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GW's HEA Program offers three distinct graduate degree programs. To learn more about the features of each of the academic programs in HEA, including specific admissions information, please select the appropriate program below.
Higher Education Administration (Doctoral)
In support of the HEA Program's Mission, the HEA Doctoral Program (Ed.D.) is designed to prepare leaders within the field of higher education. Students complete seated and online coursework to develop the knowledge, skills and background useful for serving in advanced and senior level academic, administrative and research roles in 2-year and 4-year institutions of higher education, national and international associations, government agencies, and other post-secondary educational settings.
Within the academe, doctoral education is unique in that it is highly individualized and requires more independent action on the part of the student. A successful outcome of a quality doctoral program is that the student has developed an autonomy as a scholar-practitioner, and is able to demonstrate the ability to frame questions and solve problems in the positions in which they work. The HEA Doctoral Program aspires to provide a high-quality, fast-paced scholarly experience in which students can integrate theory and research seamlessly with practice.
Higher Education Administration (Education Specialist)
In support of the HEA Program's Mission, the HEA Education Specialist (EdS) Program is designed to serve mid-career professionals seeking focused investigations into specialized higher education areas. Generally, admission into the HEA EdS Program is narrowly limited to meet unique needs, and prospective students are encouraged to instead more fully explore opportunities available to them in either the HEA Master's or Doctoral Programs.
The EdS Degree is generally appropriate for faculty and educational specialists already holding disciplinary doctoral degrees who would like to explore higher education administrative content and skills; or for higher education administrators who already hold a master's degree in the field, and would like to seek advanced professional experiences in specially narrowed areas/reasons to augment their master's degrees.
Read more: Higher Education Administration (Education Specialist)
Higher Education Administration (Master's)
In support of the HEA Program's Mission, the HEA Master's Program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge for successful work in entry- and mid-career professional positions in institutions of higher education, post-secondary education and other related organizations. Students participate in active coursework, field-experiences/internships, and other professional opportunities so that they may become engaged and thoughtful practitioners in higher education and student affairs.
HEA Faculty are focused on facilitating a strong practice-based program for students that includes novel and engaging courses, professional work experiences through internships, assistantships and full-time work experiences, and a sense of community among our practitioners and scholars.
