Higher Education Administration EdD

Overview

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration is a 54-hour fully online program designed to meet the needs of working professionals. This program emphasizes the acquisition of skills and knowledge needed to perform effectively in various administrative and leadership positions in higher education. As such, rather than a dissertation, the EdD program offers students a unique opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge through the completion of an action-oriented research capstone project. The project requires students to identify, investigate, and propose creative solutions for a real-world problem in higher education.

Applicants are required to have earned a Master’s degree in any field to be eligible for admission. However, it is highly recommended that applicants have at least three years of professional experience in higher education administration.  

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admission Requirements and Procedures , applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Please attach a statement that addresses the following components:

• ​Philosophy – What is your philosophy of higher education practice?

• Areas of Interest – What problem(s) of practice are you interested in studying through your Capstone project? Note: This will not commit you to this topic(s), but it will give us an opportunity to evaluate your level of interest and understanding of particular issues in higher education. 

• Professional Goals – What positions interest you? Broadly, what are you hoping to achieve in your career?

• Fit with EdD – How will earning an EdD in Higher Education Administration contribute to your professional goals? How does the USM EdD program, in particular, fit your needs, interests, and goals?
  Please address the all of the above prompts in 2-3 pages using APA format.

2. CV/Résumé

3. Three Letters of Recommendation

This program admits new students each fall term. The application priority deadline is April 15. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information .

Course Requirements (54 hours)

• HE 705 - Social Justice in Higher Education 3 hrs.
• HE 711 - History of Higher Education 3 hrs.
• HE 712 - The Two-Year College 3 hrs.
• HE 714 - Higher Education Finance 3 hrs.
• HE 716 - Legal Issues in Higher Education 3 hrs.
• HE 793 - Capstone I 3 hrs.
• HE 794 - Capstone II 3 hrs.
• HE 795 - Capstone III 3 hrs.
• HE 796 - Capstone IV 3 hrs.
• HE 800 - Higher Education Leadership Theory and Research 3 hrs.
• HE 814 - Organization and Administration of Higher Education 3 hrs.
• REF 601 - Educational Research: Interpretation and Applications 3 hrs.
• REF 736 - Survey Research 3 hrs.
• REF 770 - Program Evaluation 3 hrs.
• Advisor Approved Electives 12 hrs.