Higher Education Administration, PhD

This nationally recognized Ph.D. program emphasizes informed, ethical decision making in the administration of higher education. It is intended to launch its graduates into new areas and/or higher levels of leadership in colleges and universities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Ph.D degree, students in the Higher Education Administration program are expected to be able to:

• Administration and Leadership in Higher Education: Evaluate theories and models of organizations and leadership to achieve institutional mission and goals. 
• Postsecondary Students’ Learning and Development: Assess and analyze models and theories of student learning and development, informed by cultural factors that influence their creation and use. 
• Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice: Evaluate campus policy and practice to promote diversity, equity, and social justice.
• Inquiry: Assessment, Evaluation, and Research: Design and execute research to address important concerns in higher education. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have an earned Master’s degree.

Additional Documents required:

• Submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE can be waived if graduate GPA is 3.2 and higher with five (5) years of full-time related work experience after Master’s degree. Enter your GPA and GPA Scale on the Academic History tab.
• Three Letters of Recommendation - submit recommender names/emails in this application, the recommenders will then be emailed automatically to submit their letter through this application system
• Letter of Recommendation Evaluation Form - At least one letter of recommendation must be from a faculty member and you are also encouraged to include a reference from a higher education or student affairs professional.
• Professional Resume - Current resume or curriculum vitae detailing academic and professional background; at least 3-5 years successful work experience (preferably post-master’s) is desired.
• Statement of Purpose - A 3-5 page typed statement (double-spaced) which addresses:
  • Present goals, professional aspirations, interests, and reasons for seeking admission to the program.
  • Areas of higher education administration in which you are most interested and why (e.g., student affairs, leadership, academic administration) 
  • Current research interests
  • What you wish to achieve in the profession

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements