Online Ed.D. in Higher Education
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education is designed to prepare mid-career professionals and executives in college, university and government professions to assume high profile leadership positions in administration, academics, student life and research areas of higher education. The program complements mid-career professional and executives who are responsible for thinking strategically about their institutions’ reform plans. The students will learn to decipher which aspects of their institutional mission and culture are critical to future success using best leadership practices. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to assess and reflect on their own leadership strengths and weaknesses in a supportive learning environment with accomplished higher education leaders.
The Ed.D program will focus on critical strategic and operational challenges in higher education that impact upon teaching, learning, enrollment management, student life, federal and state policy, accountability, assessment and financial models that community colleges, colleges and universities face today. The program provides students with an understanding of higher education theory, research, demographic trends, administrative practice, policy issues, academic course delivery options, government regulatory climate, strategic prioritization and financial aid considerations impacting public and private higher education through a balance of synthesized research and experiential learning designed to stretch student thinking and encourage discussion of common challenges.
Program Highlights
- Courses are linked around a program focused on addressing critical areas of higher education thought leadership that prepare students to explore the tensions in today’s postsecondary environment and make these students better prepared to find innovative solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Courses are developed and taught by expert faculty who are experienced practitioners in higher education.
- Program is designed to facilitate supportive mentor relationships and collaboration among peers.
- Preparation for the dissertation begins immediately; and is adapted to meet student’s professional interests.
- Dissertation support and advisement to meet professional interests.
At a Glance
| Degree Awarded: | Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Educational Leadership (Higher Education) |
| Concentrations: | Higher Education |
| Course Locations: | Online |
| Program Duration: | 48 Credits |
| Calendar: | Semester |
| Course Format: | Web-based online |
Curriculum
| GE-801 | Curriculum Development and Instruction | 3 |
| GE-805 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership | 3 |
| GE-807 | Statistics I1 | 3 |
| GE-809 | Research Design and Methods1 | 3 |
| GE-811 | Qualitative Research Design and Analysis | 3 |
| GE-822 | Historical Trends in Higher Education | 3 |
| GE-825 | Ethical Foundations and Social Responsibility | 3 |
| GE-839 | Statistics II1 | 3 |
| GE-864 | Administration and Governance of Higher Education | 3 |
| GE-866 | Enrollment Management and Marketing | 3 |
| GE-868 | Student Development and Programming | 3 |
| GE-871 | Dissertation Seminar I1 | 3 |
| GE-872 | Grants, Philanthropy and Development | 3 |
| GE-873 | Dissertation Seminar II1 | 3 |
| GE-874 | Finance, Budgeting and Resource Allocation in Higher Education | 3 |
| GE-876 | Accountability: Assessment, Accreditation and Institutional Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
| 1 | Denotes Research classes |
Completion Requirements
In addition to holding a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, the requirements of the program include:
- Admission to the program.
- Advancement to candidacy.
- Successful completion of 48 graduate credits at the doctorate level.
- Successful oral defense of a doctoral-level dissertation.
Transfer Credit
A maximum of nine (9) graduate credits of equivalent course work could be transferred from other accredited universities. A minimum grade of 3.0 (B) is required in such courses. Transfer credit is granted by petition to and approval by the Director and Dean. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the petition and justify the acceptance of the courses. The Director and Dean will determine whether the courses are equivalent. Transfer credit is by permission only and not an obligation of the University.
Time Limitation
Students who do not successfully complete all degree requirements, including successful completion of the dissertation, for the Ed.D. within eight calendar years from the date of acceptance shall be withdrawn from the program.
Saint Peter’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267) 284-5000. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
2019 50 Most Affordable Online Doctorate in Education