Doctoral in Higher Education

What is higher education?
The diverse field of higher education covers a number of areas including college level education, public policy development, education administration and institutional research. In addition to holding academic positions, professionals in this field are responsible for managing various operations of an educational institution, providing instructional leadership, setting education standards, developing academic programs and a variety of other functions. They are also responsible for general administration, staff appointments and budget management. Higher education administrators and managers are also responsible for providing student services, faculty development, supervising research and student evaluation and examination.

How do I obtain a PhD in higher education?
Most colleges offer the doctoral of higher education in an executive format, allowing applicants to complete the degree without affecting their careers. Classes are held on weekends and in the evenings, or can be taken online. The program focuses on core management principles and applied research techniques that are applied in the education sector and includes courses such as organizational management, college finance, campus planning, institutional advancement, strategic management and educational leadership. This is followed by a research project leading to a dissertation which is presented to professors and a dissertation defense held on a public forum where the PhD candidates defend their research and practices.

What are the future prospects?
A doctorate degree in higher education is ideal for serving in faculty and administrative positions in universities and colleges. PhDs in higher education are also employed by federal and state educational bodies to improve the education system in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is expected to grow by 8% during the next decade. Average wages for entry level positions stand at $75,000; while more experienced professionals earn close to $150,000 per year.