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Higher Education Doctorate

EdD deadlines

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

PhD deadline

Applications for PhD will open Fall 2024.

Full and partial assistantships

Online learning options

Full-time or part-time options

Program overview

Whether you want to become a faculty member in higher education, pursue leadership positions in colleges and universities, or contribute new knowledge about higher education, Warner’s flexible doctoral programs in higher education will help you achieve your goals.

We invite you to check out our doctoral programs, and see how you can benefit from the expertise and support of faculty involved in cutting-edge research and innovative education reform projects, while pursuing your specific interests.

The Warner School's PhD and EdD programs in higher education can be easily customized to meet your specific career goals and interests in areas such as student affairs, higher education leadership, and administration. No matter what specialization you are interested in, Warner will work with you to help you achieve the goals for your doctoral program.

Key program features

  • Minimum Credits: 90 graduate credits; some of which can be transferred from previous programs (up to 30 credits for PhDs; up to 36 credits for EdDs).
  • Customizable: Programs include a mix of research, core/specialization, and elective courses to enable you to tailor the program to your career interests and needs. You also can take advantage of the opportunity to complete an advanced certificate in program evaluation or online teaching for few additional required credits.
  • Choice of Research Methods: Benefit from a vast array of research methods courses, and choose from a variety of research methods for your dissertation.
  • Exciting Research Opportunities: Warner faculty are always working on exciting projects that can provide opportunities for research apprenticeships and assistantships.
  • Flexible: Programs can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, starting in any semester.
  • Residency: PhD students must complete a minimum residency requirement of one year (full-time students) or two years (part-time students).

Prerequisites

  • A master’s degree in higher education or a related field.
  • Relevant work experience in higher education is highly desirable.

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

60% Tuition Scholarship

Receive a scholarship of up to 60% of tuition plus an annual stipend of $5,000 to $7,500, $1,700 toward meal plans, and more.

Questions?

PhD in Education with Concentration in Higher Education

Prepares graduates for academic positions in universities and other higher education settings, as well as research positions in government agencies or other educational organizations. Coursework for the PhD in education (with specialization in higher education).

EdD in Educational Administration with Specialization in Higher Education

Prepares and supports experienced educators for leadership positions in their field, as well as selected higher education faculty positions; can be completed on a part-time basis while maintaining full-time employment. You can choose between two options to complete the same program requirements:

  • EdD Accelerated Option: Dissertation must utilize a decision analysis or program evaluation models related to your job, to be completed in the span of one year as part of a cohort, supported through a multi-semester dissertation seminar. This program can be completed in as few three years by taking coursework in a prescribed sequence. Coursework for the accelerated EdD in educational administration (with specialization in higher education).
     

Customize your degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.

EdD deadlines

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

PhD deadline

Applications for PhD will open Fall 2024.

Career opportunities

Graduates of our EdD programs in higher education are prepared to assume a variety of senior administrative positions in higher education institutions of all types, as well as faculty/teaching positions in programs aimed at preparing the next generation of higher education practitioners.

Graduates of our PhD program in higher education are prepared to assume faculty and research positions in higher education institutions, as well as research, advocacy, and leadership positions in other higher education-focused organizations..

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Core program faculty

Andrea Barrett
Student affairs administration; academic operations

Brian Brent
Decision making; K-12 and higher education finance

Eric Fredericksen
Online teaching and learning

Nathan Harris
University leadership and governance; ethical issues

Tricia Shalka
Impact of trauma on college students; trauma-informed practice in higher education

Tiffany Steele
Lived experiences of Black girls and women in education; minoritized student & staff experiences

Contact admissions

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Take a course before you apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

Related certificates and degrees

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