Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies, Concentration in Higher Education

Program Information and Focus

The PhD in Educational Studies with a concentration in higher education requires 60 semester hours and is intended for experienced administrators and qualified scholars. We value professional experience and allow for either full time or part time graduate study (paired with full time employment). Our course-work emphasizes student development, equity and inclusion, organizational theory, and law. In addition to gaining expertise in research methods, students can personalize their degree by taking concentration courses inside or outside the department. Our faculty value a diverse range of student social identities and teach/mentor in a way that seeks to be affirming as well as growth-producing. Graduates pursue careers as scholar-practitioners in areas such as student affairs, community college leadership, and general higher education administration.

Program Mission

The PhD in Educational Studies in Higher Education develops scholar-practitioners who value issues of equity, diversity, social justice, and inclusion in their work with the college students of today and tomorrow. We build upon the scholar-practitioner identity, honoring work experience as a critical part of the theory to practice dialogue. We seek to help our students develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for investigating, understanding, and shaping the dynamic relations among students, institutions of higher education, and society. In particular, we seek to enhance their understanding of the most current theories of student development, ways to promote equity in higher education, educational research, and organizational and legal frameworks for practice.