Higher Education Administration Program Curriculum & Admission Requirements

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Coursework

The program is designed to be completed in three years. Students take 27 hours of foundational areas necessary for being a leader in higher education, 3 hours of field experience, 9 hours of research courses, and approximately 12 credits of dissertation. New cohorts begin in the summer and courses are offered in hybrid mode with both in-person and online coursework.

Continuous Study

To meet the required period of continuous study, EdD students must be enrolled in two consecutive semesters following one of the following patterns :

• Spring enrollment of 6 credit hours and fall enrollment of 6 credit hours;
• Spring enrollment of 6 credit hours and summer enrollment of 3 credit hours;
• Summer enrollment of 3 credit hours and fall enrollment of 6 credit hours.

Comprehensive Exam

Upon completion of all coursework, the students is eligible to sit for the comprehensive exam. The comprehensive exam has a written and oral component. The student first takes the written exam that requires them to apply theory and research from core content courses to a problem of practice. Upon successful completion of the written exam, the student takes the oral examination.

Dissertation

The Ed.D. dissertation provides an opportunity for the student to engage in study of a particular problem of practice. As a practitioner degree, the dissertation emphasizes implications for policy and practice.

Program Curriculum

The program is a cohort program in which all students begin in the summer and take the same required courses. Courses reflect current theory and research in main areas of essential to understanding colleges and universities and their constituents. Although the coursework is prescribed, students will work with an advisor to shape a dissertation project.

Core Requirements

Courses

Research Requirements

Courses

Field Experience Requirement

Courses

Dissertation Requirement

Courses

Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling.

Summary of the Ed.D. program

  • Total core credit hours - 27

  • Field Experience - 3

  • Research credit hours – 9

  • Dissertation credit hours – Typically 9-18

  • ELPS 995 Field Experience - FE I Summer I

  • ELPS 995 Field Experience - FE II Summer II

  • ELPS 995 Field Experience - FE III Summer III

Graduate Admission

Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and hold a full-time position in a college or university or related educational setting. Three years of full-time experience is recommended. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants are strongly advised to contact one (or more) of the faculty members in the department prior to applying for the doctoral program.

Application Deadlines

Feb. 3, 2025
Priority deadline for summer cohort
Mar. 3, 2025
Final deadline for summer cohort

Application Checklist

Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration

Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:

List

  • Online application

    Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions

  • Transcripts

    One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended

  • English translation of transcripts

    Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation

  • GRE exam scores (optional)

    Official copy of scores no older than five years

  • Resume or CV

  • Statement of purpose

    Please submit a succinct statement of purpose. Click the link above for details.

  • Writing sample

    An article, paper, or other composition

  • Letters of recommendation

    Please provide information regarding three references, one of which must be a faculty member or someone who can speak directly to your academic skills. For each reference, please provide their full name, relationship to you (e.g., supervisor, professor), email address, and contact phone number. Include your references on a new page, as the last page of your resume.

  • Proof of English proficiency

    Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency

  • Application fee

    $65 for U.S. residents, $85 for international applicants.

Admission & Curriculum Resources

The online application is designed to give you the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.

Apply Online request info

Related Info:

Program Faculty

Dallas Doane
Dallas Doane
Associate Professor of the Practice, Masters of Higher Education Administration Program Coordinator
Zak Foste
Zak Foste
Associate Professor
Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson
Assistant Professor
Amanda Mollet
Amanda Mollet
Assistant Professor
Jennifer C. Ng
Jennifer C. Ng
Department Chair of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, Professor
Gene T. Parker
Gene T. Parker III
Associate Professor
Lisa Ellen Wolf-Wendel
Lisa Ellen Wolf-Wendel
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the School of Education & Human Sciences, Roy A. Roberts Distinguished Professor
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