PhD in Higher Education Programs Curriculum: A Comprehensive Overview

Are you considering a research-intensive doctoral program focused on the critical issues facing postsecondary education? A PhD in Higher Education (HED) program provides a rigorous curriculum designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders, researchers, and agents of change within higher education institutions and related organizations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the curriculum, program structure, and career opportunities associated with a PhD in Higher Education.

Introduction

The PhD in Higher Education is a highly individualized program designed to prepare students for academic careers in the field of higher education. Through coursework, research assistantships, and close work with academic advisors, students develop the skills they need to conduct primary research in higher education. These skills include understanding research design and the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data.

Curriculum Structure and Core Components

The curriculum for a PhD in Higher Education program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, political, philosophical, and social elements that shape higher education. The curriculum is designed to ground students in the study of higher education as a discipline and critical scholarship within the field. The program integrates core courses in higher education, an area of concentration, and individually tailored courses of study that encourage students to undertake coursework with faculty in a variety of departments. The flexibility of the curriculum allows students to create a personalized program supporting their research interests.

Core Coursework

The curriculum requirements for the Program include core coursework in higher education, electives in higher education and cognate areas, and extensive training in research methods and analysis. The program has a core set of courses designed for students to gain an understanding of historical, political, philosophical, and social elements that shape and continue to reshape higher education. Courses typically include case studies, presentations, papers, debates, and reflection. Classes are mainly taught in seminar formats. This provides opportunities for students to enhance their communication skills and discuss empirical and theoretical work.

Research Methods and Theoretical Frameworks

As a PhD candidate in Higher Education (HED), you will complete coursework emphasizing research methods and theoretical frameworks, enabling you to conduct independent research that tests or applies conceptual models and generates new knowledge in the field. The courses in this program are designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of key aspects of higher education administration as well as to address current issues through a biblical worldview. Students develop an area of research specialization.

Electives and Focus Areas

Each student will design an additional focus area in consultation with their advisor. Students are strongly encouraged to take some courses or create one focus area outside of ELPA. Focus areas may cover topics such as social justice, immigrants and education, or educational law and reform. Electives may be taken at any school, although the majority of HE students fulfill their electives within the division. Courses must be at the 5000 level or above and students must consult their academic advisor before enrolling in any course outside of GSE. Students without a master's degree in HE may be required to fulfill some of their electives with required coursework from the HE MSEd program.

Program Requirements and Milestones

In addition to coursework, PhD programs in Higher Education typically have specific milestones and requirements that students must meet to progress through the program. These may include:

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements, specific admission procedures for the Ph.D. are listed below. Submit the following items to the Office of Graduate Admissions prior to registering for any graduate courses. Department of Education. Transcripts should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions from all schools previously attended. Ph.D. applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above on graduate degree required for entrance to the program.

Transfer of Credit

All graduate transfer credits are subject to the approval of the School of Education (SOE) Graduate Committee. Such courses must carry a grade of at least a B- and be comparable to Liberty University graduate courses. Department of Education. With approval, up to 30 hours may be transferred into the Ph.D. program. It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply official transcripts along with a written request to have credit applied to the degree program. Transfer credits must have been completed within the previous seven (7) years to be eligible for transfer to the Ph.D.

Qualifying Evaluation

A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units. The evaluation is designed by the specialization faculty and may be based on an examination or on a review of a student’s overall academic progress.

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Candidacy Examination

A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required. The candidacy examination is a test of knowledge in the student's area of specialization, requiring students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as defined by their academic division. This examination is normally held after the candidate has completed all required courses.

Dissertation Proposal and Defense

Before beginning the dissertation research, the doctoral dissertation committee must approve the research proposal. The dissertation is expected to exhibit scholarship, reflect mastery of technique, and make a distinctive contribution to the field of knowledge in which the candidate has specialized. A faculty committee of two (2) members, comprising a chair and a committee member is responsible for the general supervision of the doctoral dissertation. A formal defense of the dissertation is required for final approval.

Continuous Enrollment

Once candidates enter the dissertation phase of their degree as noted on their specific DCP, they must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) until they complete all degree requirements. If they do not, they will break enrollment, and they will be required to apply for readmission if/when they wish to resume the pursuit of their degree. They will have to complete their degree under the Degree Completion Plan (DCP) in effect at the time of their readmission.

Time Limits for Degree Completion

The time limit for completing the degree from the date of admission to the program is seven years for the Ph.D. Only in unusual circumstances may the candidate be granted an extension. Granting of an extension of time will usually result in additional requirements. Any candidate who does not complete coursework within the permissible time limit, for any reason including discontinued enrollment, must reapply for admission. A candidate may reapply only once, and will be subject to the current standards and curriculum. The SOE Graduate Committee will determine if any previous courses are sufficiently time sensitive and must be repeated.

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed: Qualifying Evaluation, Candidacy Examination, Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam, Dissertation Deposit.

Faculty and Research Opportunities

The higher education faculty are nationally recognized experts in college student development, administration, college access, faculty work, issues in higher education and higher education policy. The curriculum in higher education is complemented by courses within other programs in the Educational Foundations, Organizations, and Policy Department and across the School of Education.

Research Assistantships

ELPA will consider applications for departmental graduate assistantships when funding is available. These positions are intended for full-time students and involve assisting faculty with research and/or teaching. An offer of a graduate assistantship typically comes with an expectation of 20 hours of work a week, a monthly stipend, and tuition remission. Assistantships must be renewed on an annual basis. Some positions may be for a semester and some for the Fall and Spring.

Faculty Expertise

You’ll benefit from the diverse interests and expertise of the faculty in research, policy development, and institutional leadership and engage in a rigorous sequence of research courses to prepare for your dissertation, which combines literature research with empirical investigation.

Career Paths for PhD Graduates in Higher Education

With a PhD in Higher Education, graduates can pursue a variety of career paths. The program prepares students for a wide range of leadership roles within education. Graduates of the program pursue careers in which they can inform and influence educational policy. Many also continue producing research and developing theories about teaching and learning.

Faculty Positions

You might embark on a faculty career, shaping the minds of future educators and researchers.

Leadership Roles in Higher Education

The Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration program is designed to prepare higher education professionals to be effective leaders and researchers in their institutions.

Policy and Research Organizations

Graduates of the program pursue careers in which they can inform and influence educational policy. Many also continue producing research and developing theories about teaching and learning.

Program Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration program is designed to prepare higher education professionals to be effective leaders and researchers in their institutions. The courses in this program are designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of key aspects of higher education administration as well as to address current issues through a biblical worldview.

Specific Learning Outcomes Include:

1a. Evaluate elements of the historical and philosophical influences pertaining to governance, administration, and leadership in institutions of higher education.2a. Synthesize organizational theories and models to create and lead effective higher education organizations.2b. Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills necessary for advanced career positions in higher education.2c. Evaluate, interpret and synthesize research in higher education.2d. Construct original research that contributes meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge.3a. Defend a biblical worldview throughout analysis of literature, readings and research in higher education.

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Justice

DU’s HED PhD program is committed to equipping you to drive positive transformation toward more significant equity and justice in postsecondary institutions and related organizations. The program is focused on critical scholarship and centers equity, inclusion, and justice.

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