The doctoral degree in Higher Education prepares graduates to address the complex and interconnected issues facing higher education around the world through deep foundational knowledge and integrated practical experiences.
This program focuses on application of theory and research to the study of higher education. Giving the composition of modern higher education communities, critical reforms are needed to develop a modern curriculum and practices and policies that embrace students’ talents, experiences, and potential to help them succeed. Students analyze higher education at various levels, including individual students, student populations, institutions, and systems of higher education.
Application Deadline: February 1 (applications will open October 15) | More admissions information
Our partnership with the Syracuse University Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience, as well as colleges and universities throughout the Central New York area, provides immersive field placements and assistantships for our students. In particular the Laboratory in Learning Communities course—the only of its kind in the nation—prepares students to address academic and student life issues that promote effective learning on college campuses.
A hallmark of our programs is the collaboration and community developed amongst a cohort of scholars. Many of our courses require group work to prepare students for the collaborative environment of higher education administration. The Higher Education program also encourages research and project partnerships among students, faculty, and administration.
Expertise in teaching and instruction is developed with the department and with participation in the Future Professoriate Program. This includes orientations, year-round services for teaching assistants, opportunities to co-teach with fellow doctoral students and department faculty, guest lectures, and independent instruction.
Our faculty have a national reputation that helps our graduates succeed in a vibrant job market. Graduates work across higher education administration, university faculty, research and writing, educational policy, and professional development work.
A strength of our program is our partnerships across Syracuse University and local schools and organizations that provide intensive internships, where students are often supervised by our alumni.
These opportunities include:
- Syracuse University offices: Residence Life, Multicultural Collective, Alumni Engagement, Athletics, New Student Programs, Greek Life, Student Engagement, Admissions, Career Services, Veteran Affairs, International Serices, and Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Academic, student engagement, and inclusion-related offices at local institutions: SUNY ESF, LeMoyne College, Onondaga Community College, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Hamilton College, and Utica College.
- Other organizations: On Point for College, Say Yes to Education, POSSE Foundation, Creating Change, Association of College and University Housing Officers, American College Personnel Association, and Imagining America.
Program Contacts
