Ph.D. in International Development
The Doctor of Philosophy degree
A Ph.D. means a doctorate in what once was thought of as the philosophy of the subject. Today the word philosophy must be understood to mean professorship knowledge and skills. It is the premier degree of the university tradition, the main degree that allows the holders to mentor others up to their same level. Mentoring is a skill emphasized by WCIU.
The Ph.D. requires sufficient study for students to orient their learning and research process within the history and theory of the academic discipline and to become thoroughly conversant with its classic literature, major theorists, and schools of thought sufficiently in depth to assess their findings in relation to (a) previous research, (b) current research and trends in theory, and (c) the University’s basic orientation within the field of International Development. The doctorate thus demands that students think critically and interrelate facts within a broad theoretical framework, as well as to be able to mentor successfully.
The Ph.D. in International Development is designed for mid-career professionals seeking to engage in humanitarian service, research, program development and direction, or training of personnel in the general field of International Development. Building on the foundational knowledge and skills of the Global Civilization program or its equivalent, the Ph.D. program provides an interdisciplinary approach that focuses on identifying the basic roots of human problems and identifying long-term solutions.
Participants in the program represent diverse nationalities, academic interests, and professional backgrounds, but all are seeking to dedicate their careers to humanitarian service in developing countries and countries in transition, working within foreign assistance agencies, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, or other development institutions, most of which are faith-based.
The heart of the Ph.D. program is the relationship between the participants and their mentors. This is a collaborative relationship in which the participants are willing to contribute to the professional and scholarly goals of their mentors as they pursue their own educational program under the supervision and guidance of their mentors. The participants in turn share what they are learning in mentoring relationships of their own.
The roots of human problems lie deep within cultural and social systems. WCIU seeks to equip students to understand these systems, to identify the roots of pervasive problems, and to address effectively their causes. Only through such development practices can lasting change be achieved.
In addition, we contrast the concept of natural development within any society or culture, upon which the growth of civilizations have been based, with directed development which occurs in the relationship of a dominant power toward its subordinate social and ethnic groups. It is our observation that NGOs tend to facilitate natural development, while governmental programs seek directed development.
Development is a process that enables a person and a community to improve and/or meet their essential needs (economic, political, cultural, mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual). It is a dynamic process of change and growth that improves the quality of life of participants and is most effective when generated from within their own socio-cultural system. "It is a process that helps people to remove obstacles that prevent them from achieving their full potential" (Operations Manual, ADRA c. 1996:A2-3).
We embrace a development policy that focuses on the process of building capacity in a specific people group to cope with the many changes and challenges of globalization they are facing. We wee the process starting with helping people build an identity of who they are in God's view and plan. We view as the most promising development efforts those that have potential for training leaders in communities in the skills they need to cope with the impact of globalization. Development that aims at transforming people should always provide not only options and resources for their physical and social betterment, but also the hope and answers for their spiritual questions and needs.
Doctoral graduates will demonstrate the capacities to:
Achievement of these learning outcomes is measured by means of student work products resulting from course assignments, evaluation of field experience, doctoral qualifying examination, doctoral dissertation, and mentoring of a junior associate.
Admission to WCIU is open to people whose goals are in accord with the University’s purpose, who are willing to abide by the University’s policies, whose educational objectives may be met by WCIU’s programs, who are seriously committed to academic excellence, who show promise of success in their pursuit of an education, and who are self-reliant, flexible, and willing to sacrifice in breaking new ground in international service appropriate to today’s complex world.
In keeping with WCIU’s mission and purpose, admission to University programs typically is granted to current and potential workers who are involved in cross-cultural service with its constituency of faith-based voluntary organizations in the evangelical Protestant tradition. WCIU expects all who are studying under our guidance to be working toward a degree.
As a community committed to service, WCIU seeks to maintain an environment that is conducive to a cooperative lifestyle based on sound ethical values. Students and staff are expected to abide by University policies that enhance community life and to act with consideration toward others, maintaining a high standard of moral conduct in line with expectations of its constituency of faith-based NGOs. Individuals are encouraged to develop their own personal lifestyles based on these principles.
WCIU policies prohibit the use of violence, firearms (security personnel excepted), non-prescribed drugs, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages in all University facilities, grounds and activities. Refer to the Student Handbook and the Heritage and Values sections of the catalog for specific policies that enhance community life.
Nondiscrimination
Within the context of its announced commitment to the expectations and values of the world of faith-based voluntary agencies engaged in international development, WCIU does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, marital status, or physical disability.
Doctoral Degree Admissions Qualifications
Admission to graduate degree programs is granted to those who meet the University-wide admission qualifications and whose records indicate their ability to pursue advanced study and research. An evaluation is first done on the compatibility of learner/major advisor team. For that reason, the Preliminary Information Form of the prospective graduate associate must be endorsed by the prospective Major Advisor. If the proposed Major Advisor has not previously served on the University’s faculty, full documentation has to be secured by submitting a Faculty Information Form and any documentation requested to the Ph.D. Program Office. Once the Major Advisor has been approved and suitability has been determined, the Admissions Office will request all other documentation needed from the learner for admission to the University.
Applicants admitted to the Ph.D. program are expected to have already completed a master’s degree related to International Development, and to have learning equivalent to the foundational studies offered in the Global Civilization curriculum (see the M.A. program section of the catalog). The Academic Assessment process evaluates Associates’ current knowledge of International Development based on their prior academic records and professional experience, to determine their understanding of the foundational master’s level material covered in the Global Civilization curriculum. Based on this assessment, applicants for the doctoral program may be referred to the master’s program, or weaknesses in their background may require course work or other compensatory studies to be built into their Doctoral Learning Contract.
In addition to University-wide requirements, specific admission requirements are as follows:
An applicant who meets most of the requirements of admission and who, in the opinion of the PhD Committee, will be able to meet specified conditions, may be granted conditional admission to a WCIU program. Upon fulfilling the conditions within the first six months, the applicant will be reclassified from conditional admission to regular admission status.
In the WCIU doctoral program, we attempt to form teams of Major Advisors and graduate Associates, ideally within the membership of an NGO. The team can thus be working on real problems of interest to the NGO, while moving the Associate toward completion of a PhD program.
For an individual to apply to our program, he must first have sought the endorsement of a qualified Major Advisor, who agrees to chair the Associate’s Doctoral Committee, and to supervise the Associate’s course of study, research and dissertation, in conjunction with a Doctoral Committee to be appointed. Once the Associate has been accepted into the program, the Major Advisor assists the Associate in selecting two additional persons to serve on the Doctoral Committee. The Doctoral Committee then works with the Associate to develop a Doctoral Learning Contract (DLC) that will provide direction to the Associate’s individualized program of study.
Governmental guidelines require that three members of a doctoral committee must be faculty members of the institution granting the degree. Since, in WCIU programs, learners are more widely scattered geographically than in traditional doctoral programs, Adjunct Faculty members play a major role in the academic process. Consequently, we ask all those who are invited to be members of a doctoral committee to submit the Faculty Information Form, a resume, and degree transcripts, in order that we may make the formal appointment of them as Adjunct Faculty.
To serve on a Doctoral Committee, Adjunct Faculty must have held an earned Ph.D. for at least three years and be active in scholarly research within the last five years, as evidenced by faculty appointment, peer-reviewed publications, grants, or other such expressions appropriate to an Associate’s area of specialization.
Associates who must apply for readmission are required to file an Application for Readmission, pay the Readmission Fee, and meet all the requirements in effect at the new date. Associates must apply for readmission in the following circumstances:
Readmission Process
Regardless of a Leave of Absence or other time away from studies, all requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed no more than 10 years from the official Start Date of their program.
Prior to registration, Associates must submit admission forms and faculty advisor documentation and be admitted to the university.
Tentative Associates have six months from their Starting Date to develop a full committee, submit a Doctoral Learning Contract, and send in the First Evaluation report. They are limited to 9 units of courses before the First Evaluation. An extension of time (normally limited to an additional three months) may be granted, upon approval by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and payment of the late fee, if this work is not completed within their first six months. If all required work is not completed within any approved extension period, the Associate’s program will be discontinued.
When the First Evaluation is approved, the Tentative Associate is admitted to regular Graduate Associate status and must send in a Course Outline and Enrollment Agreement with payment of tuition and fees, for the first course within two months of attaining this new status. Exceptions:
Failure to enroll in a course within two months of the approved time period will result in a Late Registration Fee at the start of the third month. Those who do not enroll by the start of the fourth month are considered withdrawn from their program and are no longer Graduate Associates, unless in unusual circumstances an extension of time has been approved. If Associates are withdrawn from the program, application for readmission will be required.
Doctoral Level Unit Requirements
Prerequisite work completed prior to admission, including the M.A. degree (or equivalent)...…… Minimum of 30 units
Post MA (or equivalent) Doctoral level work
(in addition to dissertation)…………………..… Minimum of 45 units
Combined total of MA or equivalent and
Doctoral degree………………………………… Minimum of 75 units
Doctoral Level Time Limitations
All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed in no less than 3 years from the official Start Date of the program and no more than 10 years from the official Start Date of the program.
All learners will be required to take the following courses, totaling15 semester units, all of which are prepared and will be supervised by WCIU core faculty, unless committee members are specifically approved to supervise the work, or approval is given for transfer of credit from another institution:
Intl Dev 565, History and Trends in International Development... 4 units
Int Cultr 580A, Introduction to Mentoring………………………. 2 units
Int Cultr 580B, Mentoring Practicum....…………....…………… 2 units
Int Dev 573, Research Methodologies………………………… 4 units
Int Dev 530, Introduction to Research Statistics……………... 3 units
The Doctoral Learning Contract (DLC) is the key document that makes the WCIU degree a reality, given the diverse locations of associates, major advisors and committee members. The DLC, once fully elaborated and approved, provides the roadmap for all involved to follow the progress of the program.
Only after completion of the research courses can a learner submit a final DLC, which includes not only the preliminary research proposal, but also proposals for a minimum of 18 hours of course work within the Specialization identified by the research proposal, the areas on which the Doctoral Qualifying Examination will be based (following the completion of course work), the proposed subject of the dissertation, and any other requirements recommended by the learner’s committee for the completion of the degree. With the Learning Contract, the members of the committee will submit course outlines covering the 18 hours of work in the Specialization.
Upon acceptance of the Learning Contract, the learner is recognized as a Research Associate to the Major Advisor.
Within the first six-month period after approval of the Tentative Academic Team of mentor/major adviser and student/associate, a full doctoral committee should be named. The major adviser may assist the associate in finding two other members of the committee. The major adviser leads the committee, in consultation with the associate, in designing the Doctoral Learning Contract (DLC). The DLC builds on the associate’s master’s studies and other relevant work, and expands on these by specifying the advanced learning to be undertaken in the doctoral program. The major adviser should follow the Guidelines published with the Doctoral Learning Contract outline, which describe in detail the various components.
Evaluation reports are required every six months. The First Evaluation Report confirms the full Academic Team (associate and doctoral committee) and progress on the DLC. If needed, an extension on this first report of up to 3 months may be granted, if approved by the Program Office. Associates are limited to enrollment in 9 units of course work until the First Evaluation is submitted.
Summary of the Doctoral Learning Contract
Most of the DLC focuses on strategies for fulfilling the learning objectives through guided studies and experiences. In brief, it specifies:
1. Preparatory studies in Cultural Anthropology, Perspectives on International Development, and Foundations of Global Civilization. If these are not covered on transcripts initially presented, they should have been completed prior to submitting the DLC.
2. Preparatory studies to compensate for weaknesses noted, such as in skill in writing academic English. The University policy on “English Language vs. Other Language Use in Doctoral Programs” states:
All Associates must be able to study and communicate in English as verified by such instruments as the TOEFL exam. This recognizes that English has come to occupy a principal role in academic discourse and research throughout the world.
In order to make the results of An Associate’s work more readily applicable to his own constituencies, and to foster his academic credibility in those circles, for the dissertation, permission can also be given for the use of another major language in which there are significant academic resources, and which is more familiar to the Associate than English. In such a case, all members of the Associate’s doctoral committee must be able to function easily in that language. Dissertations written in such a major language must include a 30-page summary in English, which must be available to University officials prior to the final acceptance of the document.
3. Work sufficient to ensure a master’s level understanding of the field of International Development as a whole and of the chosen Specialization, and advanced course work to be undertaken for the Ph.D. This would include the 15 units of required course work, a minimum of 18 units in the Specialization, and a minimum of 12 units of Dissertation.
4. Language acquisition plans, if required. The University policy of Second Language Acquisition is as follows:
a. The ability to communicate in at least one other language is normally expected. This language would be one in which field research is to be done, or in which a significant body of research data related to the dissertation proposal has been published. Associates writing the dissertation in another major language (in which all members of their committee are conversant, as well as a core faculty member at the University) may list English as the second language.
b. Graduate study is undertaken using the language or languages relevant to the discipline and to regional and cultural studies. It is the Associate’s responsibility to demonstrate proficiency in reading the pertinent literature and in speaking the language necessary for the proper conduct of research.
c. Moderate written and/or oral proficiency in at least one second language is expected for the Ph.D. program, unless the Associate’s committee, with University approval, indicates otherwise. This demands comprehension of scholarly publications in the language and/or the ability to carry on conversations as assessed by commonly accepted professional standards.
d. Evaluation of the Associate’s knowledge of the second language(s) may be documented by: (a) a national examination record or transcript showing graduate reading ability, or (b) an assessment by a qualified person of the Associate’s ability to use the language at the required level. The documentation of the evaluation should be sent directly to the Ph.D. Program Office.
e. Computer languages do not meet this second language requirement; however, Associates are strongly encouraged to gain competence in the use of computers.
5. Other learning experiences (e.g., cross-cultural field research; productive teamwork with the major adviser; efforts to mesh with the academic context of International Development). Associates are encouraged to attend professional conferences and participate in workshops, symposiums, and graduate seminars in the areas related to their research focus, both during course work and while carrying out the research, data analysis, and writing of the dissertation, for the stimulation of sharing insights and receiving responses from other scholars.
6. Doctoral Qualifying Examination (DQE). The purpose of the Exam is to test fully the associate’s knowledge of the field of International Development as a whole, and particularly of the chosen Specialization. It is not limited to materials covered by the courses taken by the associate. The doctoral committee should indicate in the DLC three to six main subject areas to be covered by the exam questions, typically including both sub-disciplines and regional/cultural studies.
When the associate has completed all studies designated in the DLC—except language studies that may be undertaken when starting field research—the mentor should arrange for the DQE to be given. The examination consists of two mandatory parts:
a. the written examination covering the associate’s chosen Specialization in the context of the larger field of International Development; followed by
b.
the oral examination conducted conjointly by the full doctoral committee and a WCIU representative. Other local scholars and associates also may be invited to participate.
The basic fee for the DQE is $350. If any part of the exam must be rewritten, an additional $50 fee is imposed for each section. If the entire exam must be rewritten, another fee of $350 is required.
When the DQE is passed and all required courses are completed, the associate is advanced to candidacy. Associates begin Doctorandus status at this time. In some cases, candidate status may be approved if a specific course, such as language study on the field, has not yet been completed.
7. Plans for mentoring a junior associate, seeing the latter through a master’s degree program, should be included in the DLC. This mentoring process may be started early in the associate’s doctoral program, if approved by the doctoral committee, but must at least begin upon reaching Doctorandus status.8. Dissertation Topic and Research Proposal. The DLC should indicate the general area of research being considered for the dissertation, and how this is related to the research objectives of the NGO or voluntary organization with which the associate or major advisor is associated.
The Research Proposal should state the need for and objectives of the intended research, intermediate goals, and the methodology upon which the research will be based. The Proposal is to include both a clear statement of the intended thesis and a carefully selected preliminary bibliography of the most important literature to which the thesis is directly related.
Normally, associates should be advanced to candidacy before starting major research towards the dissertation. The need to undertake elements of the research before candidacy, to include in the doctoral program data from previously conducted research, or to base the doctoral research upon such earlier research, should be explained in the DLC.
Associates are advised to give careful attention to planning and writing the Research Proposal, as it affects their dissertation research. It is not unusual for associates to be required to rewrite early drafts of the proposal because their research plans are not framed within the context of current theoretical positions within their discipline. The proposal, like the DQE, is an assessment tool used to evaluate the associate’s ability to apply theory to a specific research topic.
Associates who are not yet sufficiently acquainted with the field conditions under which they plan to carry out their dissertation research may write an initial proposal based on their current knowledge, realizing that research may lead them to change their hypothesis and/or even their anticipated research focus. Their earlier exercise of writing the initial proposal will have provided them needed experience for the revised, or entirely new, proposal based on the new direction of their research.
The doctoral dissertation requires two fees of $500 each:
a. the Dissertation Research Proposal Fee covers the writing of the Proposal and guidance during the dissertation research, and is due when the Proposal is sent to the Ph.D. Program Office; and
b.
the Dissertation Review Fee covers the writing and defense of the dissertation, and is due when the first draft of a chapter of the dissertation is submitted.
9. The timing and probable location for doing dissertation literature research and field research, as far as known at this stage. The DLC should indicate plans for research of the scholarly literature in the discipline and, where relevant, for field research, as far as is known at the time. In many cases the research plans will change during the course of the doctoral program, and the Doctoral Research Proposal will update this section of the DLC.
Dissertation research is conducted under the supervision of the doctoral committee. The Major Advisor should be available to be consulted and to render supervisory assistance frequently, especially during the initial research phase.
The pre-field search of relevant literature may demand that the associate utilize research libraries, government archives, the internet, computer databases, and other appropriate information resources. Interviews, discussions, and correspondence with specialists on related topics should be planned both before and during this phase of research.
Research for the dissertation is not restricted to fieldwork in a single location. Much of the data collection, however, typically does involve cross-cultural field research in the developing world. It is critical during this period of field research that associates continue sending Six-Month Progress Reports to the Ph.D. Program Office, with copies to their committee members.
10. Dissertation writing expectations, and possible date and
location of the oral defense of the dissertation. When the dissertation is approved, the mentor arranges for an Oral Defense of the dissertation, which he or she will chair. Also participating will be the other committee members, a representative appointed by the University, and, if possible, additional Readers and guest specialists.
The DLC should indicate the tentative location of the oral defense of the dissertation. This is particularly important if the associate expects to be at a distance from some of the doctoral committee members at that time. While it is ideal for all participants to be present in the same room during the oral defense, it is not unusual for some to participate by phone. The associate bears the travel or other costs for the committee members’ involvement, but is not responsible for expenses related to participation by other than committee members.
The oral defense is a test of the associate’s:
A further revision of the dissertation may be required after the oral defense. Two bound copies, one unbound original, and an electronic copy of the final approved dissertation must be submitted to the University. Procedural instructions for this process should be obtained from the Program Office.
The process of designing the DLC early in the program is to encourage committee members and the associate to think through the various steps in the learning process, to avoid unnecessary delays due to lack of planning, and to ensure that all parties understand the requirements for the degree.
After approval of the DLC, unforeseen circumstances may develop, preventing fulfillment of some aspects and necessitating changes in the Contract. Upon consulting all committee members, the major advisor should send a request for changes in the DLC to the Ph.D. Program Office. Approval for most minor modifications is granted through this process. If major changes are desired, a new Doctoral Learning Contract should be prepared and forwarded to the Ph.D. Program Office for approval. In this case, the fee is $50.
$ 25 Personal Information Form, Application Fee
$ 150 Evaluation of the Doctoral Learning Contract
$ 150 Tuition per Unit
$ 1,000 Program Fee per each six months
$ 350 Doctoral Qualifying Exam
$1,000
Additional Fees
$ 50 Submission of new DLC in the event of major changes
$ 50 Fee for each section of the DQE that must be re-written
$ 350 Fee if the entire DQE must be re-written
Cost of books, study materials, and other expenses associated with the courses and the research is variable.
Assumes only 45 semester units and the minimum 3-year period
$ 25 PIF, Application
$ 150 Evaluation of the DLC
$ 6,750 Tuition: 45 units @ $150
$ 6,000 Program Fee: first 3 years only
$ 350 Doctoral Qualifying Exam
$ 1,000 Dissertation Fee
$14,275 Total Tuition & Fees
A 50% tuition discount is offered to the spouse of a currently-enrolled student.. A student and spouse need not be enrolled in the same program. However, the number of course units taken by the student determines the number of units charged for courses at the Spouse rate.
NGO Scholarships
Associates who are sent by certain NGOs that are cooperating closely with our program may receive an NGO scholarship, which is variable, depending on the location of the associate. Inquire of the Program Office as to applicability of this scholarship in your case.
Other grants may reduce costs for Associates demonstrating financial need and promise of significant service in international development. Typically, costs are reduced on a case-by-case basis. Details available from the Program Office.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Refund amounts are the same whether tuition is paid in advance or on a deferred payment plan. Those on deferred payment are expected to meet all financial obligations, including paying the full tuition and fees due, less the refund indicated.
In compliance with regulations set by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, WCIU bases its refund schedule on the work completed or time elapsed between the approved Starting Date and Completion Date for individual courses.
Associates who cancel withdraw in writing prior to or on the approved Program Start Date:
Full refund of all degree program charges, less $25 for processing the Personal Information Form (PIF) and application.
Associates who cancel or withdraw in writing from any course prior to or on the Approved Start Date:
Full refund of tuition minus any non-refundable fees.
Associates who withdraw in writing from any course within four months of the approved Start Date:
Pro rata refund according to terms specified in the Enrollment Agreement. Refunds will be made within 30 days of receipt of the written notice of cancellation or withdrawal.
Associates who withdraw from any course more than four months from the approved Start Date:
No refunds will be given.
If the university cancels or discontinues an educational program, the university will make a full refund of all program fees for services that have not been rendered.
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