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.
What Sets Us Apart
About the Program
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.
Fall: 1-2 courses; Spring: 1-2 courses; Summer: 1-2 courses
Transfer courses acceptedUp to 8 with faculty approval
Culminating experienceDissertation
- Part-Time
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.
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.
For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Higher Education Ed.D. program in the University Catalog.
Our Faculty
Higher Education faculty are leading the conversation about how to expand college access, equity, and affordability. These experts are routinely sought by university presidents, foundation leaders, journalists, and policymakers seeking to understand the changing landscape of higher education. Please contact the program for information on selecting a faculty adviser.
Affiliated Faculty
Ross Aikins
Adjunct Associate Professor
Ph.D., UCLA
Peter Eckel
Senior Fellow
Ph.D., University of Maryland
Peter Garland
Executive Vice Chancellor, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Ph.D., Penn State University
Laura W. Perna
Vice Provost for Faculty
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Jason A. Presley
Vice Dean, Finance and Administration, Penn GSE
Ph.D., New York University
Alan R. Ruby
Senior Fellow
Associateship, London Institute of Education
Valarie E. Swain-Cade McCoullum
Provost’s Distinguished Senior Fellow
Ed.D., Temple University
Our Graduates
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
Admissions & Financial Aid
Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements, as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.
Contact us if you have any questions about the program.
Financial Aid
Graduate School of Education
University of Pennsylvania
3700 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-6415
admissions@gse.upenn.edu
finaid@gse.upenn.edu
Ross Aikins
Adjunct Associate Professor, Program Manager
(215) 898-8398
raikins@gse.upenn.edu
Noel Lipki
Program Coordinator
(215) 746-2923
nlipki@upenn.edu
Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.
Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
Related News & Research
The Institute for Research on Higher Education (IRHE) is a university-wide research institute that conducts research relevant to policymakers and educational practitioners.
The Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy (Penn AHEAD) is dedicated to fostering open, equitable, and democratic societies through higher education.