About the Higher Education Doctoral Program
The Higher Education program is designed to develop scholarly and theoretical practitioners and researchers. Graduates of the program are equipped to apply theories and practical research as tools to name, frame, and solve problems of practice, using empirical evidence to evaluate impact and develop innovative solutions for colleges and universities. The Higher Education program is committed to excellence in preparing and supporting administrative and instructional leaders for higher education, generating and supporting research in the field of higher education, and delivering public service to the practice of higher education. The program delivers teaching, research, and professional services to students, institutions of higher education, and other academic disciplines.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Higher Education is designed for advanced theoretical practitioners and researchers who want to acquire the ability to contribute to the knowledge base of research, education, and leadership through a thorough grounding in the conduct of research. The Ph.D. will prepare students for professional careers as institutional researchers and planners; higher education administrators with an orientation towards research, sponsored programs, or grant proposal writing; program assessment-evaluation specialists; research associates; and faculty members.
The program accepts 30 credit hours of prior graduate-level transfer coursework toward the degree requirements with program approval. The remaining 60 hours of doctoral-level coursework must be taken at Texas Tech University. As part of the credit hour requirements, candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency in independent research in higher education culminating in the completion of a dissertation. For further information, see the program website at www.depts.ttu.edu/education/graduate/psychology-and-leadership/higher_education.
