PhD - Education: Higher Education

Do you want to learn the skills needed to understand the current needs and issues in higher education? If so, Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Higher Education may be right for you. Read on to learn more about the Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Higher Education here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's online Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Higher Education is offered in a mixed-model format and a Knowledge Area Module (KAM) format. The KAM format is more flexible than the mixed-module format and allows you to pursue a flexible program of study with the support of a program advisor. In contrast, the mixed-module format is more structured and balances online education courses with independent research. Regardless of the format you choose, you have an opportunity to study learning and instruction, leadership in a global society, innovation and change in education, social change in education, and educational organizations and contexts. A dissertation is required and it must be successfully defended before the degree is awarded.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you apply to Walden University's Ph.D. in Education Program with a specialization in Higher Education, you should have a background in education and a desire to learn about the issues and problems confronting higher education today. Applicants to Walden University's programs should be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Higher Education consists of 96 credits. The degree program is divided into foundation courses, core courses, specialized KAMs, research courses, a research proposal, a dissertation, and oral presentations. Four Ph.D. residencies are also required and one of the advanced research courses listed below must be chosen.

Foundation Courses

  • Development of the Scholar-Practitioner
  • Principles of Social Change
  • Social Change in Education

Core Courses

  • The Learner Across the Lifespan
  • Learning and Instruction
  • Assessment and Accountability in Education
  • Leadership in a Global Society
  • Educational Organizations and Contexts
  • Innovation and Change in Education

Specialized KAMs

  • Breadth: Multiple Perspectives on Learning and Development in Higher Education
  • Depth: Current Research on Learning and Development in Higher Education
  • Application: Application to Improve Professional Practice in Higher Education
  • Breadth: Perspectives on the Effectiveness of Higher Education Organizations
  • Depth: Contemporary Strategies for Assuring Effectiveness in Higher Education
  • Application: Application of Improvement Strategies in Higher Education

Core Research Sequence

  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis

Advanced Research Courses

  • Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
  • Advanced Mixed Methods Reasoning and Analysis

Dissertation

  • Dissertation

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Once you have finished Walden University's Ph.D. in Education program with a specialization in Higher Education, you have the opportunity to compete for jobs in the field. Some of the potential employers may include colleges and universities, distance-learning institutions of higher education, state and federal agencies, and technical and trade schools. As a job candidate, you must be able to demonstrate an ability to think critically and analyze issues to come up with varied solutions. Additionally, it is helpful to have strong interpersonal and leadership skills. Some of the job titles for graduates of this degree may include:

  • Professor
  • Higher education consultant
  • Dean of students
  • Vice president of student affairs

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

Walden offers both state-approved educator licensure programs as well as programs and courses that do not lead to licensure or endorsements. Prospective students must review their state licensure requirements prior to enrolling. For more information, please refer to www.WaldenU.edu/educlicensure.

Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at 1-334-242-9935 or www.alsde.edu to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits.

Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 1-360-725-6275 or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden's programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.