The Executive Ph.D. cohort model represents a cadre of committed
colleagues who enroll in, and graduate from an accelerated research-based doctoral program collectively. Matriculation occurs through a rigorously
planned and intensely prescribed academic program of study according to a signed agreement, and a related pledge agreed upon by each student in the cohort. Although culminating dissertation development is finalized in the
latter stages of doctoral studies, the preparation, planning, and refining of
the dissertation are interwoven throughout the 24-month period. Students
are required to develop a two-year plan, which identifies a balance between
their course work and professional work duties at their home/host institution
or agency. The development of the plan facilitates high performance and sustainable productivity in the student’s life during enrollment in this
program. The EPhD cohort model represents a cadre of committed
colleagues who enroll in, and graduate from an accelerated research-based
doctoral program collectively. Matriculation occurs through a rigorously
planned and intensely prescribed academic program of study according to a
signed agreement, and a related pledge agreed upon by each student in the
cohort.

The EPhD cohort model requires students to carefully and diligently plan
ahead. The model promotes collegiality, interdependence, networking and
camaraderie among students for a lifetime. The Cohort model has a
transdisciplinary curriculum, allowing students to apply theories and
practices in daily workplace situations in urban higher education settings.
The model provides a setting in which faculty in the fields of higher education, public policy and administration, busines s , and urban and regional
planning are brought together as colleagues and experts from the field. The
Cohort model is designed for adult learners who are working professionals
who can persevere, as well as endure the rigors of the program so as to
promote personal and professional growth.

The EPhD cohort model informs students, in advance and upon enrollment,
of expected outcomes and the competencies necessary to complete the
academic program of study as designed. Students receive personalized
guidance from faculty to ensure completion of the academic program on time
and on task. Toward this end, students have access to the support of faculty
resource coaches who are carefully selected and designated to help with
dissertation preparation, comprehensive examination preparation, written
and oral communication and , other areas related to personal and
professional guidance. Students learn academic theories and are exposed
to faculty who are either trained academicians, practitioners in the field or
visiting scholars and leaders. The cohort model encourages extensive group
work that follows a framework with the following participants:
(a) moderator/convener , (b) recorder/reporter , and (c) observer/evaluator.

It is imperative that EPhD applicants recognize that this program requires
dedication, commitment, focus and discipline, as well as awareness of the
common tenets in the program such as complexity theory, exchange analysis,
generative learning and community of practice.