Doctoral Degrees
Ball State University offers programs leading to the doctor of philosophy degree (PhD), the doctor of education degree (EdD), the doctor of arts degree (DA), the doctor of nursing practice (DNP), and the doctor of audiology degree (AuD; see Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology for admission requirements and program information).
The doctor of philosophy degree is built upon depth of course work in the concentration area. It also requires a strong formal background in traditional research techniques in the same area and may include a foreign language competency. The dissertation is written on any research topic within the subject matter field, extending the bounds of knowledge in that field and making an original contribution to learning. Ball State offers doctor of philosophy degrees in the following areas:
- Counseling Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- English (suspended)
- Environmental Science
- Human Bioenergetics
- School Psychology
- Special Education
The doctor of education degree is built upon breadth of course work that includes required study in Teachers College. The research competency for this degree is usually statistical in nature. The dissertation characteristically, but not necessarily, contributes to the solution of some important educational problem. Ball State offers doctor of education degrees in the following areas:
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Higher Education
- Interdisciplinary Studies
The doctor of arts degree in music is built upon a depth of course work in a primary field, an area of secondary emphasis usually related to the primary field, and another area of secondary emphasis on college teaching, including a required internship (on the Ball State University campus) and externship (at another college or university). The dissertation may make an original contribution to knowledge in the primary field, but it may also produce and examine innovative teaching materials or methods.
The doctor of nursing practice degree offers a post-baccalaureate or post-master's track with a curriculum that covers advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, and leadership.
The doctor of audiology degree is a post-baccalaureate degree designed to prepare students for the professional practice of audiology.