This sequential exploratory mixed method design sought to investigate doctoral student perspectives regarding support services that impede or assist in the completion of an Ed.D. program at a small, northeast university. First phase qualitative methods utilized focus groups to identify student opinions and recommendations regarding program improvements. Students emphasized the need for better pre-enrollment preparation, a comprehensive orientation & advising program, and ongoing academic support services through program completion (writing assistance, research skills development, mentoring). Tinto’s (1987) interaction theory provided the basis for this study, using his six transformative dimensions for growth and development to frame the findings
