Degree Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy
Nature of the Program
The Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education is designed to prepare graduates to become future faculty, researchers, and policy analysts in higher education. Students in the program benefit from a:
- Higher Education Core designed to provide breadth across critical areas of HIED;
- Specialization within HIED, which may include: Academic Affairs/Curriculum & Assessment; College Student Development; Administration, Organizations, and Policy; or an Individualized Specialization;
- Cognate outside the Higher Education Administration Program to allow for in-depth study in a field related to student interests and research foci;
- Research Core that emphasizes the importance of producing original research as well as the ability to critically evaluate published scholarship.
Features
- Hybrid graduate program with online and face-to-face courses.
- Part-time or full-time enrollment options.
- Flexible program of study.
- Synchronous online courses.
- Courses taught by full-time faculty and professors.
- Graduate Assistant positions may be available.
Career Placement
- Faculty positions;
- Policy Research positions;
- Senior administration positions at colleges, universities, community colleges, and other educational organizations.
Admissions
The Higher Education Admissions Committee meets on a semester basis to review all complete submitted applications. The priority application deadline for fall admission is January 15, though applications will be reviewed throughout the year, including for Spring admission, if space permits. Once admitted, students will be assigned a faculty advisor, who will remain their advisor until the point at which they find an advisor to guide their dissertation research.
Admission into the Higher Education Ph.D. is a competitive process based upon the academic strength of the applicants as well as the fit of applicants’ goals with the goals of the program and faculty. As such, applicants are strongly encouraged to research the nature of the program and the expertise of program faculty prior to submitting their applications in order to clearly demonstrate how their goals fit with the program and its faculty. Students are selected according to the overall strength of their application packets described below. Students may be denied admission if their goals are incongruent with the program goals or areas of specialization. Students may also be denied if faculty members have reached the maximum number of students they are able to advise effectively.
Applicants to the Ph.D. in Higher Education must comply with WVU requirements for admission to graduate studies, the requirements of the College of Education and Human Services, and those that the HIED program has specified. Admission is contingent on an assessment of complete official transcripts, including all higher education work attempted, and other evidence the faculty may deem necessary in order to judge students' prospective success within the graduate program.
All students accepted into the program will receive information about their assigned advisor and guidance on the development of a personalized program of study.
Admissions materials include:
- Personal resume/vita: Applicants to the Ph.D. in Higher Education must provide a chronological history of their education and experience in a vita. The vita should offer evidence that the applicant has appropriate educational training and professional experiences that would support the goals and expectations of the program.
- Goals statement (Personal statement): All applicants should submit a goal statement related to the program, including professional and research goals and interest in this specific program. This statement should be well written and clearly indicate how the applicant’s goals fit with the program. Goal statements should be no more than three pages. Applicants should clearly indicate in the statement if they are seeking an assistantship.
- Writing sample: All applicants must provide an academic writing sample with their application packets. The writing sample should provide clear evidence of the applicants' academic writing ability as well as their ability to engage in research and/or scholarship. For example, applicants can submit their best research paper or literature synthesis from previous coursework.
- Two current letters of reference: All applicants must provide two letters of reference that explicitly address the applicant’s potential as a doctoral student. References should be familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and potential in the WVU Higher Education doctoral program.
- Transcripts: Applicants should submit undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all institutions attended.
- International Applicants: International applicants should consult WVU's International Graduate Admissions page for up-to-date requirements, including English language proficiency at https://graudateadmissions.wvu.edu/information-for/international-students
Interview
The admissions committee may also request an interview to seek additional information in order to judge potential for success in the program.
More information can be found on the Ph.D Higher Education department website.
Admission Requirements 2024-2025
The Admission Requirements above will be the same for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.
Major Code: 5537
Doctor of Philosophy
Major Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
A minimum GPA of 3.25 is required for all coursework toward the major. | ||
Core Coursework | ||
HIED 648 | History of American Higher Education | 3 |
HIED 650 | Higher Education Administration | 3 |
HIED 651 | College Student Development | 3 |
HIED 710 | Leadership and Organizations | 3 |
HIED 750 | Diversity Issues in Higher Education | 3 |
Specialization Coursework | 12 | |
Select from one of the following specializations: | ||
Curriculum and Academic Affairs | ||
College Access, Transition, and Success | ||
Administration, Organizations, and Policy | ||
Individualized Studies | ||
Research Coursework | ||
Quantitative Methods | 6 | |
Statistical Methods 1 | ||
or STAT 511 | Statistical Methods 1 | |
Statistical Methods 2 | ||
or STAT 512 | Statistical Methods 2 | |
Qualitative Methods | 6 | |
Qualitative Research Methods | ||
Advanced Qualitative Research | ||
Advanced Methods Course * | 3 | |
Additional HIED Coursework | 12 | |
Cognate Coursework | 12 | |
Teaching Practicum | 3 | |
Teaching Practicum | ||
Research ** | 18 | |
Research | ||
Total Hours | 87 |
- *
Advanced Research Methods Electives must be chosen and approved in consultation with the Graduate Advisor/Program Committee.
- **
Three (3) credits of HIED 797 will be Mentored Research Experience, the remaining 15 credits will be Dissertation Research.
Major Learning Outcomes
Higher Education
Upon completion of the Ph.D. program in Higher Education, graduates will be prepared to:
- Create original research that advances the field of higher education;
- Be reflective, ethical, and effectual professionals in higher education organizations;
- Apply research and theory to higher education issues and policies;
- Critically evaluate scholarship, policy, and practice in order to promote equity, access, and social justice.