Admission to Doctoral Degree at KU
The University of Kansas is a great place to pursue a graduate degree, since graduate education is central to KU’s mission of learning, scholarship and creative activity. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant communities of Lawrence and Overland Park, Kansas.
Please note that KU does not accept paper applications for admission. The online application is designed to give you the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. Not sure of how to proceed? We’ve created a Graduate Application Checklist (pdf), just for you!
Application Deadline for Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Administration
Apply before April 1 to begin in the Summer Semester
Admission Requirements:
KU's doctorate in higher education administration is designed for individuals with well-developed academic skills and a strong potential for future administration. Preferred applicants must have the following:
- A bachelor’s and a master’s degree with a grade-point average (GPA) of at least a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent degree requirements;
- Demonstrated ability to succeed academically as indicated on transcripts and through references;
- Hold a current professional position in higher education or related organization (e.g., foundation, policy think tank, or state education organization);
- Have three years of professional experience at a higher education institution (preferred);
- Statement of purpose should include:
- Professional goals and how the Ed.D will help you acheive them.
- Academic strengths and weaknesses, including any additional explanation for your transcripts.
- Relevant examples from your full-time work experience that demonstrate your motivation and capacity to succeed as a full-time doctoral student.
- How you anticipate being a doctoral student will change your normal daily routine (at work and at home) and how you plan to address these changes.
- The level of support you anticipate receiving from your supervisor.
- The aspects of higher education that are of particular interest to you as potential dissertation topics.
Review the Graduate Application Checklist (pdf) to get started.
