Higher Education Doctoral Degree
The doctoral degree in Higher Education is designed to prepare individuals who are capable of analyzing current challenges in higher education, and to manage and lead in a variety of postsecondary settings. The program is built on a solid core of general coursework and offers three distinct concentrations from which to choose: diversity and higher learning, postsecondary public policy, and organization and governance.
Diversity and Higher Learning
Do you have a special interest in teaching and learning in postsecondary settings, adult education teaching and curricular development positions, corporate or diversity training, or proprietary education? The Diversity and Higher Learning concentration is intended for students who are already involved with staff development in colleges and universities; or who are trainers in business, government, not-for-profit agencies and for-profit companies; consultants who provide training; teachers in proprietary institutions; administrators and faculty in two-year and four-year higher education institutions; and those who work with adults in religious, community, or athletic programsis a four-course sequence that focuses on individual and organizational learning, training and development in a diverse and global society. It is important to note that this concentration places a great deal of emphasis on developing critical understanding of the impact that race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and other social identities have on collective and individual learning in organizations. Students who currently work in or intend to pursue careers in multicultural affairs, curriculum development, university instruction, university administration, consulting, or training will find this concentration to be a good fit. This concentration offers four sub-specializations in which to focus study: College Access and Retention, Diversity and Organizational Transformation, Public Policy and Social Change, and Teaching and Learning.
Postsecondary Public Policy
Are you interested in taking part in this rich environment, one which will provide you with unique opportunities to grapple with public policy issues? Denver has one of the largest concentrations of public agencies related to higher education in the country. The state capital, with its legislature and the National Council of State Legislatures, also offer exciting forums for understanding state policy as it relates to higher education. Students who are interested in this concentration complete a four-course public policy sequence which promotes familiarity with the major issues related to federal and state policy regarding higher education. These courses often include as guest speakers policy professionals from the Denver area, who are working in organizations such as the Education Commission of the States, the State Higher Education Executive Officers, and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
Organization and Governance
Do you aspire to or already hold an administrative or managerial position in a college or university setting? The Organization and Governance concentration offers opportunities to learn about the current condition of higher education, administration, curriculum, history, finance and public policy. This concentration is intended for individuals interested in general college or university administration, management, and leadership. Students learn about the current condition of higher education, administration, curriculum, program development and public policy. Internships at DU and other local colleges and universities provide students with an opportunity to apply theory and research to practice.To speak to someone about the Higher Education PhD Program, please call or email our Admissions Office at 303-871-2509 or 1-800-835-1607, edinfo@du.edu.