Higher Education, Ph.D.

Higher Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Quick Facts

Credits
63
Location

Main Campus (Tucson)

Program Format

In Person

Priority Application Deadline

December 15 (domestic and international applicants); January 22 is the final deadline.
Applications are welcomed after January 22, with financial support priority for those who apply by January 22

The Higher Education Ph.D. is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of concepts, theoretical frameworks, issues, and practices in a particular area within higher education. 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. Areas of concentration include comparative higher education, organization and administration, college access, and student affairs. The core coursework provides a foundation enabling students to comprehend the central sociopolitical, cultural, organizational, and economic structures comprising and influencing both American and global higher education.
 

Learn about and explore national and global dimensions, issues, and agencies related to higher education.
Study how developments in the political economy shape and are expressed in the restructuring of higher education settings, professions, and practices.
Graduate prepared for a career that will commit to educational changes and reform that enhance the realization of social justice in higher education.
Careers

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. All graduates, no matter the career path taken, enter roles in which they can learn and develop new ways to affect positive change in classrooms, institutions, and local communities.

Sample Courses

HED 601 Higher Education in the United States
HED 609 Organization and Administration in Higher Education
HED 619: Higher Education Across the World OR
HED 628 Theories of Inequality, Oppression, and Social Stratification OR
HED 636 College Access and Success OR
HED 642: Gender and Education

To allow for flexibility, courses in the program are delivered in a variety of formats, including completely online, hybrid, and in-person. 

General Program Information
 

Admission Requirements

  • Completed master's degree
  • Experience in higher education and/or leadership
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 (preferred GPA of 3.5)

Ready to learn more? 

We recommend reading the student handbook for details about our department and our program. For more information, contact Diana Peel.

Email Diana Peel