Higher Education

Doctoral Degree Programs

graduate Opportunities

The doctoral degree programs in higher education at the University of North Texas provide you valuable opportunities to:

• acquire knowledge about research, theory and practices applicable to higher education
• assess and participate in the practice of higher education administration or research
• conduct and evaluate applied or basic research in higher education
• study past, present and emerging patterns for organizational and professional administrative practices in higher education administration or research

Our degree programs

The Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education is for students interested in applying theory and research to higher education. The degree qualifies you for a(n):

• administrative or staff position in a state or regional higher education coordinating or governing agency
• administrative leadership position with a higher education accrediting agency, professional association or consortium
• middle-management administrative position in student affairs, administrative and business affairs, or development/advancement in higher education
• senior leadership position in a college or university

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education serves students interested in scholarly research, exploration and teaching of higher education. This degree is appropriate if you aspire to be in a(n):

• academic teaching or research position in a graduate program, institute or center for the study of higher education
• applied research and senior leadership position in a higher learning institution, medical center, government agency, consortium of a higher education institution or higher education professional association
• senior leadership position in a comprehensive or doctoral/research university
• research or senior leadership position in a statewide higher education coordinating agency or multi-campus system office

The curriculums for each degree program focus on teaching and practicing academic integrity and ethical behaviors as professionals and individuals.

Outstanding support

Our faculty members have written, co-written or edited more than two dozen books, monographs and book chapters and more than 100 articles in refereed journals. Their research focuses include information bases for decision making by higher education administrators, higher education financing strategies for the 21st century, and transfer issues in state policies and

• served as editors or editorial board members for the Journal of College Student Development, the College Student Affairs Journal, and the Community College Journal of Research and Practice
• presented papers at national, regional and state professional meetings and conferences

The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500; Washington, D.C. 20036; telephone 202-466-7496). This distinction means the college meets or exceeds strict academic standards for excellence in education. The college is also one of the top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors and other school professionals in Texas.

Research centers and opportunities

The Bill J. Priest Center for Community College Education prepares students for leadership positions (teaching and administration) and to pursue research in the community college field. It also supports the Don A. Buchholz Endowed Chair in Higher Education.

The Center for Higher Education explores the impact of trends and legislation on higher education. Participants conduct research activities in cooperation with other agencies at national, state and regional levels.

The North Texas Community College Consortium is supported by several community colleges in the region and provides professional development opportunities for member institutions.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You will need to apply for admission to the Toulouse Graduate School as well as the program. The graduate school's specific requirements and procedures are outlined at catalog.unt.edu. You may also contact the higher education program office at 940-565-2045 or visit www.coe.unt.edu/che.

When applying to the higher education program, you are required to submit a(n):

• program application
• essay on your professional goals
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three reference letters

After faculty members have reviewed these materials through a holistic process, you may be invited for an interview.

Allow one to two semesters to complete the application and admission process. Contact the program office for specific deadlines and details. Applications for the Ed.D. program are reviewed twice an academic year, and Ph.D. applications are reviewed once a year.

Degree requirements

Ed. D. degree

• 15 semester hours of doctoral level higher education core courses
• 15 semester hours of a minor or cognate area
• 9 semester hours of Ed. D. base courses
• 6 semester hours of College of Education research core courses
• 6 semester hours of an internship (if needed)
• 3 semester hours of a higher education program research course
• 9 semester hours of dissertation

After completing the required course work, you must pass the program’s written and oral qualifying exams before beginning your dissertation.

Ph.D. degree

• 18 semester hours of doctoral level higher education core courses
• 12 semester hours of a minor or cognate area
• 15 semester hours of higher education program research courses
• 6 semester hours of higher education elective courses
• 6 semester hours of College of Education research core courses
• 6 semester hours of an internship (if needed)
• 9 semester hours of dissertation

After completing the required course work, you must pass the program’s written and oral qualifying exams before beginning your dissertation.

Financial assistance

Our department funds several scholarships to help you pursue your graduate education. We also have graduate and research assistant positions available. For more information on the scholarships and assistant positions, visit www.coe.unt.edu/. Information about other financial assistance opportunities is at gradschool.unt.edu or financialaid.unt.edu.