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
Admission to the BGSU HIED program is selective and restricted to the number of doctoral students to whom the program faculty believe they can provide quality instruction, advising, and dissertation direction. To be considered for admission, candidates must complete an application file with the following components:
Applicants must have an earned Master’s degree.
Additional Documents required:
- 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.
- At least 3-5 full time work experience in higher education or closely realted field (preferable post-master’s) is preferred.
Statement of Intent in two parts (A personal statement and a contemporary issues essay)
- Personal Statement- A 3-5 page (double spaced) statement that addresses:
- What professional and/or personal experiences and interests have led you to consider a Ph.D. in higher education?
- What are your goals in the profession of higher education? In what kinds of positions and institutions do you hope to work? Why?
- How will BGSU’s Higher Education Administration program facilitate your reaching your professional goals?
- What are your current research interests?
- What strengths and resources do you bring that will help you to be a successful doctoral student in this program?
- Contemporary Issue Essay- A 3-5 page types essay on a contemporary issue in higher education. Please identify a single-issue creating challenges for students, administrators, faculty, or institutions of higher education as a whole. Your focus should not be on a single college or university but on colleges/universities generally. Please address the promopts below:
- Why is the issue you have identified a challenge?
- What are the consequences of the issue?
- What are some potential solutions?
We will be evaluating your essay on your understanding of higher education, ability to think critically and complexly, and to articulate your ideas clearly. Academic citations are welcome but not required. Feel free to update writing you may have generated in your master’s degree program or as a professional.
International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.
Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.
Application Requirements
Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements
International Application Information
Degree Requirements
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