• What is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and how does it relate to other accrediting agencies?
• Will I be able to receive administrative credentials in my state?
• What is the residency requirement?
• How do I contact faculty to complete assessments, and how much guidance do they offer?
• Can I receive credit for previous work completed at other academic institutions?
• Is financial aid available?
• How long does the program take if I am working?
• What advisory services do I receive?
• Are all of your students working in a K-12 setting?
• What can I do with this degree?
• How do I know that Fielding is the right learning environment for me?
• Do you hold local information sessions? If so, how many, where and when?
• I'd like more information about the program. How can I speak with a faculty member, graduate or student?

What is the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and how does it relate to other accrediting agencies? [back to list of questions]

WASC is one of the six regional accrediting bodies in the United States. The others are Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NASC), North Central Association (NCA), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Each region recognizes the accrediting authority of every other region.

Will I be able to receive administrative credentials in my state? [back to list of questions]

The decision regarding educational credentials is in the hands of each individual state.  Please contact your state department of Education for more information.

What is the residency requirement? [back to list of questions]

As an entering student, you are to attend an New Student Orientation (NSO). This session will launch your work at Fielding Graduate University. They are held three times per year in locations around the United States. ELC students only attend one NSO while at Fielding. They take place over five days beginning on Wednesday evening and extending through Sunday midday. This is ELC's only residency requirement.

We also offer face-to-face opportunities to assist you in your studies. These are optional, but encouraged. For example, there are monthly regional cluster meetings where students and faculty gather to engage in critical and instructive dialogue about the knowledge areas and the dissertation process. Another learning opportunity is the Regional Research Intensive. Three to five of these are offered in cities around the United States throughout the year. Here students learn research principles as well as specific tools for use in their research. We also offer a National Session in the summer where students learn in workshop sessions and informal meetings with faculty and other students.

How do I contact faculty to complete assessments, and how much guidance do they offer? [back to list of questions]

Each Knowledge Area (KA) course of study has several faculty members who are identified as "assessors."

Each assessor has guidelines that are accessible on the Fielding website (FELIX). Students also receive extensive study guides for each knowledge area. Students contact the faculty member of their choice and develop a contract that will outline how they will demonstrate their competence in that knowledge area. The sequencing of the knowledge areas and the specific topics covered can be tailored to the student's interests and learning plan. Students and faculty can meet face to face at the national sessions, regional research intensives and when faculty members visit clusters. They are also in contact on the web, by phone, through email, and via structured seminars offered online.

Can I receive credit for previous work completed at other academic institutions? [back to list of questions]

Incoming students are eligible to receive up to 20 units of transfer credit based on the following qualifications:

*Courses must be at a Post-Master's level from a regionally accredited college, university, or professional school
*Courses must be taken within the last 5 years
*Grades in the courses must be "B" or better (3.0 or better on a 4 point scale)
*Courses must be judged to be equivalent to a current knowledge area in the current program curriculum
*The transfer credit can only be applied as credit for elective knowledge area assessments - all students must complete the core knowledge area assessments

Transfer credits will be awarded at the time of admission to the graduate program. There will be no retroactive granting of transfer credits for students currently in the program.

Is financial aid available? [back to list of questions]

Students at Fielding Graduate University are eligible for federal financial aid for graduate students, typically in the form of a loan. Our scholarships are limited to a small Fielding Graduate Scholarship fund. Students are encouraged to consult with the Financial Aid Office for further information.

How long does the program take if I am working? [back to list of questions]

We have found the average to be three to four years. However, you may take longer. If you have strong scholarly skills, and manage time effectively, you may complete the program more quickly than others.  To complete assessments at a reasonable pace, students find that they need to make room for scholarly writing. We recommend that students spend at least 20 hours a week on their studies.

What advisory services do I receive? [back to list of questions]

Students select a primary faculty advisor who becomes their mentor. This faculty member and the student work closely to plan and implement the student's program.  Also, the mentor serves as the chair of the student's dissertation committee. Students also have administrative staff support, a Student Advisor, who is assigned to each student.

Are all of your students working in a K-12 setting?
[back to list of questions]

While approximately 60 % of our students work in the school systems, many students are also from higher education, non-profit agencies, city and community agencies, and business. The program, through the concentrations, is also designed for those who are teaching or administrators in K-12 settings, community colleges, or other institutions of higher learning. The ELC program is highly flexible and tailored to the student's area of interest. See our list of core courses and concentrations.

What can I do with this degree? [back to list of questions]

All of our graduates are committed to making a difference in their communities and in their areas of expertise. Many graduates remain in their current positions with renewed energy and greater impact. Because of the knowledge and skills they have gained through their doctoral study, some move into different positions within the educational system or in businesses within their communities. Others move out of the "system" to form consulting groups to make a difference in that way.  See community voices for news about students and graduate professional appointments.

How do I know that Fielding is the right learning environment for me? [back to list of questions]

If you are an independent learner and you want flexibility, and if you have the self-discipline to create your own structure, you will find our environment a good fit. If you have strong writing skills and can set school as a priority, you will find that our program provides the opportunity to develop your particular interests. If you can initiate relationships, you will enjoy the close collegiality with other students nationwide and the collaborative opportunities with faculty. If you have good computer skills, you will be able to engage easily with our national learning network.

Do you hold local information sessions? If so, how many, where and when? [back to list of questions]

We hold information sessions frequently. They are held throughout the year in different locations around the country. See the Website for the latest Information Session schedule. If you request information from us, we will automatically notify you of upcoming information sessions to be held by teleconference or in your area.

I'd like more information about the program. How can I speak with a faculty member, graduate or student? [back to list of questions]

Please contact the Admission Office and they will put you in touch with a faculty member or student in your region. You can e-mail admission@fielding.edu or call 800.340.1099. To have an application packet sent to you, fill out our brochure request form. The ELC admission counselor is Violetta Hatipoglu and she can be reached at 805.898.4020 and vhatipoglu@fielding.edu.