Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration
The Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration is an applied doctorate with an emphasis on the application of applied knowledge through continued practice and research. The program objectives and outcomes were developed and designed utilizing the NASPA/ACPA Professional Competencies. We further used the competencies to develop the courses needed to transition professionals from intermediate to advanced competencies that best serve students seeking to work in leadership roles.
For more information, please see the Academic Catalog.
The program consists of 60 credit hours.
- 30 credit hours in content areas
- 15 credit hours in applied research courses
- 15 Credit hours in Dissertation
This program aims to teach students how to appropriately and effectively address critical issues in higher education administration through critical analysis and reflective thought, and teach them to understand, analyze, and utilize literature to influence decisions in higher education. Additionally, our students will be able to conduct and review institutional assessments in order to analyze policy and program effectiveness to make informed decisions. Students who graduate this program will be able to understand the intricacies and nuances of higher education finance and advancement. Our students will also be able to identify legal issues and changes that affect practice in higher education. Finally, students will be able to identify personal values and ethics as it influences their professional practice.
Program Location
Online
Method of Delivery
Students enroll in three courses per fall and spring term and 2 courses in the summer for a 2 year period. The courses are delivered via distance technology. Aside from a required on-campus orientation at the beginning of the first summer term prior to fall enrollment, all curricular and extracurricular experiences are managed through distance technology.
Accreditation
The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Credit and transfer
Total semester hours required: 60
A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team (transfer@westga.edu). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.
Graduate students may be able to reduce their cost through prior learning, previous degrees earned at UWG, or transfer credits. We have created a tool to help students estimate their tuition costs.
This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.
Save money
UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.
Details
- Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
- The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
- Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
- Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
- Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
- One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
- For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website
There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.
General
Plan of Study: Higher Education Administration [PDF]
A review of the historical progression of higher education and an introduction into the contemporary issues confronting higher education today with a focus on the relationship between the historical perspectives of higher education and its relationship to current practice.
Review of organizational theories that contribute to the development of human capital and effective operating systems.
Students will study several theoretical perspectives that have gained some credibility and research basis over the last several decades. Literature and theory will be reviewed to inform students of the individual role of leadership and its ability to envision, plan, and affect change in organizations and persons.
Utilizing a historical perspective of higher education, students will review critical issues affecting higher education. Students will think critically about these issues and develop a plan using theory and literature to address a critical issue in higher education.
The literature in higher education is vast and this course is designed to introduce students to that literature in a way that not only informs their practice, but also helps them evaluate the literature from an analytical lens. By reviewing the literature, this course will also afford students the opportunity to begin evaluating resources for the dissertation.
Review and analyze current legal issues and public policy influencing higher education with an emphasis on the method of analysis and interpretation of the legal issue and public policy as it is applied to higher education.
Involves knowledge, skills, and dispositions that connect the values and ethics of the student affairs profession to one's current professional practice.
Consideration of the process and goal for including knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to create learning environments that foster equitable participation of all groups in a higher education setting while seeking to address and acknowledge the issues of oppression, privilege, and power.
The development and management of finances, capital projects, and university advancement is the focus of this course. Budget development and project management is also included.
Application of organizational theory as it relates to the governance structure of higher education. Governance topics include, but are not limited to, various reporting structures in the world as it relates to governance of higher education, human capital, formal evaluation of staff, and use of physical resources to enhance current organizational structures in higher education.
Enrollment management strategies and theories in higher education that facilitate practice in the areas of retention, progression, and graduation.
This course focuses on the use of qualitative methods of research, including theoretical perspectives and methods of collection and analysis of qualitative data sources relevant to a higher education environment. It emphasizes analysis of work samples, observations, inquiry data, artifacts, and other sources of data. Students become skilled at using methods of qualitative research to evaluate issues in colleges and universities. In addition, students examine strategies for thematic and other forms of analysis of observational and inquiry data.
This course introduces the graduate student to basic methods of empirical inquiry used in higher education. Quantitative research designs commonly used in higher education are emphasized. Students will learn how to select samples, identify appropriate measurement instruments, analyze data descriptively, and apply a variety of inferential statistical tests to answer research questions.
Utilizing content from previous research courses, this class will emphasize the application of research practices to higher education utilizing qualitative and quantitative research designs.
Interpreting data sets as they relate to colleges and universities will be analyzed as well as strategies that determine whether programs are effective in meeting their stated goals and objectives.
Individual inquiry on a research problem consisting of a plan for data collection and analysis, as well as, critical review, integration and interpretation of research literature for the dissertation.
The dissertation experience requires the designing and conducting of an independent scholarly inquiry guided by a faculty dissertation committee.
Jesse Brock
Assistant Professor
Tommy Jackson, JD, Ph.D., MBA, MPA
Assistant Department Chair and Assistant Professor
Guidelines for Admittance
- All graduate applicants must complete the online Graduate Application. A one-time application fee of $40 is required.
- Applicants should also review the Graduate Studies Website for individual program specific requirements and tasks that must be completed prior to admission. See Graduate Studies Application Process.
- International applicants are subject to additional requirements and application deadlines. See Procedures for International Students.
Program Specific Admittance Guidelines
- All applicants to the Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration must have a Master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all graduate coursework.
- We also prefer 3-5 years of supervisory or budgetary full-time professional experience in a higher education setting.
- Official transcripts from all schools that have conferred degrees (Bachelor's, Master's, etc.) are required and should be sent directly to the UWG Graduate Admissions Office.
- Writing Sample: In 2-3 double spaced pages, discuss with references a current issue facing higher education.
- Personal Statement: Letter of intent articulating professional goals and reasons for applying to the program.
- Curriculum Vitae
- 3 Letters of Support from:
- Previous faculty member
- Direct supervisor
- A reference of the applicant's choosing unrelated to the applicant
- The Electronic Recommendation Request forms will be available after your application has been submitted online.
- Interview with faculty
Contact
Graduate Admissions
graduate@westga.edu
678-839-1394
College of Education
Dr. Ryan Bronkema
rbronkem@westga.edu
This program admits for the Fall semester only each year. Application deadlines can be found on the Deadlines page.
The program is designed to increase participants’ knowledge of college and university administration, leadership, finance management, and their overall ability to address and solve critical issues in higher education.
This program aims to teach students how to appropriately and effectively address critical issues in higher education administration through critical analysis and reflective though, and teach them to understand, analyze, and utilize literature to influence decisions in higher education. Additionally, our students will be able to conduct and review institutional assessments in order to analyze policy and program effectiveness to make informed decisions. Students who graduate this program should be able to understand the intricacies and nuances of higher education finance and advancement. Our students will also be able to identify legal issues and changes that affect practice in higher education. Finally, students will be able to identify personal values and ethics as it influences their professional practice.