Higher Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Program Description

The Ph.D. degree in Higher Education is offered by the Department of Higher Education and is intended for individuals seeking to gain methodological, theoretical, and contextual knowledge related to issues involving post-secondary education and the skills necessary to conduct original, empirical research. Students in the Ph.D. program also have the option to complete an emphasis in Gender Studies that is offered in partnership with the Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies.

Admissions Requirements

Competitive applicants will possess the following:

• Hold a completed masters degree
• An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on the course work attempted and a 3.25 graduate grade point average
• Complete a Graduate School application online which includes official transcripts, and GRE scores (less than five years old with verbal, quantitative, and writing component sub-scores)
• Upload the following supplemental materials to the Graduate School application:
  • statement of purpose: Please discuss how your life experiences (personal, academic, and/or professional) have fostered your interest in pursuing a graduate degree in higher education, the strengths you bring that will help you be successful in the program, areas of research interest you have, and how earning the degree might help you achieve your goals as a professional serving in higher education.
  • resume
  • contact information for three references
• Participate in an interview with faculty

Spring Semester admission entrance: October 1 priority admission application deadline. All materials must be in the system by that date.

Fall Semester admission entrance: January 1 priority admission application deadline. All materials must be in the system by that date.

Career Opportunities

The Ph.D. in Higher Education usually prepares individuals for advancement within the institution they currently serve. Graduates from this program have taken on vice-presidencies, directorships, state and federal government positions in various areas and types of institutions. A few have become presidents of institutions.

Online/Regional Campus Options

The program is a residency program on the Oxford Campus. The Department of Higher Education offers an Ed.D. program that is delivered online, and information on the Ed.D. is available here.

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