Doctor of Education in Adult Education Guided Intensive Study AEGIS
AEGIS is a highly selective, fast-track cohort program leading to an Ed.D. in Adult Learning and Leadership. The program is designed for experienced, self-directed, mid-career professionals who work full time, and who choose to pursue a doctorate in a rigorous, concentrated format. The program emphasizes leadership for adult education and organizational learning.
Scholar-practitioners are helped to examine and critique theory and professional experience. Course work is completed over a two-year period. A new cohort is recruited every other year, with the next new cohort starting in the Summer of 2026.
Participants attend a concentrated two-week session at Teachers College in each of the three summers. During the academic year, students meet for Friday evening and Saturday seminars, four times each semester, for a total of four semesters. The dissertation process takes at least another year and a half to two years following completion of course work. Certification exam is taken following the summer session in August.
For the AEGIS Ed.D., 30 graduate credits from an accredited graduate program/institution with a grade of B or better can be transferred from outside of TC or 30 graduate credits taken at TC with a grade of B or better MUST BE TRANSFERRED into the program; the remaining 45 graduate credits are earned through the program.
Click on this link for more details on AEGIS, or email Dr. Pierre Faller, the Director of AEGIS, at pf2175@tc.columbia.edu.
Click here to download the AEGIS XXX Brochure!
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Program is not accepting applications for the 2027 cycle.
Doctor of Education
- Points/Credits: 75
- Entry Terms: Summer (Even Year Only)
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Cohort
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Master's degree required | |
| Academic Writing Sample | |
| Supplemental application required (included in online application) | |
| AEGIS Topic Essay (included in supplemental application) | |
| Must hold Master's degree or thirty (30) graduate level credits (with a grade of B or better) |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact ORLadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Additional Information
- Program accepts applications for even year cycles only.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2026-2027)
View catalog information for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 terms.