Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration
USF’s Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration is a hybrid research doctorate that prepares scholars, faculty, and policy leaders to advance teaching, research, and institutional effectiveness across community colleges, universities, and higher education systems. The program emphasizes the integration of theory, research, and practice, guided by faculty who bring deep experience as higher education practitioners. Students develop the expertise to analyze complex organizational issues, conduct rigorous research, and contribute meaningful scholarship to the field.
What you will learn
Students gain advanced skills in higher education theory, organizational analysis, policy studies, and research methodology. You’ll learn to identify and synthesize literature, design ethical and methodologically sound studies, and apply research to real institutional challenges. The program prepares students to be researchers—whether as future faculty or scholarly practitioners—capable of producing work that informs decision-making, policy development, and student success initiatives.
Career Opportunities
Graduates pursue leadership and research-focused roles such as:
- College or university faculty (higher education programs)
- Community college faculty
- Higher education administrators
- Institutional researchers or assessment professionals
- Policy analysts in state, national, or nonprofit education agencies
What to Expect
The program requires 59 credit hours (54 coursework + 5 dissertation hours) and offers courses in online, face-to-face, and hybrid formats to support working professionals. Evening classes (5:00–7:45 p.m.) provide additional scheduling flexibility. Students engage in a capstone course during their final spring semester, where they develop dissertation topics, research questions, and literature reviews. A qualifying exam follows the capstone and serves as a catalyst for the dissertation, offering early guidance and feedback as students begin their research journey.
