Helping Doctoral Candidates Cross the Finish Line with a Transformative, Socially Conscious Pathway to Completion
Antioch University’s School of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies (SIPS) is proud to announce the launch of its PhD in Leadership and Change (PhDLC) Completion Pathway, a new initiative designed to support advanced doctoral students who have completed significant coursework but did not complete their dissertation at another institution.
This PhD completion program will be unique in that it not only serves students who have completed all requirements but the dissertation (ABD), but also doctoral students who had not reached ABD status in their previous institution. It is also differentiated by accepting credits without a time limit on when the previous studies were completed.
Set to begin with a pilot cohort in November 2025, the PhDLC Completion Pathway reflects Antioch’s historic commitment to adult learners, social justice, and educational innovation. The program creates an accessible, academically rigorous opportunity for students who previously paused their doctoral journeys to complete their degree in a supportive and flexible learning environment.
“Too many capable and committed students leave doctoral programs without completing their dissertations—often due to life circumstances rather than academic readiness,” said Amy Rutstein-Riley, PhD, MPH, Dean, School of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies and Director of the PhD in Leadership and Change program. “Antioch’s new pathway is designed to meet these students where they are and help them reach the finish line.”
The PhDLC Completion Pathway allows students to transfer up to 27 previously earned doctoral credits from an accredited program toward the 63-credit PhDLC program. Each student’s prior learning will be individually assessed and mapped to the program’s competency-based framework. The pathway is built around Antioch’s renowned low-residency, mentor-driven model, and includes:
- A year-long Professional Seminar focused on research integration, scholarly writing, and the development of a scholar-practitioner identity
- Customized learning plans and individualized faculty mentorship
- Required residencies and inter-residency learning engagements
- Full access to the School of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies’ academic and student support services
The PhDLC Completion Pathway is especially suited for mid- to senior-career professionals in nonprofit leadership, healthcare, government, education, business, and other fields who are committed to making a positive impact through transformational leadership and applied research.
The pilot year will begin in November 2025. Interested candidates must have completed significant doctoral coursework in a related field and will undergo a rigorous review of transcripts, syllabi, and prior learning portfolios.
“Our goal is to extend Antioch’s legacy of equity in education,” added Rutstein-Riley. “This pathway reflects our belief that unfinished doctoral dreams can still become reality—when students are given the right structure, support, and opportunity.”
For more information about the PhDLC Completion Pathway and how to apply, visit: at.antioch.edu/phd-completion
