Higher Education
The University of Denver's PhD program in higher education allows students to engage in learning experiences that will teach them to support their own students, expand access to education and bring about innovative change. Learn how policy effects higher education as you take the next step in your professional career. At DU's Morgridge College of Education, you'll be involved in research from the outset. On day one you'll begin working directly with a faculty member and continue throughout the entirety of your education. This includes engaging in faculty members' research programs, publishing with faculty members and presenting at national conferences.
In addition to building a lasting relationship with our faculty, you will learn from your peers. Our program hosts students with diverse professional, educational, social and cultural backgrounds and experience. You will be part of an energetic community that shares knowledge and experiences through our quarterly Lunch and Learn series, community events and professional development programming. Through knowledge sharing and experience, you'll build applied research skills and strategies to address concerns of equity, social justice and public good within the context of higher education. You will leave our program with deep expertise and a wide network of higher education professionals.
Build the foundation for a research career in post-secondary education. At Morgridge, you will be highly involved in research from Day one. From day one you will begin working directly with a faculty member and continue throughout the entirety of your coursework; this includes engaging in faculty members’ research programs, presenting at national conferences, and publishing with faculty members.
Through knowledge sharing and experience, you will build cutting-edge applied research skills and strategies to address concerns of equity, social justice, and public good within the context of governance, policy, and outcomes in higher education. You will leave our program with deep expertise and a wide network of higher education professionals.
Learning Outcomes
The program learning outcomes for the Ph.D. in Higher Education are as follows:
- Articulate and apply primary theories and models of postsecondary education organization, governance, funding, access and success.
- 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.
- Demonstrate an area of expertise within the study of postsecondary education
- Develop the ability to conduct independent, original research on a higher education topic.
Program Requirements
To apply to our Ph.D. program, you must have a master’s degree or higher.
Once you are in the program, you will need to complete 90 quarter-credit hours and a comprehensive exam. You must also complete a dissertation. Your dissertation will give you the opportunity to contribute new academic research to a specific concern in higher education.