Ed.D. in Higher Education

Become a leader and change agent in higher education. In our hands-on Ed.D. program, you will learn cutting-edge applied research skills and strategies that will help you address issues of equity and social justice in a variety of higher education settings. We incorporate praxis projects into coursework, so you will be able to gain practical knowledge and develop critical self-reflection, leadership, and communication skills.

One of our service-learning components in the doctoral core gives you the opportunity to serve as a consultant for Denver-area colleges and universities, where you will address a real-life issue or concern of executive leadership and create an actionable report for the “client.” We also encourage you to work at internships and promote opportunities to present at national conferences.

In addition to all of this, you will be involved deeply in research. You will work alongside our renowned, award-winning faculty on groundbreaking research as you build your higher education expertise and network of connections with higher education professionals.

Our Ed.D. program is affiliated with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). This means we follow the best practices of the CPED, and provide exceptional coursework and learning opportunities to help you delve deeply into issues, theory, and matters of practice surrounding equity and social responsibility

Applications are currently under review, look for decision emails coming soon!

Applications Open for 2024

Explore Admission Requirements

Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes for the Ed.D. in Higher Education are as follows:

  • Articulate and explain primary theories and models of postsecondary education organization, governance, funding, access and success.
  • Interpret and appraise how public policy and social/political contexts influence postsecondary education settings and outcomes for diverse individuals and groups
  • Distinguish and appraise the significance of postsecondary education as a social institution in U.S. society
  • Identify and critically analyze current trends and persistent problems in postsecondary education
  • Assess and evaluate administrative, organizational and intervention-based practices in postsecondary education contexts
  • Apply theory to practice in postsecondary education settings using evidence-based decision-making and research-based strategies for leadership across multicultural and diverse contexts.

Program Requirements

You’ll need to complete 65-quarter credit hours. You must also complete a comprehensive exam paper and doctoral research project.