Ph.D. in Educational Studies - Higher Education

The Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a concentration in Higher Education at UNC Greensboro combines the flexibility of a fully online format with rigorous research training, faculty mentorship, and a strong commitment to advancing higher education research and transforming practice to build more equitable postsecondary environments. Students gain opportunities to teach, publish, present at conferences, and collaborate with nationally-recognized faculty while preparing for leadership roles across colleges, universities, and higher education organizations.

The Ph.D. in Higher Education Program Distinctions

UNCG’s School of Education has been consistently rated as one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by U.S. News & World Report.

One of only two Higher Education Ph.D. programs in North Carolina, this 60-credit-hour program prepares students to lead organizational change, conduct impactful research, and advance knowledge in higher education.

The research expertise of faculty in this Ph.D. program is extensive and centers on the experiences of populations impacted by structural inequality. Areas of expertise include issues of race and racism in higher education, Black P-20 student experiences, Latinx college student experiences, first-generation college student experiences, housing and residential life, LGBTQ+ issues in higher education, and parent and family engagement in college.

The Student Experience in the Ph.D. In Higher Education Program

Students in the Ph.D. in Higher Education program have opportunities to teach graduate-level courses alongside faculty members, helping them develop college teaching experience before graduation. This feature is particularly valuable for students interested in faculty positions and is not available in every online doctoral program. These experiences strengthen students’ preparation for developing and delivering curriculum post-graduation and sustain their success in the program.

Offered entirely online, this program gives students the flexibility to complete the degree full-time or part-time. Full-time students are eligible to serve as graduate research assistants while pursuing their degree. Degree completion ranges between 3-5 years based on the level of enrollment. By offering an online format, students who are not located within North Carolina are eligible to enroll.

Program of study core courses (15 credit hours) include:

• Professional Seminar in Higher Education Research
• Higher Education: Equity, Inclusion and Learning
• Critical Theory in Higher Education
• Organizational Theory in Higher Education
• Seminar in Literature Review and Research

In addition to core program requirements, students complete 18 credit hours in research methodology, 15 credit hours in their concentration area, and 12 dissertation credit hours. Consequently, the program requires 60 total credit hours for degree completion.

Grounded in UNCG’s learner-centered mission, this program prepares engaged leaders to use intellectual inquiry to address social challenges locally, statewide, and beyond.

Admission Requirements for the Ph.D. in Higher Education

Applicants to this Ph.D. program are required to submit:

• A personal statement.
• A resume or CV.
• A writing sample from graduate-level work that reflects your ability for graduate study. Writing samples should be no longer than 20 pages.
• Three letters of recommendation, including one letter that must be from a current or former professor.
• An interview with program faculty is required for finalist applicants.

Ph.D. in Higher Education FAQs

After Graduating with a ph.d. in higher education

The Ph.D. in Higher Education program at UNCG intentionally prepares graduates for pathways in administration or faculty careers through research training, teaching opportunities, and leadership development. Graduates pursue careers such as:

• Higher education faculty.
• Vice presidents and senior administrators.
• Academic affairs leaders.
• Student affairs professionals.
• Academic advising and international education directors.