Online PhD in ELOD-HEA Outcomes

What can I do with a PhD in Higher Education Administration?

The Educational Leadership and Organizational Development PhD program, in tandem with your extensive experience, can enhance your ability to drive powerful, lasting organizational changes at the highest levels of academia and administration.

There are over 5,000 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the U.S. (according to the National Center for Education Statistics), and there are, "about 15,300 openings for postsecondary education administrations projected each year, on average, over the decade," (bls.gov).

UofL's online PhD program prepares senior leaders at colleges, universities and other postsecondary organizations to conduct research and foster innovation that drives organizational development. This terminal degree in higher education administration helps bridge the gap between research and practice, positioning graduates as thought leaders in higher education.

What kind of jobs will this degree prepare me for?

The Online PhD with a specialization in Higher Education Administration can elevate your experience and prepare you for career advancements as an education researcher, faculty member, higher education curriculum or policy consultant and specialist in various non-profit, private and government organizations.

You can also pursue upper-level administrative positions in line with your current expertise and career progression, such as Dean of Student Affairs, Vice President of Faculty Affairs, Vice Provost of Digital Access, Provost, President and more.

In this competitive landscape, a PhD can distinguish you as a thought leader who can bridge research and practice to drive system-wide innovation. Let us explore how the Higher Ed Administration PhD can help you make the impact you have envisioned.

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Online PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (Higher Education Administration Specialization) Application Deadlines

Note: the application deadline helps you complete the application, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. The review committee admits students once per year, and the cohort begins in the summer term. We recommend that you submit your complete application well in advance of the deadline, as obtaining official transcripts and other materials required for admission may take longer than expected.

How to Apply for the Online PhD in ELOD-HEA

1. Start your application for graduate admission
2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
3. Upload required materials*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
5. Create a financial plan

Online PhD in ELOD-HEA Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

• a master's degree from an accredited institution
• a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for prior undergraduate and graduate degrees (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
• prior academic and professional experience in their field of interest

*Required application packet materials include:

• a one-page personal statement describing the applicant’s background and interest in PhD ELOD (more details here)
• two letters of recommendation (academic references preferred, but required for all applicants whose undergraduate work was completed within the last five years)
• resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• analysis essay:
  1. Analysis essay should demonstrate some level of analysis and be between 2,500 and 3,000 words (8-10 pages double-spaced) not including a title page, references or citations, tables, figures or graphs.
  2. Include any references to literature and empirical research sources that you use to help shape your analytic essay.
  3. Analysis essay does not need to be on a topic that you think you would like to focus on in doctoral studies, but it can be. Ultimately, we are interested in learning more about how you present a topic, offer competing perspectives and your analysis associated with that discussion.
• To ensure that we support equity, inclusion and a holistic review process, the following materials are optional:
  1. interview (at the discretion of the admissions committee; candidates will be contacted post-application)
  2. GRE Scores may be sent if completed within the last 5 years
  3. any academic or published works, or creative artifacts you have been a part of or produced

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

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Online PhD in ELOD-HEA for International Students

Applicants from outside the United States whose native language is not English must meet the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency requirements. For details, refer to the Graduate School’s international applicant information.

Online PhD in ELOD-HEA Courses

The online PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development with a specialization in Higher Education Administration is a 60 credit hour program, including 33 credit hours in core courses and electives, 15 credit hours in research methodology and 12 credit hours for dissertation development. Courses are 8 weeks in length and delivered online, with asynchronous and synchronous sessions.

There will be additional webinars and other events offered to support students’ professional and personal development while they are enrolled in the program.

*Doctoral students will participate in a research lab, directed by a faculty member, that studies an aspect of higher education. Students will be assigned to a lab based on their professional goals statement submitted during their application process. Learn more about this component on our Research page

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Online PhD ELOD-HEA Course Descriptions

Research Labs

Students will participate in one of the following research labs during their third year of study, working closely with faculty members to gain research experience and develop their dissertation topics.

• These labs will be conducted under the direction of a faculty member, who will also serve as advisor. Participants will work in a group of 4-5 students; this strategy supports a meaningful and structured approach to learning the integrative aspects of research problems, study design and contributions, research methodologies, analytical approaches and study implications.
• These labs also help students prepare papers to present at academic research conferences and to publish.
• Lab-related research and writing will occur within courses, purposefully designed to allow students to pursue different topics within their lab’s focus.

Student Experience and Campus Environments with Dr. Jessica B. Buckley

The Student Experience and Campus Environments (XEN) Lab examines the ways (a) students from diverse backgrounds and across levels of higher education experience campus environments and (b) ways institutional actors and sociocultural forces influence environments. Our research focuses on broad campus climates, specific learning environments (such as classrooms, disciplines, co-curricular activities), learning, and belonging.

Equity and Experiences in Postsecondary Education with Dr. Casey E. George

The EEPE research lab is driven by concerns for equity and access to opportunities in postsecondary settings, with a focus on how programs and policies impact subgroups of interest. The EEPE research agenda is comprised of three strands: 1) Climate, Sense of Belonging, and Inclusion; 2) College Affordability and Tuition Transparency; and 3) Postsecondary Programs and Policies. The EEPE lab seeks to influence practice of postsecondary organizations and administrators through dissemination and use of its research findings.

College Access and Success with Dr. Jacob Gross

The College Access and Success lab is housed within the Center for Economic Education and works to illuminate how policies and practices impact access and success for underrepresented students. Our research focuses on, but is not limited to, students formerly in foster care, first-generation students, and low-income students. Topical areas of interest include financial aid, financial wellness, and student basic needs as they relate to students getting into and through postsecondary education. Participants in this lab will gain exposure to a variety of research methods, but especially quantitative methods. A unique feature of this lab is the focus on research to practice, as evidenced through our partnership with community and state organizations.

Civil Rights and Liberties Lab, led by Dr. Jeffrey C. Sun

The Civil Rights and Liberties lab examines the extent to which policy instruments or other legal actions (e.g., government mandates, judicial decisions, and legally binding, negotiated agreements) advance or inhibit the academic operations in terms of college teaching, learning, and knowledge creation. Centered around concepts of civil rights and civil liberties, this lab interrogates research questions intended to improve campus practices and policies, guide courts in understanding the higher education content and priorities and encourage policymakers in developing responsive approaches on matters that advance the academic operations. Studies within this lab draws on legal case decisions, organizational or policy theory, and a systems-based perspective to characterize and interrogate questions about fairness, accountability, and campus conduct.

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Online PhD in ELOD-HEA Success Team

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Do you have any questions about the online PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development (Specialization in Higher Education Administration) program? You are not alone; see what other PhD candidates are asking below!

• Can I apply to the online program regardless of my location?

  Yes. We encourage students to apply regardless of their location or institutional affiliation. The program faculty will make admissions decisions based on a holistic review of the qualifications, motivations, experiences and interests of the applicants while also considering the program's goals. This program is primarily designed to serve individuals from across the country so that they can pursue and benefit from a rigorous, research-centered doctoral program without having to relocate to Louisville or pause their careers.

• Can I start the program in the fall or spring semesters?

  Cohorts begin the program in the Summer, with an in-person, 3-day summer intensive orientation session held in June as a part of the first course, LEAD 710.

• Can I complete this program fully online?

  While most coursework is completed online, this program includes some required in-person components designed to elevate your learning experience. These include the Summer Intensive at UofL in June during your first year (part of LEAD 710), and annual attendance at the ASHE Conference in Years 1–3.

• What will in-person experiences be like?

  The required in-person experiences will occur one to two times per year and will focus on bringing cohorts together for face-to-face learning experiences. An in-person orientation at the University of Louisville will be required during the summer term when students begin their program as a part of the first course, LEAD 710. Additional required in-person sessions will take place at learning events such as annual meetings of professional organizations (e.g., the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE)). These in-person experiences will allow for exposure to current research, networking, and professional development.

  Students are responsible for paying for their travel and other accommodation expenses to and from these in-person events and are encouraged to work with their employers to identify professional development funds to help offset the cost of attendance.

• What happens if I cannot attend an in-person event?

  Attendance is expected and required. However, the program understands that life circumstances arise. In such cases, students will work with faculty to determine an online alternative that mirrors the learning outcomes of the in-person experience.

• What are the hands-on research opportunities with faculty?

  The cohorts will be divided up into smaller groups and assigned to research labs. In the research lab, you will work closely with a LEAD faculty member on a specific topic or theme in higher education. These research experiences will be embedded within the cognate area courses and will help you develop your dissertation ideas and study.

• What is supported by the $500.00 program fee?

  The program fee is designed to simplify costs and ensure you have what you need to succeed in this executive-style program. It covers:

  • All required books and course materials
  • Subscriptions and software licenses for coursework and research
  • Program-supported experiences at the Summer Intensive and ASHE conferences

  This consolidated fee means you won’t need to purchase course materials out of pocket, and it allows us to provide a consistent, high-quality experience across the cohort. All students enrolled in the online PhD in ELOD-HEA program will be required to pay the $500 fee per term.
• Can you please provide more information for UofL employees looking to take advantage of their tuition remission benefit?

  If a full-time employee is admitted and enrolls in the online PhD in ELOD-HEA, they will progress through the program taking 2 courses (6 credit hours) per semester, as all students will do so in the program based on its design. Students must progress through at this pace to remain within their cohort, which is one of the key features of the program.

  Part-time employees will need to pay for the 2nd course each semester out of pocket as they need to enroll in both courses each semester to progress through the program with their cohort. It is important to note that the 2 courses in each semester are purposefully connected to each other and learning will be scaffolded across the 2 courses.

  There is a program fee of $500/term that would not be covered by the tuition remission program and would be the responsibility of the employee/student to pay (in addition to other fees normally assessed to graduate students).

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