PhD Pilot Study Procedures

Thank you for your interest in the DEAC PhD Pilot Study. DEAC currently reviews programs at the professional doctoral level and is exploring the possibility of expanding its scope of accreditation activity to include the review of PhD programs. To provide some historical background, in 2009 DEAC received approval from CHEA and USDE to include the review of professional doctoral degrees within its scope of accreditation review. The PhD, however, was not included in this scope. The pilot will help DEAC determine whether it is appropriate to pursue the inclusion of PhD programs within the scope of its accreditation activities and formally petition CHEA and USDE. Your participation will support the important work of testing and refining appropriate accreditation standards and procedures.

The PhD is a research-oriented doctoral program designed to prepare students for scholarly work in their profession. The PhD emphasizes the acquisition, organization, utilization, and dissemination of knowledge. A PhD program must afford the student the opportunity for substantial mastery of the subject matter, theory, literature, and methodology of a significant field of study. This includes a sequential development of research skills leading to the attainment of an independent research capacity. PhD dissertations require original research that contributes to new knowledge in the chosen field of study. DEAC will examine the quality of PhD programs submitted to the pilot study within the context of the aforementioned description.

These are the procedures for submitting your application to the pilot study for review.

  1. Only DEAC-accredited institutions may apply to participate in the study.
  2. Applicants must be in good standing with DEAC.
  3. Please inform the DEAC Executive Director of the institution’s intention to participate in the pilot study before submitting the application. Interested parties will be asked to participate in a conference call with the Executive Director prior to submitting the Application for the PhD Pilot Program.
  4. Submit the Application for the PhD Program Pilot to the attention of the DEAC Executive Director.
  5. After DEAC receives the application, 25% of the courses will be selected for review by an off-site subject specialist.
  6. The institution will receive an invoice for the off-site subject specialist fee.
  7. The institution will have the opportunity to respond to any “partially meets” or “does not meet” findings by the off-site subject specialist.
  8. The DEAC Academic Review Committee will consider the entire record of the institution’s submission to the PhD pilot.
  9. The DEAC Executive Director will communicate the results of the Academic Review Committee’s assessment to the institution following the committee meeting.
  10. The Academic Review Committee will prepare a recommendation for consideration by the Accrediting Commission at its next meeting to include whether the Commission should proceed to formally seek an expansion of scope to include the review of PhD programs.
  11. The Accrediting Commission will determine whether to issue final approval of the PhD program and the appropriate course of action for the expansion of scope.

Thank you for your consideration. Should you have any questions, please contact Leah Matthews, Executive Director at 202-234-5100 ext 101 or via email at