phd higher education administration

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Higher Education Administration, Ph.D.

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Saint Louis University's Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration emphasizes the interplay of theory and practice in higher education.

Curriculum Overview

Through coursework and intensive study, SLU's 46-credit hour Ph.D. in higher education administration program prepares future leaders, administrators and teachers for the college and university sectors. Courses focus on analyzing issues related to college students and higher education administration, application of discipline-based literature to higher education practice, application of best practice and research competency. Courses are grounded in a social justice and inclusion framework. 

Social Justice Framework

Our programs are grounded in our social justice framework. Social justice has been a “significant lens” for Jesuits since 1965 and is also vital for higher education and student affairs professionals, educators and community stakeholders. While the definitions of social justice are numerous, David Hollenbach, S.J., wrote that “social justice concerns institutionalized patterns of mutual action and interdependence that are necessary to bring about the realization of distributive justice.” 

In an education setting, distributive justice is the claim that everyone should have access to the public good of education. Toward that end, we strive to find ways to address experiences of systemic injustice, displacing oppressive structures with those that provide for all.

As educators, we understand our particular obligation is to prepare leaders for higher education who will dismantle systems of oppression and help shape colleges and universities that create vital educational spaces for all, with an intentional focus on those who have been targets of bias and injustice. With these goals in mind, our program is informed by the Jesuit, Catholic perspective on social justice and is guided by the Universal Apostolic Preferences adopted by the Society of Jesus in 2019 for the decade ahead.

The Jesuits encourage specific approaches to bring about reconciliation and justice. Our program’s framework is specifically guided by two approaches: “Walking with the Excluded” and “Journeying with Youth” (The Society of Jesus, 2019).

The approach “Walking with the Excluded” guides our program’s framework. Our students are personally and professionally challenged to address both higher education and society’s systemic inequities through an understanding of reconciliation and justice.

The approach “Journeying with Youth” encourages the Jesuit community, including our work in the University and the School of Education, to be open to formation by those who are new to our community or those who are younger, including students, faculty and staff. 

As scholars and educators, we aim to co-create a learning environment where students are holistically prepared to:

• Identify and analyze processes that dehumanize any persons and assist all in collectively and proactively dismantling oppression.
• Reflect on the socialization that shapes each student and faculty member.
• Give voice to particular groups’ experiences.
• Contextualize the history and context that each person brings to our work by incorporating sociopolitical perspectives into dialogue.
• Reflect upon and ask critical questions regarding the systems, structures and impact of higher education.

SLU's Ph.D. in higher education administration program is intended for students interested in higher education research and/or administration.

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from a  regionally accredited  institution
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Please note that application deadlines for this program differ for international students.

Review Process

A committee reviews each application holistically.

Application Deadlines

Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by June 15, for the spring semester by Nov. 1, and for the summer semester by April 1. International students should apply by May 1 for the fall semester, Oct.1 for the spring semester, and Feb. 1 for the summer semester.   

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, apply by Feb. 1. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid/index.php .

• Graduates will be prepared to address systemic injustices in higher education and society.
• Graduates will demonstrate critical reflection as they use discipline-based literature to inform ethical decisions in higher education leadership.
• Graduates will contribute to new knowledge through the creation of original research related to higher education administration practices.

Introductory Research Courses

Students must complete master’s level graduate research coursework as prerequisites for advanced research courses. Students are required to successfully complete the following three research courses. Up to six credits may be waived based on students' prior coursework.  

Advanced Research Courses

Students must successfully complete nine credits of advanced research courses (six of these credits must include  EDR 6400 and EDR 6100). Additionally, students must choose a three-credit advanced research course elective from either the qualitative or quantitative focus (see lists below).

Non-Course Requirements

• Students must pass a comprehensive written examination.
• Students must pass an oral examination/proposal defense.
• Students must pass a public presentation and defense of their dissertation.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact: Saint Louis University School of Education 314-977-3292 [email protected]

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Doctorate in Higher Education Administration

Where higher ed careers reach new heights.

Designed for working professionals, our research-focused EdD in Higher Education Administration program prepares aspiring educational leaders for senior and executive positions within the field. This doctoral program emphasizes leadership development, critical thinking, and research skills that are essential for cultivating scholarly identities, inquiry-driven learners, critically reflective practitioners, and socially just practices.

Taught by a faculty of renowned experts, the curriculum is centered on the practical application of theory and research, with a focus on addressing current challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions today.

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Leading Faculty & Professional Peers Engage in learning communities that draw upon real-world experiences shared by classmates with a broad range of diverse perspectives and professional backgrounds. Faculty are hands-on and highly regarded as scholars or scholar-practitioners and experts in the field.

Convenient Schedule In order to accommodate busy professionals who work both locally and nationally, the program offers flexible weekend classes that meet one time per month on Friday and Saturday.

Hands-On Professional Development The program provides a high-quality, fast-paced scholarly experience in which students can integrate theory and research seamlessly with practice. Unique to GW's program, you will have the opportunity to focus your dissertation on a problem of practice you've encountered within your higher education career.

The GW Advantage

The Higher Education Administration doctoral program leverages our location in Washington, D.C. - the epicenter of policy, practice, and research - to foster a community of scholar-practitioners, professional and research opportunities, and a commitment to diverse educational experiences. 

Our location also provides students with the distinct advantage of being a neighbor to national organizations, including The Department of Education, American Council on Education, ACPA and NASPA, American Educational Research Association, and a variation of colleges, creating valuable networking and career opportunities.

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 Program at a Glance

Doctor of Education (EdD) in the Field of Higher Education Administration

Department:

Course delivery:.

Main Campus

Program Entry:

Avg. cohort size:.

The mission of the Higher Education Administration (HEA) program is to prepare exceptional leaders for administrative, academic, and research positions in two- and four-year higher education institutions, national and international associations, government agencies, and other post-secondary educational settings.

Our doctoral program seeks to cultivate scholarly identities, inquiry-driven learners, critically reflective practitioners, and socially just practices. 

Scholarly Identities : Scholarly identity is the product of your training, areas of expertise, methodological inclination, interests, publications, research agenda, reputation and anything else that may be important in your field. Thus, your scholarly identity is multifaceted and (ideally) signals to anyone who researches your work (googles you), what you have done, what you are doing and what you can potentially do in the future.

Inquiry-Driven Learner : An inquiry-based learning approach lets students share their own ideas and questions about a topic. This helps foster more curiosity about the material and teaches skills students can use to continue exploring topics they are interested in. Rather than simply memorizing facts, students make their own connections about what they are learning that leads to asking questions, making discoveries, and testing those discoveries in the search for new understanding.

Critically Reflective Practitioner : someone who, at regular intervals, looks back at the work they do, and the work process, and considers how they can improve. They ‘reflect’ on the work they have done.

Social Justice Practices : Social justice in education refers to a commitment to challenging social, cultural, and economic inequalities imposed on individuals arising from any differential distribution of power, resources, and privilege. According to NASPA, The social justice competency is defined as “both a process and a goal which includes the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to create learning environments that foster equitable participation of all groups while seeking to address and acknowledge issues of oppression, privilege, and power." We undergird this competency within our course frameworks, and our dispositions.

Learn more about Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education Administration >

Cohorts will meet in-person on the Foggy Bottom Campus ( specific location to be shared in advance ), on the following dates.

Session Times : 8:10 am-12:00 noon; 1:10 pm-5:00 pm

Summer 2024

May 31, 2024-June 1, 2024

June 21-22, 2024

July 19-20, 2024

August 9-10, 2024

• September 6-7, 2024
• October 4- 5, 2024
• November 1-2, 2024
• December 6-7, 2024

Spring 2025

• January 24-25, 2025
• February 21-22, 2025
• March 21-22, 2025
• April 11-12, 2025

Summer 2025

• May 30, 2025-May 31, 2025
• June 20-21, 2025
• July 11-12, 2025
• August 1-2, 2025

As the highest level of academic achievement, our doctorate in higher education administration is designed to produce scholars and experts in the field. Program outcomes include:

Critical Thinking and Analysis : Students will learn to critically evaluate existing research, identify gaps in knowledge, and develop research questions that address those gaps.

Advanced Research Skills : Students will understand research methodologies specific to their field. They will be able to design and conduct original research and analyze and interpret complex data.

Original Contribution to Knowledge : Doctoral candidates are expected to make an original and significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in their field through the completion of a doctoral dissertation.

Independent Scholarship : Doctoral candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently and autonomously. They will become capable of conducting research with minimal supervision, managing their time and resources effectively, and making informed decisions about their research direction.

Scholarly Expertise : Program graduates should acquire an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of existing theories, concepts, and research within their area of study, developing into subject matter experts.

Effective Communication : Candidates will increase their communication skills to effectively convey complex ideas and research findings through scholarly articles, conference presentations, and engaging in intellectual discourse within the academic community.

Teaching and Mentoring : Through hands-on experiential learning opportunities, students will acquire pedagogical, supervisory, and mentorship skills, as well as learn to deliver lectures.

Leadership and Professional Development : Students acquire the ability to lead research teams, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to the advancement of their field beyond their own research.

Ethical Conduct : As doctoral candidates are expected to adhere to high ethical standards in their research and professional conduct, participants gain a deep understanding of how to demonstrate integrity, respect for intellectual property, and awareness of ethical considerations related to human subjects or other ethical concerns specific to their field.

• Guide to Applying
• Admission Requirements
• Application Deadlines

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information. Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD > To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

• Prerequisite: Master's Degree
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample : Candidates are required to submit a writing sample that best showcases their skills in academic writing and their potential for success in doctoral studies. The work submitted must be solely authored by the candidate. This is not an exhaustive list; however, suitable examples include technical writing reports, academic research papers, class papers, and excerpts from previously published works. The writing sample should demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage with complex ideas and communicate them effectively. There are no specific requirements regarding the length, topic, or focus area of the writing sample.
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (preferably one from a faculty member and the other from a professional supervisor): The letters must have been written within the calendar year and have been tailored for the Higher Education Administration Program.

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants .

View more details about requirements    

The deadline for Fall 2024 has passed. For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

 Tuition & Financial Aid

• Tuition Overview

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about scholarships, grants & financial aid     

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the on-campus EdD in HEA program is $1,905 per credit hour .

This program requires 53 credits .

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart     

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

What I have learned continues to allow me to support and educate our future leaders, citizens, and movement builders during their college years. Furthermore, my applied knowledge and education has given me the confidence to lead complex organizations and advise colleagues at the most senior levels including university presidents, chancellors, and governing boards.

DAVID SURRATT Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, University of Oklahoma

 Career Outlook

The ever-evolving field of higher education requires exceptional leaders for administrative, academic, and research positions on college campuses, national associations, and government agencies. Our graduates are transforming the conversation and quality of experience at higher education institutions and organizations nation-wide. 60% of program graduates serve in roles of provost, board of trustees member, or tenure leadership.

The career paths you can take in this field are as vast and diverse as the world of higher education itself. For example, 

• Academic Leadership: president, provost, dean, department chair, or other leadership position
• Student Affairs: director or dean of student life, admissions, financial aid, diversity, equity and inclusion, or other areas related to student success and support
• Institutional Research: senior researcher; use data analysis to inform institutional decision-making and improve outcomes for students
• Policy and Advocacy: director of government relations or senior officer in governmental sectors; shape higher education policy and advocate for issues affecting higher education institutions and students
• Consulting: providing expertise and guidance to higher education institutions on a range of issues, from strategic planning to organizational development
• Scholar/Scholar-Practitioner: professor/associate professors

Meet a few of our recent alumni:

• Debra Bright - Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs, The George Washington University
• Chris E. Dome - President, Neumann University
• Tanya Millner-Harlee - Provost and Vice President for Learning, Anne Arundel Community College
• Thomas Harnisch - Vice President for Government Relations, State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO)
• Tracae McClure - Statistician, U.S. Department of Education
• Wayne Webster - (Incoming) President, Albion College
• Brett Weigle - Retired Colonel; Professor, Theater and Campaign Planning, War College
• Kristen Wong - Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU)

Students interested in pursuing this degree find positions within:

• Philanthropic Organizations & Foundations
• Colleges & Universities
• Think Tanks
• The Department of Education
• Government and Non-Governmental Entities

Higher Education Administration (EdD) Faculty

Professorial Lecturer

Assistant Professor, Higher Education Administration

Associate Professor, Higher Education Administration

Assistant Professor, Higher Education Administration; Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives

 HEA In the News

Transforming Colleges and Universities for the Future

June 17, 2024

Alumna Dr. Anitza San Miguel Honored by Florida Congressman as Distinguished Leader

April 3, 2024

Alumna, Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Named to Arab International Women's Forum Board of Directors

March 11, 2024

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education Admin. Shaping the Future of Academia: Innovation and Leadership in University Administration

Degree Options

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Become a University Leader with Liberty’s PhD in Higher Education Administration

Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education Administration degree program can help expand your knowledge, skills, and training in education through advanced course content and in-depth research. Our program focuses on developing leadership and research skills, so you can become equipped with the problem-solving abilities needed to lead students to success.

Our PhD in Higher Education online degree program can help provide you with the tools you need to effectively communicate through various mediums and solve complex issues. This program can also enable you to focus on leadership or student affairs in higher education through research and practical application — allowing you to enhance your skills and market your abilities.

What is a PhD in Higher Education Administration?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Higher Education Administration is a terminal degree designed to prepare scholars and academics for career advancement. This program focuses on giving you the tools you need to pursue roles as a professor or administrator at colleges and universities. This degree program can teach you best practices for managing departments, implementing enrollment growth strategies, and complying with government standards as you prepare for success in higher education leadership. 

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Higher Education Administration Degree Program ?

Our online education classes seek to  enhance your knowledge of leadership styles  in the educational setting. Understanding how leadership styles promote excellence is crucial in guiding your organization toward its defined mission, as is gaining an advanced understanding of ways to foster student success. To this end, our higher education administration doctoral degree offers  practical studies  in topics such as educational law, administration, and collegiate teaching.

Though our PhD in Higher Education Administration degree online offers different specializations, the  core courses  are the same for all specializations. Through your core PhD courses, you will study:

• Assessment and accreditation
• College and university administration
• Economic aspects of higher education
• Historical perspectives of higher education
• Teaching the college student

In addition to the core courses, you’ll be able to pick from our various specialization options – so you can tailor your degree to match your unique interests and goals! Additionally, by completing a dissertation, you’ll be able to contribute to the base of knowledge in your field.

Featured Courses

• EDUC 758 – Teaching the College Student
• EDUC 759 – College and University Administration
• EDUC 783 – Economic Impact in Higher Education
• EDUC 784 – Assessment and Accreditation

PhD in Higher Education Online Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Education .
• View the  Graduate Education Course Guides   (login required).
• The PhD in Higher Education Administration includes a dissertation.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Higher Education Administration Degree?

Liberty’s PhD in Higher Education Administration online degree program is designed to provide you with the advanced training you need to seek promotions, explore new opportunities, or make a career change. This degree can help prepare you to work in a Christian college, community college, or state university system. With your experience and Liberty’s higher education administration doctorate degree, you can help students transition to college successfully.

At Liberty, we value your time. Our PhD programs are designed to work with your busy schedule and equip you with effective learning tools. Our PhD in Higher Education Administration is offered 100% online, so you won’t have to attend courses on campus. We are committed to helping you obtain your degree in a way that is most convenient for you.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Options

• College/university administrator
• Curriculum specialist
• Educational consultant
• Program coordinator
• Student affairs director

Degree Options for the PhD in Higher Education Administration

Check out the specializations we offer and find the perfect fit for you:

Assessment and Evaluation

Liberty University’s online  PhD in Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation  can help you understand the fundamentals of educational assessment and institutional research – so you can ensure that your school meets high standards of quality and follows best practices for helping students succeed.

View the  Degree Completion Plan .

Educational Leadership

Liberty University’s online  PhD in Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership  can help equip you with the skills needed to pursue administrative positions at institutions of higher education. 

Student Affairs

Liberty University’s online  PhD in Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs  can help prepare you to support collegiate student bodies.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our Online PhD in Higher Education Administration Degree Program

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions About the PhD in Higher Education Administration Degree

Is a phd in higher education administration worth it.

Doctoral programs in higher education can give you the specialized tools and knowledge you need to move from a teaching career to an administrative role in a college or university.

Should I get a PhD in Higher Education Administration?

Higher education PhD programs are designed to help you specialize in an academic role at a college or university. Because of this focus, this degree is especially suited for those who:

• Are currently teaching at the college level.
• Want to move into a higher education teaching role.
• Already have a role in managing a higher education department. 

Earning your PhD in Higher Education Administration can open doors to new ways you can help your school thrive. You can teach at the collegiate level while helping your school create new, successful programs. 

The skills you gain in this degree can also translate to a corporate administrative role, a nonprofit leadership role, or a government role as you can offer insights and expertise in education that many industries rely on.

What can you do with a PhD in Higher Education?

With teaching experience and a PhD in Higher Education, you can be more qualified for many roles in education administration. 

• With research experience from Liberty’s PhD in Higher Education, you can be well prepared for roles in colleges and universities such as department head, university board chair, or instructional coordination manager.
• Many companies and organizations that develop instructional products, courses, training, and teaching materials also rely on the expertise gained from a PhD in Higher Education.
• Administrators in many government roles at the local, state, and federal level need to lobby for, design, and implement education policies. These roles often require advanced degrees in higher education in order to develop and execute effective education regulations and laws.

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Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. (Hybrid)

Build the advanced knowledge and skills to pursue a career in higher education leadership by earning your degree with CSU Online.

Online Ph.D. in higher education from CSU

Develop the competencies you need to successfully and ethically lead higher education institutions with a Ph.D. in higher education leadership. Send a clear message to your current employer that you are committed to the mission of your institution, and gain skills that can be applied immediately to the challenges you face as a professional through a program that:

• Instills and reinforces a commitment to crucial engagement of diversity and equity by addressing issues of privilege and oppression.
• Develops research knowledge and skills that enable students to become scholar-practitioners and expand their knowledge about higher education organizations, practice, and outcomes.
• Cultivates the key competencies needed to be a successful and ethical higher education leader and change agent.

Prepare to advance as an administrative leader

With a specific focus on universities and colleges, this program provides the practical knowledge needed to advance your administrative career in higher education. Your studies will prepare you to take on leadership roles in:

• Enrollment management
• Student services
• Higher education administration
• Academic support leadership
• Housing and auxiliary services

Join a program that fosters success

CSU’s Ph.D. in educational leadership sets itself apart with a 95% retention rate of its students, much higher than the national average of 50%. Here are a few reasons why:

• The program’s online format allows you to obtain a doctorate while remaining employed full time.
• With a cohort structure, the same group of students begins, proceeds through, and completes the program together. This fosters support and allows you to network with others across the country who hold similar positions in higher education institutions.
• Faculty members provide frequent and meaningful opportunities for one-on-one interactions through video conferencing, online discussions, email, and text.

John Carmichael, a graduate of the program, had this to say:

“You hear stories of people who get lost in Ph.D. programs and a decade goes by and they’re still working on their dissertation or taking another course. That has not been at all the experience for me, or I think any of the other people in this program.”

Gain real-world insight from scholar-practitioners

Learn from active scholars who incorporate their experience as administrators and teachers into coursework. The faculty in this online Ph.D. in higher education are skilled educators with industry expertise and extensive careers in higher education, including former vice presidents and college presidents.

Health and Human Science Matters Podcast

Find out how CSU’s research is making an impact by tuning into the Health and Human Science Matters Podcast , a collection of lively, engaging conversations with members of the college community.

The higher education leadership program equips student affairs administrators and other administrative personnel employed full time at four-year colleges and research universities to advance their careers in administrative leadership positions. You will become a more accomplished leader with the practical knowledge to lead with a commitment to diversity, access, institutional mission, quality, and educational outcomes.

Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue high-level leadership positions in these areas of higher education:

• Student Services
• Higher Education Administration
• Enrollment Management
• Housing and Auxiliary Services
• Academic Support Leadership

The higher education leadership Ph.D. is a distance-delivered program with some unique characteristics. Much of your student work is accomplished online during two weekly sessions of 2.5 hours total using video conferencing. These online interactions, plus face-to-face meetings on the CSU Fort Collins campus once per year, help create a cohesive cohort of students.

The next on-campus meeting dates for the HEL program will be:

July 17-21, 2023

The student-student relationship adds a personal dimension to the small group activities that are an integral part of the program. The student-faculty relationship is enhanced by the small cohort size (10-12 students), the fact that faculty are experienced educators, and the predominate use of papers rather than exams for learning and grading.

The program is very selective and looks for a diverse group of students. Applicants must have experience working in higher education, but that experience can come from a college or university anywhere in the country — or even the world. If you have worked as a student services administrator, or if you are interested in moving toward higher administration in any area of a college or university, this may be the program for you.

Susana Muñoz

Currently program co-chair for the Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. program at Colorado State University, Dr. Susana Muñoz is an assistant professor of higher education in the School of Education at CSU. Before accepting a faculty role at CSU, Dr. Muñoz served as a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the administrative leadership department. Her scholarly interests center on the experiences of underserved populations in higher education. Specifically, she focuses her research on issues of access, equity, and college persistence for undocumented Latina/o students, while employing perspectives such as Latino critical race theory, Chicana feminist epistemology, and college persistence theory to identify and deconstruct issues of power and inequities as experienced by these populations.

Sharon Anderson

Currently a professor in CSU's School of Education, Dr. Sharon Anderson previously served as director of graduate programs from 2006-2009. She holds a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Denver, and has been a licensed psychologist in the state of Colorado since 1995. Dr. Anderson has been with Colorado State University since 1994 where her research interests include counseling, career development, counseling for justice, and higher education leadership.

Ryan P. Barone

Ryan P. Barone, Ph.D., is the Assistant Vice President for Student Success at Colorado State University reporting dually to Academic and Student Affairs, where he is also an affiliated faculty member in the Student Affairs in Higher Education and Higher Education Leadership graduate programs. Dr. Barone received his B.S. from SUNY Fredonia, his M.S. from Colorado State University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Denver in Higher Education with a specialization in Diversity and Higher Learning. He has published or co-published book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and presented sessions and delivered keynote addresses at regional and national conferences on topics related to social justice, equity in community colleges, interpersonal violence prevention, and closing achievement gaps.

Kari Dockendorff

They/Them/Theirs

Dr. Kari Dockendorff earned their Ph.D. in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Utah, where they also completed a Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies. Kari’s research focuses on trans* students in higher education by specifically studying interactions with staff and the institutional environment which all students must navigate. Their research is also concerned with how gender and sexuality are measured and exploring new strategies for disrupting binary measures of gender.

Susan C. Faircloth

She/Her/Hers

Dr. Susan C. Faircloth (an enrolled member of the Coharie Tribe of North Carolina) is a professor and Director of the School of Education at CSU. She serves as a senior associate editor of the American Journal of Education, a member of the editorial board of the Journal of American Indian Education, and Chair of the technical review panel for the National Indian Education Study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, the Office of Indian Education, and the Educational Testing Service. Additionally, she serves on the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Minority Fellowship Selection Committee. Faircloth is a former Fulbright Senior Scholar to New Zealand, Ford Foundation Postdoctoral scholar with the Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles at the University of California Los Angeles, research Fellow with the American Indian/Alaska Native Head Start Research Center at the University of Colorado Denver, and a recent William C. Friday Fellow for Human Relations.

Alex C. Lange

Dr. Alex C. Lange is a coordinator and assistant professor of higher education in the School of Education at CSU. Dr. Lange aims to help higher education professionals and researchers live up to their institutions' missions of quality, inclusiveness, and transformation for all members of campus communities. They study students minoritized by race, gender, sexuality, and ability, as well as the social forces that marginalize them during college. Their largest, ongoing project is a national, longitudinal study of transgender college students' journeys through undergraduate education. This work examines how transgender students enter into, develop within, and exit from higher education. Some of Dr. Lange's recent projects and collaborations include how LGBTQ+ students thrive in college, considerations for critical approaches to college student development, and the in/visibility of race and racism in LGBTQ higher education scholarship.

“When I think about how I will use this degree, it will be about creating humanizing experiences and liberatory spaces where students can show up as their full, authentic selves and thrive in higher education. What really spoke to me about the program here at CSU was the faculty and their commitment to equity and justice. They really center our humanity in this experience.”

“The more I got involved on campus and in the community, the more I realized that my real passion was for education. I think this program has empowered me to re-envision how I think about my own possibilities. I’m learning theories and immediately putting them into practice. That has really enriched my learning experience and challenged my thinking in a variety of ways.”

"There’s value in seeing that I can get my Ph.D. while I still have a full-time job. One reason I chose this CSU program is that it provides synchronous learning, and everybody would be online together. We’ve been a cohort together since the very beginning, and there’s a lot of power in that.”

Higher Education Leadership Ph.D. Student Panel - Fall 2022

In this panel, hosted by HEL student Eduardo Díaz, current HEL Ph.D. students discuss the intricacies of the program, why they chose it, how students engage with faculty in and outside of class, program structure, and more.

As a student in CSU’s distance Ph.D. in higher education leadership, you will receive a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited, renowned research institution while taking courses at times and locations that fit your busy life. Additionally, you can expect:

• A Leading Program in Distance Delivery: The success of our Ph.D. distance delivery method, designed for mid-level higher education professionals wishing to maintain full-time employment, can be seen in our 95% retention rate, compared to the 50% national average.
• Instruction from Expert Faculty: Learn from active scholars who incorporate their experience as administrators and teachers into coursework. Our faculty are skilled educators with industry expertise and extensive careers in higher education, including former vice presidents and college presidents. Gain practical day-to-day knowledge of what it takes to lead higher education institutions successfully and ethically.
• A Cohort Model: The same group of students goes through the program together, offering a cohesive support structure and built-in professional network.
• A Quality Learning Experience: Due to the highly competitive nature of this program, we only accept a small percentage of students each semester. To achieve our goal of ensuring a superior learning experience with a diverse group of students, we limit cohort size to 10-12 students.
• Individualized Faculty-Student Engagement: In addition to the in-person class sessions, our program provides opportunities for frequent and meaningful one-on-one interactions with faculty through a variety of mediums, including: video conferencing, online discussions, email, text, and more.
• A Focus on Universities and Colleges: Advance your career in a higher education administrative leadership position through our university- and college-focused curriculum. Our program prepares leaders in areas such as enrollment management, student services, higher education administration, academic support leadership, housing and auxiliary services, and more.

Learn more about CSU's rankings and accolades.

Requirements

• A minimum of 30 credits of higher education administrative curriculum
• A minimum of 30 credits of research
• Comprehensive exams, both written and oral
• Juried publication submission or presentation
• Dissertation

With an emphasis on applied knowledge and a specific focus on universities and colleges, you learn from renowned faculty and experienced higher education administration professionals.

Coursework:

• Provides a comprehensive doctoral curriculum that develops the competencies needed to successfully and ethically lead higher education institutions
• Develops research knowledge and skills to enable practitioners and administrators to become scholars/practitioners who expand the knowledge base related to higher education organizations, practice, and outcomes
• Instills and/or reinforces a commitment to the crucial engagement of diversity
• Explores ways to strengthen a commitment to access, learning, institutional mission, quality, and educational outcomes
• Orientation to the program and doctoral studies on campus in Fort Collins, CO in the summer semester.
• EDHE 771 – Higher Education Administration (3 cr.)
• EDRM 702 – Foundations of Educational Research (3 cr.)
• EDUC 709 – Leadership Development (3 cr.)
• EDUC 710 – Higher Education Finance (3 cr.)
• EDHE 773 – Student Development in a Collegiate Context (3 cr.)
• EDCL 701 – Higher Education Law (3 cr.)
• EDRM 704 – Qualitative Research (3 cr.)
• EDRM 705 – Qualitative Data Analysis (3 cr.)
• EDUC 675 – Analyzing Education Literature (3 cr.)
• EDUC 725 – Professionalism in Education and Leadership (3 cr.) - on campus in Fort Collins, CO

Additional research course, if required: EDRM 606 – Principles: Quantitative Data Analysis (3 cr.).

• EDOD 769 – Theory and Practice of Change (3 cr.)
• EDUC 715 – Critical Theory, Educational Equity and Praxis (3 cr.)
• EDRM 700 – Quantitative Research Methods (3 cr.)
• EDRM 707 – Quantitative Research Methods/Analysis (3 cr.)
• EDUC 714 – Education Policy Analysis (3 cr.) - on campus in Fort Collins, CO
• EDCL 750 – Simulated Presidential Cabinet I (3 cr.) - on campus in Fort Collins, CO
• EDRM 792B – Seminar - Proposal Development (1-3 cr.)
• EDHE 799 – Dissertation (3 cr.)

You may work on your dissertation in the Fall and Spring as required. Work can continue in Summer and Fall if you are not finished.

Application Deadlines

Students may be admitted for the summer semester. Fall and spring admission is not available.

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

1 Review Admission Requirements

The higher education leadership (Ph.D.) degree requires applicants to have the following:

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution or a CSU-recognized international institution is required
• A minimum of two years of post-master’s professional work experience related to higher education, prior to applying to the program, is required for admission
• A minimum 3.00 GPA from master's level coursework is required
• GRE scores are not required

Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission. Admission will be primarily guided by the evaluation of each applicant's fit with the program mission and within the context of developing each incoming cohort's teaching and learning community, based on application materials (i.e., personal statement, professional experiences, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and interviews with finalists.)

2 Prepare Application Materials

Prepare the following materials and upload them when you apply online:

Statement of purpose: Write a two- to three-page statement of purpose regarding your personal and professional interests and goals in higher education. Your statement should address the following questions:

• What personal and professional factors or experiences have led you to seek a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at Colorado State University?
• How will this Ph.D. program advance your professional aspirations and personal goals? What do you hope to get out of your program experience?
• How have your experiences influenced your views of equity and justice in higher education?
• What are your research interests? How are they connected to principles of equity and justice? How might your interests be compatible with our Higher Education Leadership and School of Education faculty?

Your statement should be double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and written in 11- or 12-point Times New Roman font. If your statement goes beyond the three-page limit, the admissions committee will only read the first three pages.

Resume or vita: Please include:

• Record of collegiate work, including names of institutions, periods of attendance, and degrees earned.
• Record of all professional employment including dates of service (including military).
• List of publications, exhibitions, awards, or other recognitions.
• List of service activities, including professional, community, and charitable activities.

Three letters of recommendation : Recommenders should be able to speak to your current leadership ability and your ability to complete doctoral work, research and writing, and potential as a research scholar and/or scholar-practitioner. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

• Select "Education and Human Resource Studies / Higher Education Leadership (Ph.D). - Distance" when choosing the program of study.

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or [email protected] if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

5 Interviews and Writing Sample

• The admission committee may request an interview. Interviews are by invitation only and will be conducted using video conference technology.
• Faculty will select applicants to advance to the interview state around mid-January.
• If invited to interview, applicants will be required to submit a research or scholarly paper. They will have two weeks to write and electronically submit the paper. This requirement is intended to provide the faculty with critical information on the applicants' ability to frame, research/engage in inquiry, analyze, and offer a persuasive and cohesive written account on a current higher education issue of each applicant's choosing.

Check Your Application Status

Selection Timeline Application review begins after the December 1 deadline. Admit decisions will be made by mid-May. Summer courses will begin in mid-July.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements .

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Program Details

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution

Application Dates

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Higher Education PhD

Graduate school of education, program description.

The PhD program in Higher Education will prepare you for multiple roles, including: leadership positions in post-secondary education administration, higher education scholars, and positions in policy or advocacy organizations. Our program focuses on issues of concern to scholars and leaders in all types of higher education institutions. Given the variety of positions that you can pursue post-graduation, your advisor will work with you to craft a course of study, and pursue experiences that will help you meet your individual goals.

Renad Aref 366 Baldy Hall Buffalo, NY 14260 Email: [email protected] Phone: 716-645-2110

Instruction Method

• In Person   (100 percent of courses offered in person)

Full/Part Time Options

Credits required, time-to-degree.

• 4 to 5+ Years

Application Fee

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).

Online programs/courses may require students to come to campus on occasion. Time-to-degree and number of credit hours may vary based on full/part time status, degree, track and/or certification option chosen. Time-to-degree is based on calendar year(s). Contact the department for details.

Doctor of Education Leadership

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

America needs transformative leaders in preK–12 education whose passion for education quality and equity is matched by a knowledge of learning and development, the organizational management skills to translate visionary ideas into practical success, and a firm grasp of the role of context and politics in shaping leadership. Graduates of the three-year, multidisciplinary Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education will be prepared to become those leaders.

The Ed.L.D Program — taught by faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School — will train you for system-level leadership positions in school systems, state and federal departments of education, and national nonprofit organizations. Ed.L.D. is a full-time, three-year program built on a cohort learning model. Cohorts consist of up to 25 students from diverse professional backgrounds (including district/charter management leaders, nonprofit directors, principals, teachers, and policy researchers) who progress through the program together.

All Ed.L.D. students receive a full tuition funding package plus stipends, work opportunities, and a paid third-year residency at a partner organization.

The Ed.L.D. Program prepares graduates to do work for the public good in the American public education sector, whether that be at the system or state level. Specifically, the program is designed to accelerate the progress graduates make toward achieving meaningful impact in influential roles and/or crossing boundaries in the following spaces in the public education sector:

• PreK–12 district or CMO leadership roles : superintendent of schools, chief academic officer, and/or deputy superintendent
• Foundation/philanthropy roles:  director, president and CEO, senior fellow
• Education nonprofit roles : president or executive director of backbone or collective impact organizations which support preK–12 schools. Ed.L.D. graduates will lead education nonprofits that explicitly focus on improving outcomes and opportunities for children, families, and communities.
• State or federal education leadership roles : commissioner or deputy commissioner roles. Could also include public education advocacy or education policy advisers to senior government officials.
• Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation roles:  Founder, CEO, president

Curriculum Information

The Ed.L.D. curriculum is a balance of multidisciplinary coursework and practice-based learning. Core courses and electives are taught by recognized leaders from across Harvard’s graduate programs in fields like data-based education reform, organizational change and innovation, and effective leadership strategies for urban schools. You will develop and test your leadership skills through team projects and an immersive third-year residency.

All students in the cohort take the same classes in four foundational content areas: learning and teaching, leadership and organizational change, politics and policy, adult development, and leadership inside and out (including one-on-one executive coaching). Courses taken during the first-year focus on practice-based learning and serve as the framework of your first-year experience.

Sample HGSE Courses

• Leading Change
• How People Learn
• Ed.L.D. Proseminar
• Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Learning
• Race, Equity, and Leadership
• Practicing Leadership Inside and Out
• Sector Change
• The Workplace Lab for System-Level Leaders

View  all courses  in the Academic Catalog.

Each cohort member works with program advisers to choose an individualized sequence of electives from any of the Harvard graduate schools. You will work closely with the program faculty and staff during your second year to determine the best match with a partner organization for your third-year residency. Matches are driven by mutual interest between the resident and the partner organization, and each student's career and learning goals and geographic preferences.

• Second Year Practicing Leadership Inside and Out
• Driving Change 
• Education Sector Nonprofits
• Negotiation Workshop
• Coaching with Equity in Mind
• Ethnic Studies and Education
• Deeper Learning for All:  Designing a 21st Century School System
• Institutional Change in School Organizations, Systems, and Sectors

You will take part in a 10-month paid residency at one of our partner organizations. There, you will work on a strategic project which synthesizes your experience and learning into a written Capstone project. You will stay connected to your Ed.L.D. cohort and HGSE through technology and by returning to Harvard periodically for intensive workshops.

Paid Residency 

Our partner organizations include school systems and departments of education, as well as some of the nation's most influential and dynamic nonprofit, mission-based for-profit, and philanthropic organizations.

You will be intentionally pushed out of your comfort zones and asked to work systemically and make a significant contribution to the partner organization. In addition, the residency will provide you with the professional mentoring, practical experiences, and network of connections they need to position themselves as future leaders in the education sector. 

Strategic Project 

You will define (with supervisors from your partner organization) a strategic project on which to focus. You will have the opportunity to lead one or two major efforts on behalf of the organization, such as the creation or implementation of current initiatives. The project allows you to practice and improve leadership skills, add important value to the mission and strategy of the partner organization, work systemically, and hold high-level accountability.

During the residency period, you will produce a written Capstone. The Capstone is a descriptive, analytic, and reflective account of your third-year leadership contributions to a strategic project within an Ed.L.D. partner organization. It is a demonstration of your ability to engage others, develop strategy to successfully address and diagnose challenges, work toward a vision and goals, and learn from the results.

Sample Topics

• Accountability, Coherence, and Improvement: Leadership Reflection and Growth in the Los Angeles Unified School District
• Leadership Development for Entrepreneurial Education Leaders Working to Build Public & Private Sector Support
• Disrupting Teacher Preparation: Lessons in Collaboration and Innovation Across the Learning to Teach Community of Practice
• Pursuing Educational Equality for English Language Learners

Sample Summaries 

• Breaking Down Silos in a School District: Findings from an Ed.L.D. Project in Montgomery County
• Expanding Students' Access to Meaningful STEM Learning Opportunities Through Strategic Community Partnerships
• Developing a New Teacher Leadership and Compensation System in Iowa: A Consensus-Based Process
• Finding Great Teachers for Blended-Learning Schools

GSE Theses and Dissertations from Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH)

Program Faculty

Ed.L.D. students learn with renowned faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Kennedy School. Faculty from the three schools share their individual expertise in the Ed.L.D. Program and work collaboratively to provide a challenging and coherent experience for students. Faculty who teach in the Ed.L.D. core curriculum and advise Ed.L.D. students include:

Faculty Director

Frank D. Barnes

Frank Barnes is faculty director of the Doctor of Education Leadership Program. He has over 30 years experience as an educator, researcher, and organizer. As a chief accountability officer, he led turnaround efforts for large public school districts, including Boston Public Schools and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Kathryn Parker Boudett

Ebony N. Bridwell-Mitchell

Jennifer Perry Cheatham

Elizabeth City

Candice Crawford-Zakian

Marshall Ganz

Adria D. Goodson

Deborah helsing.

Monica C. Higgins

Deborah Jewell-Sherman

Lisa Laskow Lahey

Mary Grassa O'Neill

Irvin Leon Scott

Catherine Snow

Michael L. Tushman

Martin west.

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Education Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Do We Need Happiness Teachers?

After a trip to meet with the Dalai Lama, an Ed.L.D. student says we do

Combatting Chronic Absenteeism with Family Engagement 

As post-COVID absenteeism rates continue unabated, a look at how strong family-school engagement can help