UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · UNITED STATES
Higher Education Leadership and Policy Doctoral Program
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 48-60 monthsProgram Length
- FallProgram Start
- On campusLocation
- NoGRE Required
This doctoral program is designed for individuals passionate about the scholarly study of higher education, its students, institutions, and societal impact. It aims to provide advanced preparation for research and leadership roles in academic and professional settings. The program emphasizes producing original scholarship to inform leadership, policy, and practice within the higher education landscape. Higher education is currently undergoing significant transformation due to increased access, evolving student needs, greater accountability, and the influence of digital innovations. This program equips students with a thorough understanding of how postsecondary institutions function, alongside essential skills in administration, decision-making, and leadership. You will explore the critical role of higher education in distributing and creating knowledge, its historical development, and the ethical considerations involved. Ultimately, this program prepares doctoral candidates to be discerning consumers and innovative producers of research and scholarship, contributing to the knowledge base that guides informed practice in higher education.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured across several core areas, including departmental requirements, specialization courses, research methods, cognate studies, and a research apprenticeship, culminating in a dissertation.
- Year 1-4
- Economics of EducationELP 390G
- Educational Politics & PolicyELP 390P
- Social & Cultural Contexts of EducationELP 390S
- Organizational Design & BehaviorELP 290R
- Systems of Higher EducationELP 395S
- Pro-Seminar: Research in Higher EducationELP 390C
- Advanced Issues in Higher Education (Capstone)ELP 395C
- Higher Education LawELP 395L
- History of Higher EducationELP 395H
- PHEL Elective Course #1
- PHEL Elective Course #2
- Epistemologies Systems of Human InquiryELP 391E
- Quantitative Research Design & AnalysisELP 391P
- Qualitative Research DesignELP 391Q
- Advanced Course in Research Methodology or Program Evaluation
- Cognate Courses outside the College of Education
- Research ApprenticeshipELP 393R
- DissertationELP 399R
- DissertationELP 399W
Careers
Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in higher education and related sectors, equipped with skills for evidence-based decision-making and institutional leadership.
- Researchers
- Educators
- Leaders in higher education
- Roles in government
- Roles in nonprofit organizations
- Roles in the private sector
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Doctoral Program?
- You need a Master's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent training in education, social sciences, or a related field. GRE scores are not required and will not be considered if submitted.
- When is the application deadline for this program?
- The application deadline for the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Doctoral Program is December 1.
- How do I apply for the program?
- You must submit the Graduate School application online, upload a 4-6 page writing sample, arrange for three letters of recommendation, and submit your resume or curriculum vitae.
- What is the estimated duration of the program?
- The program is designed to be completed in 48-60 months.
- What are the potential career outcomes after completing this PhD?
- Graduates are prepared for roles as researchers, educators, leaders in higher education, and positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
- Are there any funding opportunities available?
- The program nominates students for Graduate School and College & Department Fellowships, and applicants are encouraged to compete for externally funded fellowships.
Entry requirements
Master's degreeFrom an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent training at a foreign institution in education, social sciences, or a related field.
GRE scores are not required for admission and will not be considered if submitted.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates for graduate students are charged on a flat-rate basis for the college in which they are enrolled. Specific amounts are not detailed on the provided pages, but are available through the university's tuition and fee information.
Tuition (home)Tuition rates for graduate students are charged on a flat-rate basis for the college in which they are enrolled. Specific amounts are not detailed on the provided pages, but are available through the university's tuition and fee information.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified on the provided pages.
Tuition is paid via the My Tuition Bill site. Registration can be canceled if payment or confirmation of attendance is not completed by the deadline. Students may be entered into an installment plan with associated fees if tuition is not paid in full by the 12th class day.
How to apply
1. Submit Graduate School ApplicationComplete the online application through The University of Texas at Austin Graduate School application system.
2. Upload Writing SampleAfter submitting your application, upload a 4-6 page writing sample (e.g., master's thesis excerpt, published article, or conference paper) to the 'Miscellaneous Admissions Document' section using your UT EID.
3. Submit Letters of RecommendationArrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted through the Graduate School application system.
4. Upload Resume/CVSubmit your resume or curriculum vitae.
Scholarships
Graduate School FellowshipsVaries
College & Department FellowshipsVaries
Externally Funded FellowshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Doctoral Program?
+
You need a Master's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent training in education, social sciences, or a related field. GRE scores are not required and will not be considered if submitted.
When is the application deadline for this program?
+
The application deadline for the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Doctoral Program is December 1.
How do I apply for the program?
+
You must submit the Graduate School application online, upload a 4-6 page writing sample, arrange for three letters of recommendation, and submit your resume or curriculum vitae.
What is the estimated duration of the program?
+
The program is designed to be completed in 48-60 months.
What are the potential career outcomes after completing this PhD?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles as researchers, educators, leaders in higher education, and positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
Are there any funding opportunities available?
+
The program nominates students for Graduate School and College & Department Fellowships, and applicants are encouraged to compete for externally funded fellowships.