Thomas Edison State University (TESU) announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind doctoral pathway in the state: the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Professional Studies. This innovative “degree-completion” program is specifically designed for the “ABD” (All But Dissertation) population—thousands of experienced professionals who started a doctorate elsewhere but never finished.
As the only public institution in New Jersey offering a doctorate tailored for completion, TESU aims to remove traditional academic barriers by honoring prior doctoral learning and replacing the high-stakes dissertation with an applied field project.
National data highlights a persistent struggle in higher education: the Council of Graduate Schools estimates that 40% to 50% of doctoral students in the United States fail to complete their degrees. These “non-completers” often cite the rigid structure of traditional programs and the isolating nature of the dissertation process as primary obstacles.
“This program recognizes their experience, respects their realities, and provides a clear pathway to doctoral completion,” TESU President Merodie Hancock said. “Innovation has always been central to our mission, and this degree is a meaningful way to support those who have already invested significant time and effort in their education.”
The 48-credit online program is built on a cohort model, allowing professionals to collaborate with peers across various sectors.
-
Generous Transfer Policy: Students must transfer a minimum of 21 credits (and up to 30) from an accredited doctoral program.
-
Prior Learning Credit: Beyond formal coursework, students can leverage TESU’s Credit for Prior Learning program to turn professional certifications or licenses into academic credit.
-
Applied Research: Instead of a traditional theoretical dissertation, the program culminates in a scholar-practitioner field project aimed at solving real-world organizational challenges.
-
Timeline: The accelerated format allows eligible students to finish their terminal degree in under three years.
The Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education, which houses the program, designed the curriculum to be interdisciplinary. It spans fields such as educational leadership, human resources, public service, and management.
“This program was intentionally designed for scholars who bring deep professional knowledge but were sidelined by rigid, traditional doctoral models,” Jeffrey Harmon, interim dean of the Heavin School said. “We are helping experienced professionals complete a degree that advances both their careers and their fields.”
