“Penn GSE gave me the analytical tools to understand the newest research on college access and help craft practical ways to recruit and support a wide range of students.”
Andrew Moe, Ed.D., GRD'18
Part-time program, world-class degree for leaders in higher education administration.
Aimed at preparing practitioner-scholars, the Ed.D. in Higher Education is designed for experienced professionals who wish to continue their careers as research-practitioners and institutional leaders. Individuals learn to use research to make a difference in the lives of students and institutions by focusing on pressing problems of practice.
Program Details
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December 1 Application Deadline
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Fall Entry Term
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Part-Time Enrollment Format
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20 Courses
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1-2 Average Courses per Semester
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On Campus Modality
Overview
Students will gain a deeper understanding of how institutions of higher education operate while learning how to conduct rigorous academic research that they will be able to use as higher education leaders.
Students attain a broad comprehension of higher education through completion of core doctoral classes that are designed to facilitate their understanding of research and completion of a dissertation. In addition to these courses, doctoral students draw on their professional work experience to develop the skills they will need to conduct high-quality primary research in higher education administration. The program emphasizes the practice of education and consultation in colleges and universities, governmental agencies, and foundations.
Those students who are looking for an executive-style experience might be interested in Penn GSE's Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management Ed.D. program.
Take the Next Step
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Hear From Our Alumni
Hear From Our Alumni
Andrew Moe, Ed.D., GRD'18
Admissions Events
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
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Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Curriculum
With the ability to take courses across the University of Pennsylvania, students in the Higher Education Ed.D. program can build a rigorous program of study that is specifically designed to meet their career goals with 4 required courses and 16 electives.
For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Higher Education Ed.D. program in the University Catalog.
Do you have questions about the coursework or research?
We are here to help! Contact the program staff below:
Program Manager: Ross Aikins, raikins@gse.upenn.edu
Program Coordinator: Noel Lipki, nlipki@upenn.edu
Outcomes
Higher Education Ed.D. graduates accept academic and leadership positions at universities, and as leaders at government and nonprofit institutions.
Alumni Careers
- Athletics Director, Johns Hopkins University
- Assistant Dean for Admissions & Academic Affairs, University of Pennsylvania
- Assistant Dean for College Programming and Student Services, The University of Chicago
- Assistant Professor, Salem State University
- Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Cal State Monterey Bay
- Chief Student Affairs Officer, Amherst College
- Chief of Staff, University of Wisconsin
- Director of Strategic Initiatives, University of Pennsylvania
- Director of Institutional Assessment and Quality Improvement, Rutgers University
- Vice President, Rochester Institute of Technology
Apply Now
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Affiliated Faculty
Our affiliated faculty are valued members of the Penn GSE community and are leaders in their fields and disciplines across higher education and in the private sector. In addition to teaching students, many of our affiliated faculty also contribute to curricular development, research, and serve as student mentors.
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Frank Roth
Contact Us
Do you have questions about our programs, admissions requirements, or financial aid? We're here to help!
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