APCE Frequently Asked Questions

APCE PhD Program FAQs

• Ph.D. FAQs

  • How many credit hours are included in the program?

    The program is 60 credit hours including 12 hours for dissertation.

  • How long should it take to complete the program?

    If you are attending full-time (9 hrs/semester), you may complete the coursework in 2-2.5 years. Part-time students typically complete coursework in 2.5-3 years.

  • How long do I have to finish the program?

    The maximum length of time to complete coursework and reach candidacy is five years. The maximum length of the time to complete the dissertation is 10 years from the date of first enrollment. 

  • What is the academic residency requirement?

    Doctoral students are required to attend classes for three consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring and Summer) to satisfy the residency requirement. Most students meet this requirement in the first year as they take their initial 18 hours with their cohort.

  • Do you offer any distance, on-line or off-campus courses?

    We have a hybrid PhD cohort based out of the Round Rock Campus (80% online/20% in person) and a face-to-face cohort based out of the San Marcos campus. Many courses in the San Marcos cohort contain online components. 

  • Can I work and attend classes?

    All of our courses are offered in the evenings and on weekends for the convenience of working students. Core and concentration courses are typically offered one evening/week from 6:30-9:20pm.

  • Can coursework I took after I completed my Master's degree be transferred in for credit?

    Only coursework taken at the doctoral level may be transferred in for credit. Any potential transfer coursework will be evaluated by your advisor and the program coordinator prior to the receipt of credit.

  • How does the cohort concept work?

    Students are admitted as a cohort in the fall of each year. Cohort students take the first 18 hours of core courses together — six hours in the fall, six hours in the spring, and six in a 10-week summer session. In subsequent years, students take major courses as a cohort, while research and elective courses are taken with students from other cohorts and majors.

  • Can I start in the spring or summer?

    Students are admitted only in the fall of each year.

  • Do I have to attend during the summer?

    To complete the residency requirement, students are required to attend classes during the first summer semester of the program. All other summer semester attendance is optional.

  • What if I miss a semester due to an emergency or other complication?

    Once admitted to the program, students are expected to be enrolled each semester. Students who are unable to enroll for a semester should request a leave of absence. To request a leave of absence, submit a Leave of Absence form to the Program Director before the first day of class of the semester for which the leave applies.  Granting of leave does not automatically extend students deadlines (for meeting candidacy or graduation).

  • Are there any information sessions available?

    Yes, we update them periodically but you can find the sessions form here.