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.  

Campus: Online 100%

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 in 3-5 double-spaced pages (excluding references) using APA style:

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

• Discuss what you consider to be one of the biggest challenges facing higher education professionals today. What promising practices would you suggest might help address this issue? Include references to the academic literature that has shaped your understanding of this challenge and informed potential solutions.

• Share your research interests. Include references to the academic literature that has informed your understanding of this topic.

• 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? How will it allow you to explore your research interests?

2. CV/Résumé

3. Three Letters of Recommendation

This program admits new students each fall and spring term. The application priority deadline is April 15 for fall, and September 1 for spring. 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 600 - Introduction to Higher Education Studies and Research 3 hrs.
• 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 814 - Organizational Development and Leadership 3 hrs.
• HE 731 - Practitioner Inquiry I 3 hrs.
• HE 732 - Practitioner Inquiry II 3 hrs.
• HE 733 - Practitioner Inquiry III 3 hrs.
• Advisor Approved Electives 12 hrs.