PhD in Higher Education

Degree Overview

The mission of PhD with an emphasis in Higher Education is to prepare graduates for research and teaching positions (i.e., faculty) positions in higher education programs, centers, and departments, as well as practitioner-leader positions in the variety of institutions and organizations in which postsecondary education plays a central role. More specifically the emphasis area has two concentrations of study: Higher Education Administration and Higher Education Policy.

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree or equivalent
  • A nationally competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score
  • Completed University and ELPA applications
  • Three letters of recommendation (at least 2 of which should be from faculty who instructed or academically advised the applicant)
  • Minimum scores 500/61 paper/computer for TOEFL

Any exceptions to the above must be justified

Degree Requirements

  • PhD candidates shall complete the required 60 hours by selecting courses with their advisors, which will most fully meet their individual needs. At least 16 hours must be taken at the 8000- or 9000-level or above, exclusive of research and independent study hours.
  • Residency. Two 9-hour semesters or three 6-hour semesters. Maximum of 6 semester hours of graduate level graded course work completed at another accredited college or university offering an equivalent degree may be transferred subject to approval by the advisor, the Department Director of Graduate Studies, and the Graduate School.
  • Up to 12 hours earned as a post baccalaureate graduate student at the University of Missouri-Columbia may be applied to the degree pending admission to the program and approval of Higher Education faculty.
  • A dissertation and a final defense will be required of all candidates. PhD students complete comprehensive exams. The format of Comprehensive Examinations may vary, and is determined by students committees.
  • Ph.D. candidates shall complete the required 60 hours by electing courses with their advisors which will most fully meet their individual needs. At least 16 hours must be taken at the 400-level or above with at least 16 hours in professional education.

Course Work

After the Feb 15 deadline-Applicants who intend to be a full-time graduate student and wish to be considered for a University of Missouri Graduate School Fellowship, must indicate their intent to be considered on the departmental application and must have completed and submitted all application materials no later than January 15. More information about the fellowships can be found on the MU Graduate School site.

The following courses must be successfully completed for this degree:

  • 9401-Educational Leadership
  • 9402-Educational Policy Analysis
  • 9403-Organizational Analysis
  • 9404-Inquiry into Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
  • 9481-Teaching and Research Internships
  • Social Theory
  • Research Design
    • Minimum of 3 Research Method Courses (Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for those concentrating in Higher Education Administration, coursework will also include:
  • 9450-Administration and Governance of Higher Education
  • 9451-Higher Education Finance
  • 9452-Overview of Higher Education
  • 9454-Introduction to Postsecondary Law

Application Deadlines

Applications will be reviewed twice annually. For consideration for admission, all application materials must be completed and submitted by the following dates:

  • Fall Semester: January 15
  • Spring Semester: September 15

Notes: To receive full consideration for a departmental graduate assistantship for the following academic year, you should submit your application by January 15. Applicants who intend to be a full-time graduate student and wish to be considered for a University of Missouri Graduate School Fellowship must indicate their intent to be considered on the departmental application and must have completed and submitted all application materials no later than January 15.

How to Apply

Submit the following documentation to:
     Graduate School
     University of Missouri-Columbia
     210 Jesse Hall
     Columbia, MO 65211

University of Missouri-Columbia Graduate School application

  • Graduate Application 
  • PhD Higher Education Application
  • Assistantship Application if interested
  • Current Resume
  • Reference Forms from 3 Individuals
  • Official copy of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts
  • Official GRE score (minimum of 1000 for combined math and verbal sections)
    • Spring 2012 applicants: Please note that starting August 1, 2011, the GRE revised General Test will replace the current GRE General Test.  During the initial few months of offering the revised exam (August through mid-November 2011), ETS will not be reporting test scores. Therefore, in order to have your GRE scores to us to meet most spring application deadlines, you must take the current GRE General Test by July 31.  More information on the revised GRE General Test is available online at http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/know
  • Official TOEFL score (if applicable; minimum scores 500/61 paper/computer)

Submit the following documentation to:

Director of Graduate Studies
Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
202 Hill Hall
Columbia, MO 65211

  • Departmental application form
  • Departmental Graduate Assistantship application form

 

Fees and Financial Aid

Find more information on related fees and financial aid opportunities.

Other Information

For more information about this program contact the ELPA Department by phone at (573) 882-8221 or by e-mail at elpagrad@missouri.edu