UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE · UNITED STATES
Higher Education Administration and Policy Ph.D. Program
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 5 yearsProgram Length
- 60 unitsMinimum Units
- Classes meet weekly 4-7pmSchedule
- 94% of students receive multi-year fellowshipsFellowship Rate
- Apprentice-style research with facultyLearning Model
- Focus on public engagement and social mobilityProgram Focus
The Higher Education Administration and Policy (HEAP) Ph.D. program at UC Riverside prepares aspiring scholars and leaders to effect change within higher education. The program focuses on critical examination of the sociohistorical and policy contexts of higher education, with an emphasis on access, opportunity, and the experiences of faculty and practitioners across various educational levels. This program is designed for individuals who wish to engage in policy research or enhance their administrative practice in higher education. Through rigorous immersion in theory and methodology, you will gain the knowledge and tools to address complex challenges facing higher education administration and policymakers. Students work closely with faculty in an apprentice-style model on funded research projects, often including current faculty, community college deans, and administrators from institutions across California.
Careers
Graduates of the Higher Education Administration and Policy Ph.D. program are prepared for a variety of influential roles within the field.
- Faculty
- Researchers
- Policy analysts in postsecondary institutions and public or private agencies
- Senior-level higher education administrators
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the Higher Education Administration and Policy Ph.D. program?
- The Higher Education Administration and Policy Ph.D. program is designed as a full-time, 5-year program requiring a minimum of 60 units of coursework.
- What are the admission requirements for this Ph.D. program?
- Prospective students should refer to Graduate Admissions for specific requirements. It is highly recommended to contact faculty whose research interests align with your own before applying.
- Does the program offer financial support to students?
- Yes, 94% of students receive multi-year fellowships that typically cover tuition and health insurance, and provide a stipend. This often involves working as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher.
- When is the application deadline and program start date?
- Applications are typically submitted in the fall for the following academic year's intake. The program commences in the Fall Quarter only.
- What career paths can graduates pursue?
- Graduates are prepared for roles as faculty, researchers, policy analysts in various postsecondary institutions and agencies, and senior-level higher education administrators.
- What is the learning model for this program?
- The program utilizes an apprentice-style research model where students work closely with faculty on funded research projects.
Entry requirements
Graduate AdmissionsRefer to Graduate Admissions for specific requirements. Prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty whose research interests align with their own.
The program emphasizes a race-conscious approach and links theory with practice, scholarship with teaching, and academy with the community. UCR is a Hispanic-serving, Minority-Serving, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information on specific international tuition rates is not provided. Graduate students should refer to the Registrar's website for quarterly fees.
Tuition (home)Information on specific home/domestic tuition rates is not provided. Graduate students should refer to the Registrar's website for quarterly fees.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified. Refer to the Registrar's website for quarterly fees.
Students admitted to the Ph.D. program are often offered a multi-year fellowship that covers tuition and health insurance, and provides a stipend or paycheck during the academic year. Fellowship requirements may include working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) for 15-20 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Quarterly costs can be viewed on the UCR Registrar's website.
How to apply
1. Explore Graduate ProgramsVisit the UCR Graduate Admissions website to learn about the application process and requirements for doctoral programs.
2. Contact FacultyIdentify faculty members whose research areas (e.g., college access, racial equity, governance) match your own and reach out to them.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the graduate application by the specified deadline, ensuring all required documents are included.
Scholarships
FellowshipCovers tuition and health insurance, provides stipend/paycheck
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the Higher Education Administration and Policy Ph.D. program?
+
The Higher Education Administration and Policy Ph.D. program is designed as a full-time, 5-year program requiring a minimum of 60 units of coursework.
What are the admission requirements for this Ph.D. program?
+
Prospective students should refer to Graduate Admissions for specific requirements. It is highly recommended to contact faculty whose research interests align with your own before applying.
Does the program offer financial support to students?
+
Yes, 94% of students receive multi-year fellowships that typically cover tuition and health insurance, and provide a stipend. This often involves working as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Student Researcher.
When is the application deadline and program start date?
+
Applications are typically submitted in the fall for the following academic year's intake. The program commences in the Fall Quarter only.
What career paths can graduates pursue?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles as faculty, researchers, policy analysts in various postsecondary institutions and agencies, and senior-level higher education administrators.
What is the learning model for this program?
+
The program utilizes an apprentice-style research model where students work closely with faculty on funded research projects.