Doctorate in Higher Education Administration

The ever-evolving field of higher education requires exceptional leaders for administrative, academic, and research positions in two- and four-year higher education institutions, national and international associations, government agencies, and other post-secondary educational settings.

Located in Washington, DC, the Higher Education Administration Doctoral program leverages its location to foster a community of scholar-practitioners, professional and research opportunities, and a commitment to diverse educational experiences. Designed for working professionals, the research-focused executive Higher Education Administration program prepares senior leadership and executive management decision-makers for administrative, academic, and research positions in diverse educational settings, agencies, and associations alike. Unique to the Higher Education program at GW, you will have the opportunity to focus your dissertation on a problem of practice you've encountered within your higher education career. By integrating theory and research seamlessly with your practice, you will be equipped with the skills necessary for professional academic and administrative career development.

Graduates will gain valuable networking opportunities and connections for college student personnel administrators throughout Washington DC.

For more information on the program's unique features, career pathways, and curriculum, please view and download Ed.D. Higher Education.
 

Highlights

Why a GW Doctorate in Higher Education Administration?

    Location: GW’s location in Washington, DC- the epicenter of policy, practice, and research - provides students with the distinct advantage of being a neighbor to national organizations including: The Department of Education, American Council on Education, ACPA and NASPA, American Educational Research Association, and a variation of colleges/universities in size and affiliation.
    Convenient Schedule: The Program offers flexible weekend classes to accommodate busy professionals who work both locally and nationally.
Curriculum

A minimum of 53 credits, including 24 credits in core courses, 9 credits of research, and 2 credits of electives.

Core Courses

EDUC 8505Seminar: Higher Education Administration
EDUC 8510Administration and Organization of Higher Education
EDUC 8515 Comparative and International Higher Education
EDUC 8520Theories for Research on College Students
EDUC 8525College and University Curriculum
EDUC 8530Leadership in Higher Education
EDUC 8555Higher Education Policy
EDUC 8566 Higher Education Finance

Electives

2 credits selected in consultation with advisor

Research Courses

EDUC 8120Group Comparison Designs and Analyses
EDUC 8122Qualitative Research Methods

3 credits from the following:
EDUC 8100Experimental Courses
EDUC 8130Survey Research Methods
EDUC 8131Case Study Research Methods
EDUC 8140Ethnographic Research Methods
EDUC 8142Phenomenological Research Methods
EDUC 8144Discourse Analysis
EDUC 8170Educational Measurement
EDUC 8171Predictive Designs and Analyses
EDUC 8172 Multivariate Analysis
EDUC 8173 Structural Equation Modeling
EDUC 8174 Hierarchical Linear Modeling
EDUC 8175 Item Response Theory
EDUC 8177 Assessment Engineering

Dissertation

EDUC 8280Critical Review of Educational Leadership Literature
EDUC 8998Pre-Dissertation Seminar (taken for 3 credits)
EDUC 8999Dissertation Research (minimum 12 credits needed to complete requirement)

Approved dissertation proposal required
Successful completion of comprehensive exam required

Faculty
Dortch, Deniece
Visiting Assistant Professor
dortch@gwu.edu
(202) 994-6853
Jakeman, Rick
Associate Professor
rjakeman@gwu.edu
(202) 994-5123
Kim, Mikyong Minsun
Associate Professor
kimmi@gwu.edu
(202) 994-3205
Career Outlook

Opportunities

The careers our graduates pursue are diverse and fuse leading edge research and policy with practice.

  • Sally Sagen Lorentson ('06) brings over 16 years of experience in student affairs to her position as the Associate Dean for University Life at George Mason University
  • Lindsay Mathers Addington ('04, '07) is the Director of Global Engagement at the National Association for College Admission Counseling
  • Shaunna Payne Gold ('06) serves as the Assistant Provost of Diversity and Inclusion at Towson University
  • Scott Filter ('03, '05) is currently a Management and Program Analyst at the US Department of Education
  • Marianne Huger Thomson ('03, '07) serves as the Associate Vice Provost of the Student Experience and Dean of Students at Syracuse University
  • Tracae McClure (’17) held a research internship with United Negro College Fund, the nation's largest minority serving organization, while in the program. She now serves as a Survey Statistician at the US Census Bureau

    • Our graduates are transforming the conversation and quality of experience at colleges and universities nation-wide. Join our conversation.

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Program Entry: Fall
    Prerequisites:Master's Degree
    Campus:Foggy Bottom

    Application Requirements

    • Online Application
    • Resume
    • Statement of Purpose
    • 2 Letters of Recommendation (academic and/or professional)
    • Transcripts (unofficial)
    • Standardized Test Scores (GRE or MAT)
    • Application Fee

    *Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants

    For more information on any of these requirements, please visit our Admissions FAQ page.

    Transformation Begins Here

    Learn more about the Doctorate in Higher Education Administration program located on campus (202) 994-9283.

    In the News

    GSEHD alumna Dr. Tia Brown McNair (Ed.D., Higher Education Administration) will be featured in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education during Women's History Month as part of its ninth annual special report recognizing the contributions of women to higher education.

    GSEHD doctoral student Sarah Young (Higher Education Administration) had a poster session accepted to ACPA’s annual conference in Nashville this March. The session is entitled, "Policy in Practice: ADA Implementation." 

    GSEHD alumnus Dr. Kirk Nooks (Ed.D., Higher Education Administration) gave the keynote address at Mercer University's (Georgia) "Living the Dream" program in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. Nooks, president of Gordon State College in Georgia since 2018, earned both his Bachelor of Science in industrial management and Master of Business Administration in marketing from Mercer University.

    GSEHD alumna Dr. Markesha Henderson (Ed.D., Higher Education Administration) has been named the new Director of Athletics at Agnes Scott College in Georgia. She joins the athletic department after serving as an Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Innovative Teaching, Learning and Engagement at Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Henderson is also a former NCAA All-American and national champion in track at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    Money Magazine published an article entitled, "How MONEY Ranked the 2019 Best Colleges," which highlights data collected and research analysis led by GSEHD alumna Dr. Audrey Peak (EdD, Higher Education Administration). Dr. Peak is a researcher at the American Institutes for Research.