuses her artistic expertise on innovating through creative technology. She uses emerging technology as a poetic tool to influence her art. Her doctoral research was on the artistic application of brain-computer interfaces.

“Be kind to yourself!”— Haein Kang

• See a full list of Vanderbilt’s newest faculty members .
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• Read why some of the 2024 faculty chose Vanderbilt .
• Learn about faculty who started in the 2023-24 school year .
• Follow the latest research news from Vanderbilt .

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NEW FACULTY: Vanderbilt’s new faculty explain their transformative research

Support for democracy in the Americas remains low, opening door for politicians with undemocratic plans, Vanderbilt survey finds

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Ural State Medical University Russia 2024-25: Admission, Courses, Fees, Eligibility, Ranking etc.

Ural State Medical University Russia was founded in 1930. Today it is a major science and education centre and a home to 6000 students, both Russian and international. Ural State Medical University students and researchers can choose from Undergraduate, Graduate, Postgraduate and Residency programmes in General Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Social Work and Clinical Psychology.

This article provides information about Ural State Medical University for Indian students, such as faculties, courses offered, admission process, eligibility criteria, fee structure, ranking etc.

[Page Index]

Quick highlights.

Let us look at some quick highlights of Ural State Medical University Russia.

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Affiliation and Recognition

The Ural State Medical University is one of the biggest medical universities in Russia, and it is affiliated with and recognized by various Medical Councils such as:

• National Medical Commission of India ( NMC ).
• World Health Organization (WHO).
• Recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• Ministry of Science & Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
• Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation

Courses Offered

Ural State Medical University Courses offer quality medical programs under highly qualified faculty and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Ural State University is famous for its undergraduate medical programs. If you want more details about the MBBS course .

Why Study MBBS at Ural State Medical University Russia?

• English Medium Instruction: Ural State University Russia offers courses entirely in English.
• Global Recognition: Ural Medical University Russia is affiliated with and recognized by various medical councils worldwide.
• Modern Facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories, and clinical training centers.
• Secure Accommodation: The university provides five dormitories with high security and special safety measures for female students.
• Internships and Visiting Lecturers: Ural State Medical University offers internships and hosts visiting lecturers from around the world.
• Top Ranking: The university holds the 10th position among Russian medical universities.
• Affordable Tuition: Tuition fees are more affordable compared to many other international medical universities.

Advantages of MBBS in Russia

Admission Procedure

If you want to take Ural State Medical University Russia admission in 2024-25, you must qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Exam ( NEET ) for Indian students.

To secure admission at Ural State Medical University, prospective students should adhere to the following steps:

• Complete the college’s admission form accurately, ensuring all information is provided correctly.
• Submit essential documents, including scanned copies of 10th and 12th-grade mark sheets, a NEET scorecard, a medical certificate copy, and a passport copy.
• Upon submission, applicants can expect to receive an invitation letter from the college within 10-15 days.
• Once in possession of the invitation letter, students are required to pay the tuition fee using online banking methods.
• Using the original payment receipt and university invitation letter, students can commence the student visa application process, which typically takes around 10 days to process.

Eligibility Criteria

In this section, all the students check the eligibility criteria of Ural State Medical University.

Graphical Representation of Eligibility Criteria

Documents Required

Before taking Ural State Medical University Russia admission, please carry all these related documents.

• Passport (Minimum 18 months validity).
• 10th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• 12th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• Birth Certificate.
• 10 passport-size Photographs
• Official Invitation letter from the Medical University of Russia.
• Authorization of all documents from the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
• Legalization of all documents from the Russian Embassy.
• Bank receipt of 1st Year Ural State Medical University Tuition fees (required for some Universities).
• HIV test documents.

Fee Structure 2024-25

In this section, all the MBBS Students get information about the Ural State Medical University fees in 2024. Check all the relevant queries regarding fees following this page:  Low fees for MBBS Colleges in Russia .

Ranking 2024-25

The Ural State Medical University ranking in its respective country, Russia and Ural State Medical University world ranking have been mentioned in the table below. Let’s have a look:

Note: The Mentioned Ranking of the University in the above table is according to EduRank.

About Yekaterinburg City

• Yekaterinburg is the largest city and the administrative centre of Sverdlovsk Oblast and the Ural Federal District, Russia.
• The city is located on the Iset River between the Volga-Ural region and Siberia, with a population of roughly 1.5 million residents, up to 2.2 million residents in the urban agglomeration.
• Yekaterinburg is the fourth-largest city in Russia, the largest city in the Ural Federal District, and one of Russia’s main cultural and industrial centres.
• Yekaterinburg has been dubbed the “Third capital of Russia”, as it is ranked third by the size of its economy, culture, transportation and tourism.

Contact Details

Ural State Medical University Russia Address: Ulitsa Repina, 3, Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, 620014

Campus Video

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of the mbbs course at ural state medical university russia.

The duration of the MBBS course at USMU Russia is 6 Years.

What are other facilities available at the hostels of the Ural State Medical University?

Candidates get beds, desks, chairs, wardrobes, etc., in their rooms. Also, they get appliances on a sharing basis such as irons, ironing boards, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, dryer racks, etc.

• Admission Updates,
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Abroad MBBS Update 2024 : Admission Dates, Top College, Fees, Location, Scholarship etc.

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University Profile

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The university is located in Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast. Find the address of the university below.

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Programs and Courses

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K-12 and Higher Education Leadership and Policy (Ed.D.)

Bridge the divide between theory and practice while working closely with educators from across the country in an innovative, cohort-based program designed to meet the needs of mid-career K-12 and higher education professionals.

• Application Checklist
• Tuition and Financial Aid
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• Request Information

Education Leadership and Policy Program Overview

Our intensive Ed.D. program allows you to pursue a doctorate while continuing your full-time work through one of two academic concentrations:

• K-12 Education Leadership and Policy
• Higher Education Leadership and Policy

The Ed.D. degree program culminates in a year-long capstone project in which you will showcase the analytic abilities, professional understanding, contextual knowledge, and teamwork skills you've accrued. The capstone will closely mirror the challenges of contemporary education practice.

Explore education policy, leadership and administration, and the right path for you.

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Ed.D. Program Facts

Program Director: Marisa Cannata Admissions Coordinator: Kashiri Favors Admission Term: Summer Credit Hours: 84, including 30 hours that must transfer in from a prior master's degree

Application Dates

Application deadline 1, application deadline 2, rolling admissions.

After February 3*

*Prospective students are highly encouraged to submit applications by Feb 3. We will continue to accept applications after this date, but applications will be evaluated for admission and scholarships as space and funds are available.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Students explore K-12 and higher education through a variety of perspectives, including the social, economic, legal, and historical contexts that shape our current educational system and the ways the system may reinforce or disrupt patterns of inequality. The program provides a deep understanding of the relationship among schools and society; democracy, local control, and education; equal protection under the law; systemic inequalities in the educational workforce; and issues of equity in postsecondary access.

Selected Faculty Research

Chezare Warren

Associate Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Education Policy, Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations Associate Professor of Teaching & Learning (Secondary), Department of Teaching and Learning

Chezare A. Warren, PhD is   a scholar of race and intersectional justice whose research interests center on understanding the conditions that enable Black students’ education success and wellbeing. A former secondary math teacher and school administrator from Chicago, Dr. Warren is principal investigator of  THE POSSIBILITIES  PROJECT , an “arts-informed knowledge hub” that generates original research in Black Education. A  2024 TED Speaker , he has held visiting faculty appointments at Stanford University, New York University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Education Leadership and Policy Program Curriculum

As a student in the Ed.D. program you will begin your studies with a cohort of approximately 20-25 highly qualified students from around the country. Together you'll progress through a prescribed 3-year (36-month), weekend-based curriculum. Each year is divided into summer, fall, and spring semesters.

A full degree program comprises 54 credit hours, in addition to 30 transfer hours from an accepted master's degree, for a total of 84 credit hours.

Classes meet in-person on Friday evenings and Saturdays during specified weekends, allowing students to maintain their full-time professional role.

Ed.D. Coursework

Education leadership and policy curriculum (k-12).

Through required courses, you'll focus on education reform, instructional leadership, educational accountability and assessment, research methods and data analysis, the social context of education, politics and governance, teachers and teaching, and resource allocation and deployment.

REQUIRED COURSES

• EHLP 8110 Advanced Leadership Theory and Behavior
• EHLP 8260 Exploring the Foundations of Systemic (In)Equity in American Education
• EHLP 8130 Advanced Organizational Theory and Behavior
• ELP 8150 Leadership for School Improvement
• EHLP 8810 Decision Analysis I-Logic of Systematic Inquiry
• EHLP 8140 Social Context of Educational Leadership and Policy
• EHLP 8851 Decision Analysis II-Quantitative Analysis
• ELP 9330 Teachers and Teaching
• EHLP 8820 Decision Analysis III-Qualitative Analysis
• ELP 8220 Educational Accountability and Student Assessment
• ELP 8230 Politics and Governance in Education
• ELP 8240 Education Law
• EHLP 8830 Decision Analysis IV-Program Analysis and Policy Evaluation
• ELP 8210 Resource Allocation and Deployment
• EHLP 8120 Advanced Learning and Performance in Organizations
• EHLP 9992 Capstone Experience
• ELP 9500 K-12 Seminar

Higher Education Leadership and Policy Curriculum

Through required courses, you'll focus on colleges and universities as organizations, the college student experience, research design and data analysis, the academic profession, public policy and higher education, history, finance, and higher education in international contexts.

• HLP 8230 Advanced Nature and Function of Higher Education 
• EHLP 8851 Decision Analysis II-Quantitative Research
• HLP 8210 College and University Management
• EHLP 8820 Decision Analysis III-Qualitative Research
• HLP 8250 Advanced Postsecondary Access
• HLP 8240 The College Student: Advanced
• EHLP 8830 Decision Analysis IV-Education Policy and Program Evaluation
• HLP 9310 College and University Finance 
• HLP 9500 HE Seminar
• Application Process