Higher Education Administration, Ph.D.

Saint Louis University's Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration emphasizes the interplay of theory and practice in higher education.

Curriculum Overview

Through coursework and intensive study, the Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration prepares future leaders, administrators and teachers for the college and university sectors. Courses focus on the analysis of issues related to college student and higher education administration; application of discipline-based literature to higher education practice; application of best practice; and research competency. Courses are grounded in a social justice and inclusion framework. 

Careers

The Ph.D. in higher education administration program is intended for those students interested in pursuing careers in higher education teaching and/or administration.

Admission Requirements

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• Application form and fee
• Transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE or other applicable graduate entry exam scores
• Résumé
• Professional goal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students along with the following:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Proof of financial support must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Please note that application deadlines for this program differ for international students.

Review Process

A committee reviews each application.

Application Deadlines

Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by June 15, for the spring semester by Nov. 1, and for the summer semester by April 1. International students should apply by May 1 for the fall semester, Oct.1 for the spring semester, and Feb. 1 for the summer semester.   

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for graduate assistantship, applicants should complete their applications by Feb. 1. 

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://finaid.slu.edu.  

1. Graduates will be able to use guided practice in student development, organizational, and environmental theories to analyze issues related to college students and higher education administration.
2. Graduates will be able to interpret and apply discipline-based literature to higher education administration practice.
3. Graduates will apply benchmark practices in leadership, communication, organization, finance, assessment, and management in higher education administration.

Introductory Research Courses

Students must complete master’s level graduate research coursework as prerequisites for advanced research courses. Students are required to successfully complete the following three research courses.  Up to six credits may be waived based on students' prior coursework.  

Advanced Research Courses

Students choose 6 credits of research electives from either the qualitative or quantitative focus (see lists below)

Non-Course Requirements

• Students must pass a comprehensive written examination,
• Students must pass an oral examination/proposal defense, and
• Students must pass a public presentation and defense of their dissertation.

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester.  Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Saint Louis University School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu