Support Roles within Doctoral Studies

Doctoral Advising

Faculty will serve as mentors throughout the program. Throughout the program residencies and interactions during coursework, students will develop relationships with faculty members in order to select a dissertation chair and committee members (see the Dissertation Requirements section). From the beginning of the doctoral program, students are provided avenues to interact with doctoral faculty through courses, residencies, and informal discussions. These opportunities enable students to foster intellectual and personal connections that lead to advising relationships. Students will participate in periodic reviews of their academic progress to ensure that they are meeting program milestones and to discuss ideas for the dissertation.

Doctoral Success Coach: This coach works with applicants from initial interest in the program and will guide them through the application process before holistic review by the Doctoral Admissions Committee. If an applicant is accepted and begins the doctoral program, the Student Success Coach will remain a student's point of contact for questions about university and program policies.

Doctoral faculty: The doctoral faculty members teach courses in the doctoral programs. Doctoral faculty may also serve as mentors, dissertation chairs, and dissertation committee members.

Dissertation Chair: The dissertation chair is the leader of the dissertation committee and the student's primary contact in writing the dissertation. The dissertation chair is a coach and advocate through the dissertation process.

Dissertation Committee: The dissertation committee advises students on the dissertation and evaluates the dissertation oral defense. The dissertation committee consists of the chair, one additional APUS faculty member, and one external member who is an expert in the professional practice area.

Dean of Research and Academic Excellence: The Dean of Research and Academic Excellence collaborates with the doctoral programs for curricular planning, student success, and admissions. This director serves on the Doctoral Admissions Committee and consults with program faculty for a student's program milestones.

Director of Research Experiences: The Director is available to provide advice and guidance on the Institutional Review Process as well as grants and funding opportunities.