William Howard Taft University is delighted to announce three exclusive scholarships for prospective candidates seeking to embark on a transformative journey through our esteemed Doctor of Education program. These scholarships are designed to recognize and support outstanding individuals committed to advancing their education in the field of educational leadership.

Available Scholarships

1. Excellence in Education Scholarship

2. Leadership in Learning Scholarship

3. Innovation in Instruction Scholarship

To be eligible to apply for a chance to receive one of our three scholarships, applicants must first be successfully accepted into the William Howard Taft University Doctor of Education program. Only accepted applicants can be considered for the scholarship opportunities.

Applications for the scholarship will be accepted until April 10, 2024. Ensure all application materials are submitted by this date to be considered for one of these prestigious awards. The three selected scholarship recipients will be announced on April 20, 2024. Winners of the scholarship must enroll by April 26th and commence their studies on either the April 30th or June 25, 2024 start date.

To access detailed information about each scholarship, including academic expectations, application process, and more, please click on the following link:

2024 Duthoy EdD Scholarship Details

Taft’s EdD program offers specialized curriculum and seasoned faculty helping students become well-prepared to bring about positive change in the educational landscape. Applicants can choose from three distinct concentrations of study: Leadership & Administration, Educational Technology, and Charter School Administration. These programs are offered entirely online, eliminating residency requirements and enabling students to engage in coursework from any location worldwide. Taft has payment options available to help facilitate each student’s educational journey. Additionally, we offer two distinct learning formats to cater to diverse student needs. To read more about the EdD program please visit taft.edu/doctor-of-education-edd.

Don't miss this opportunity to join a community of dedicated educators and leaders. William Howard Taft University looks forward to welcoming exceptional individuals into our Doctor of Education program and supporting their journey towards making a positive impact in the field of education.

If you have any questions, please call us at 877-867-1155 or email Admissions@Taft.edu. If you are ready to start your application for admission, please click HERE.

Best of luck to all applicants!

Online educational programs offer flexibility, but also require strong self-discipline and organization. Here are some tips to help students be successful in their education journey while enrolled in an online degree program:

1. Create a Dedicated Study Space: Set up a quiet and comfortable workspace where you can focus without distractions. Keep it organized and free from clutter.

2. Establish a Routine: Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated study hours. Consistency is key to staying on top of coursework and research.

3. Set Clear Goals: Define your academic and research goals early in the program. Having a clear sense of purpose will help you stay motivated and focused.

4. Stay Connected: Even in an online program, it's essential to stay connected with your professors, advisors, and fellow students. Use video conferencing, discussion forums, and email to maintain communication.

5. Effective Time Management: Use time management techniques such as to-do lists, time blocking, or online calendars to manage your coursework, assignments, and research.

6. Participate Actively: Engage in online discussions, forums, and virtual class meetings. Active participation helps you stay connected with your peers and professors.

7. Limit Distractions: Minimize distractions by turning off social media notifications and silencing your phone during study hours. Consider website blockers if you find yourself easily distracted by the internet.

8. Take Breaks: Schedule regular short breaks to rest and recharge. Avoid burnout by stepping away from your computer or books periodically.

9. Utilize Online Resources: Take advantage of the online resources provided by your institution, including digital libraries, research databases, and academic support services.

10. Stay Organized: Use digital tools and apps for note-taking, document management, and task tracking. Keep all your course materials well-organized.

11. Set Realistic Expectations: Online programs can be demanding. Be realistic about the time and effort required and don't overcommit to coursework or research.

12. Network Virtually: Participate in virtual networking events, webinars, and online conferences related to your field of study. Building a professional network is important even in online programs.

13. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to professors, advisors, or classmates when you have questions or need assistance. Online programs often have robust support systems in place.

14. Self-Motivation: Self-discipline and self-motivation are crucial in online programs. Set goals, stay accountable, and remind yourself of your reasons for pursuing the degree.

15. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge your achievements along the way. Completing assignments, reaching academic milestones, or making progress in your research are all worth celebrating.

Remember that online master's and doctorate programs require dedication and self-management skills. By staying organized, connected, and motivated, you can excel in your studies and make the most of your online education.

This week, we launched a new website that we hope better demonstrates what we offer our students. For decades, we’ve offered high quality online graduate degree programs that make higher education accessible for busy working professionals. Whether students find themselves limited by finances or time commitment, we consistently work to ensure our programs offer the opportunity to help our students and alumni find success in their careers and achieve their goals.

While our Independent Study learning modality has always offered the flexibility many graduate students need to earn a new degree, we’ve found an increasing need for more options to fit different needs and preferences.

Six Programs Are Now Offered in Our New Directed Study Format

Our latest addition is the Directed Study learning modality. This new program format offers more structure and collaboration for students who learn best with the regular interaction of other learners. As you progress through your Directed Study program, you’ll submit weekly assignments, participate in regular discussion boards, and progress through each course with a cohort. While the Independent Study format involves working with a faculty mentor for each course, in a Directed Study program, you’ll have more support from both student peers and faculty.

Not only does the Directed Study format offer a more “traditional” online learning experience, it also makes it possible for eligible students to use federal financial aid to cover program costs. Depending on students’ financial situation, Taft University System students may now apply for financial or schedule affordable monthly payments to cover the cost of their education.

The Directed Study format is an option for six of our degree programs:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

• Doctor of Education (EdD)

• Education Specialist (EdS)

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Education (MEd)

• Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Learn more about our learning modalities on the Independent Study vs Directed Study page of our website.

New Students in Fall 2021 Can Enroll Under Our President’s Scholarship

Alongside the launch of our new website and program structures, we’re extending our Fall 2021 President’s Scholarship to new students who enroll for our October 26, 2021 start date. Students enrolling under the President’s Scholarship will save $500 off their first course’s tuition. To take advantage of this scholarship opportunity, all you have to do is apply for your desired program and select the October 26th start date. 

Start your graduate degree program this fall, save on tuition, and take advantage of our new learning modality for our last start date of 2021!

Our Admissions Department is happy to answer any questions about our programs, learning modalities, or application process - just send an email to Admissions@Taft.edu or use our Request Information form below.

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Gillen has been principal of West Springfield Middle School since 2015, before which he served within the school district as an English teacher, Assistant Principal, and cross country coach.

As principal, he works to create an open environment within his school where all students have equal opportunity to find success. From starting the Thursday Club for at risk boys to accommodating students who speak different languages, being inclusive and supportive regardless of students’ situations and upbringing is central to his leadership.

Gillen and his family were recognized at the MSAA annual conference in Hyannis, MA in July. He is also the co-founder of NPT Education, LLC, which offers consulting and mentoring services to school administrators and teachers in the New England area.

They’re Industry Professionals

We hire faculty members who excel in their field. They are well-equipped to teach your courses because they have learned firsthand how business, education, or taxation industries operate. Not just anyone who applies to teach at Taft University is hired as one of our adjunct faculty members because we understand what goes into a quality education. If you are in our Master of Education degree program, your faculty will be current or prior education professionals who have a finger on industry trends.

Because of this experience, they will understand when you have a question about what you are learning. They can help you relate theories from your textbooks and assignments to real life examples they have encountered. It’s important to be able to relate gained knowledge to how it can be used practically – your teachers have the knowledge and experience to help show that angle with what you learn.

They’ve Been Where You Are

All faculty members teaching our courses have completed, at minimum, the degree level at which they are teaching. If you are in our Doctor of Business Administration degree program, your professors will all have earned their Doctorate degree(s) prior to teaching your courses.

Why does this matter? Because they’ve been in your position. Not only have they gained higher level knowledge and skills, but they have also sat where you are now. They understand what it’s like to learn the theories and skills that you may be struggling with or questioning. Getting a Master’s or Doctorate degree is not an easy task, but our faculty are ready and eager to help you.

They’re There to Help You Learn

Simply put, it’s their job. They are paid to teach you and that includes being there to answer any questions you have.

Many students are afraid to ask questions. Don’t be. You’re here to gain knowledge. Everyone learns in different styles and at different speeds, so don’t feel bad asking questions. Even if you think it is a dumb question, you probably aren’t the first to ask, so don’t be embarrassed.

Need Someone Else to Talk to?

Student Support can help. If you are struggling with your course load or having trouble getting ahold of your assigned faculty, don’t hesitate to bring it up to Stephanie in Student Support. While we rarely have trouble with our faculty being responsive to students, circumstances can arise where communication is not prompt. When this happens, we like to know so that we can address it with that member of our faculty. Trust that we hold them to high standards, so when questions go unanswered or assignments ungraded, we will make sure the situation is corrected immediately.

Don’t Let Them Go Under-Utilized

Whether on campus or online, teachers can be an under-utilized resource. Many students are hesitant to ask for additional help from their teachers and this tendency is exaggerated in an online classroom setting. Because there isn’t face-to-face interaction, students may feel less comfortable asking for help. Don’t let this be you!

While you may not meet your teacher in person, they are there to help you learn. They’re only an email away!

If you tune in to Wheel of Fortune this Monday, April 22, you may catch the name Taft University.

Taft student Pete Gillen and his wife Lynn are contestants on the episode, competing against two other couples. They love watching the show with their three young daughters to help them learn letters and words, so they jumped on the opportunity to audition when tryouts for the show came through town.

Both he and his wife auditioned and were called back individually before landing a spot as a couple on this episode.

There is a thorough tryout process set in place. The first round involves being called on stage to answer some questions about yourself and then playing a quick round of the game. Basically, they want to see if you’re comfortable in front of a crowd and how well you know the game.

Once called back, they were given a written exam, asked questions about their strategy, and then given an audition in front of a panel. Pete and Lynn did well on every stage of the tryouts.

In early spring, they were called to fly to Los Angeles to tape the show.

This coming week’s theme is Aulani Resort Hawaii Vacation week, featuring Disney as their sponsor. Prizes contestants can win include Disney vacations as well as cash prizes – but we can’t say how Pete and Lynn did, so you’ll just have to watch the episode and see.

Pete is the Principal of West Springfield Middle School in Massachusetts and currently in the dissertation stage of his Doctor of Education (EdD) at Taft. While he loves his current role, this program allowed him to complete his EdD at his own pace so that he has the education to be ready if and when another opportunity of interest comes up.

Pick a Spot

Choose your space wisely. It’s easy to choose your couch, a coffee shop, or even your local library. But it’s important to think about how you work and where you will be most productive. If you plop down on your couch, laptop and books ready to go, how likely are you to actually focus on schoolwork instead of reaching over to the remote sitting on the coffee table? Netflix is just good background noise, right? Wrong.

Some people may be able to tune out background noise and may even focus better with a little bustle around them. That’s why coffee shops have become such a popular place to study and get work done. That and the readily available caffeine and pastries to help you get through your next assignment.

Do you think you’ll be able to tune out a conversation happening at the table behind you, or will you tend to eavesdrop a bit? Or will you glance up whenever someone new walks in the café or library room? Will that Marvel movie or cheesy rom-com on Netflix be pleasant background noise, or will you end up watching that more than actually working on your assignment?

The key is to think about how you work. Most people would do best to choose a quiet, private, out of the way spot where they can focus on their work without distraction.

Time Management & Setting Goals

This should be fairly apparent, but when you’re working on an online degree, time management is key. There is much more structure and accountability with a traditional, on-campus degree. Those who opt for an online degree have much more flexibility in study times, but this also requires – you guessed it – discipline.

Keeping to a schedule will help keep you from getting behind on assignments or overwhelmed by the work that needs to get done. You can do this in whichever way works best for you: a planner, using a calendar on your phone, or setting reminders for when assignments are due.

Set small daily goals so that you can pace yourself and get work done. If you aim to read twenty pages a day, for example, you’re not stressed when you get home from work and realize the schoolwork that you have to do. Plus, catching up from one missed day is a whole lot easier than reaching Friday and realizing you have 100 pages still to read for an upcoming assignment.

Utilize Resources

Your university has academic advisors and a student support team for a reason – use them! If you have a personal or work problem arise, talk to them and they will do what they can to help you keep a healthy balance between school, home, and work life.

While you may not physically attend class in an online degree program, you do still have professors who are paid to help you learn. If you’re struggling with any of the content or assignments, ask them about it. If any of the lesson material is confusing, don’t hesitate to bring it up to the professor for clarification. For one, you may not be the only one asking, so perhaps the lesson material could be edited. Secondly, I will say this again, your professor is there to teach you. If this means re-phrasing or going over material again with you, they are more than happy to do it.

Take a Break When Necessary

Don’t push yourself too hard. If your work or personal life gets extra busy at any point during your studies, try and take a load off. With self-paced online education, you have the freedom to slow things down when you need to. There are some time-frame requirements you must comply with, but there is still a lot of flexibility with when you finish each course.

Additionally, Taft allows for certain breaks between courses. If you are in the Masters of Science in Taxation program and tax season is coming around, we allow for you to take a break because work will be so time consuming. Outside of that, you are allowed breaks between courses and/or semesters whenever life gets crazy, so long as you are able to finish your program within the required time-frame.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

I’m saying this again because it’s important. The Student Support team and your professors (and everyone else in the staff/faculty) are all here to help you successfully earn your degree. If you feel overwhelmed, confused, or frustrated with any aspect of your education, tell someone. We can’t help you if you don’t tell us something is wrong or that you’re struggling.

Get Excited

Getting your degree online is a great way to advance in your career. It’s easy to work around a full-time work schedule and anything else you have going on in your life. If you’re the type of person who likes to work independently, these programs are designed for you.