Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Higher Education Concentration, Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy
Program Overview
The Higher Education, Student Affairs, & International Education Policy–Higher Education Concentration, Ph.D. doctoral program is designed to prepare you for faculty positions, leadership roles in higher education administration and policy analysis. With a strong curriculum, you will develop a deep understanding of the organizational, social, political, economic and cultural contexts of colleges and universities. A strong emphasis on diversity, organizational change, and leadership in higher education, combined with practical experience through internships, means you will be fully equipped to transform education for good.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Curriculum: A rigorous curriculum covering core courses, research methods, cognate courses, disciplinary perspectives, and dissertation research, providing you with a well-rounded degree.
- Special Access: Located near Washington, D.C., you will have access to seminars and presentations by higher ed leaders and policymakers, as well as internship opportunities at federal government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy organizations.
- Flexible Course Offerings: You can choose from a range of courses in areas such as policy and finance, diversity and student experiences, leadership and organization, and academic professions. Additionally, you can design a specialized area of study to meet your individual interests.
- Assistantship and Fellowship Opportunities: Admitted students are invited to participate in our Preview Program each spring to interview for assistantships across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and other administrative offices. Some doctoral applicants may be recommended for fellowships by our admissions committee.
#11
Best Higher Education Administration program by U.S. News & World Report
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Develop advanced research skills and knowledge in higher education studies, including quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Gain expertise in leadership, organizational change, and diversity in higher education settings.
- Demonstrate proficiency in analyzing and addressing complex challenges and opportunities in colleges and universities.
- Produce original research contributing to the scholarship and advancement of knowledge in the field of higher education.
Careers
Career Options
Graduates of our program pursue various career paths, including:
- Faculty
- Higher Education Administration
- Public Policy Scientist
- Researcher
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.
“You will have an opportunity to learn in one of the most exciting colleges of education in the country. The range of expertise and excellence in the faculty, staff, and students will inspire you and prepare you in ways unimaginable.”
Requirements
Program Requirements
Ph.D. students are required to take a minimum of 90 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, some of which may be satisfied by prior study in a master’s program. In addition to the core and elective courses, this program includes 12 to 15 credits in research methods, an internship, and 12 credits of dissertation research. Average completion is five years if enrolled full time.
- EDCP 870 Doctoral First-Year Seminar (3 credits)
- EDHI 672 Modes of Inquiry in Education Research (3 credits)
- EDHI 895 Research Critique Seminar (3 credits)
At least 3 credits must be quantitative, at least 3 credits must be qualitative and two additional research courses. Choose from the following list of research methods courses or alternative research methods courses approved by advisor:
- Quantitative research methods course options include (choose one):
- EDHI 778Y State-Level Higher Education Research
- PUAF 610 Quantitative Aspects of Public Policy
- PUAF 611 Quantitative Analysis of Policy Issues
- PUAF 798R Quantitative Research Methods and Public Policy
- ANTH 630 Quantification and Statistics in Applied Anthropology
- SOCY 601 Statistics for Sociological Research I
- SOCY 602 Statistics for Sociological Research II
- SURV 615 Statistical Methods I
- SURV 616 Statistical Methods II
- COMM 702 Intermediate Quantitative Data Analysis in Communications Research
- EDPS 703 Quantitative Applications for Education Policy Analysis
- GVPT 622 Quantitative Methods for Political Science
- GVPT 722 Advanced Quantitative Methods for Political Science
- Qualitative research methods course options include (choose one):
- EDHI 700 Qualitative Research Methods in Education
- COMM 714 Introduction to Qualitative Methods in Communication Research
- COMM 715 Advanced Qualitative Methods
- EDPS 730 Seminar on Case Study Methods
- EDPS 735 Phenomenological Inquiry I
- EDPS 736 Phenomenological Inquiry II
- EDCP 773 Designing Qualitative Research in Counseling & Student Affairs Contexts
- FMSC780 Qualitative Methods in Family and Health Research
- EDCI 791 Qualitative Research I: Design and Fieldwork
- EDCI 792 Qualitative Research II: Analysis and Interpretation of Data
Courses in support field (Master's degree or electives). Consult your advisor.
Choose at least six courses from among the following:
- EDHI 660 Retention Theories and the Impact of College
- EDHI 662 Research on Ethnic Minorities and Demographic Trends
- EDHI 664 The College Experience
- EDHI 665 College Access and Choice
- EDHI 666 The Academic Profession
- EDHI 667 Women in Higher Education
- EDHI 676 Ranking Systems in Higher Education
- EDHI 752 State Systems in Higher Education
- EDHI 754 Higher Education Finance
- EDHI 755 Federal Policies in Post-Secondary Education
- EDCP 770 Service Learning and College Student Development
- EDHI 788 State-Level Higher Education Research
- EDHI 853 Leadership in Higher Education
Disciplinary courses will be selected from Department, College, and University offerings to meet the individual needs of the student.
Faculty
Faculty
Our faculty are chosen for their expertise and dedication; they provide exceptional guidance and support to foster your academic and professional success.
- Sharon Fries-Britt
- Jeongeun Kim
- KerryAnn O'Meara
- Awilda Rodriguez
- Marvin Titus, Concentration Coordinator
Contact
Contact
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jeongeun Kim
Concentration Coordinator
jkim0217@umd.edu
Or
Kahlea Khabir
Graduate Assistant & Staff Admissions Coordinator
khabir@umd.edu
For admissions related questions, please contact:
Dr. Awilda Rodriguez
Admissions Coordinator
awilda@umd.edu
Or
Kahlea Khabir
Graduate Assistant & Staff Admissions Coordinator
khabir@umd.edu