Doctoral Program (EdD)

Program Mission

The mission of the Higher Education Administration doctoral program is to prepare higher education professionals for advanced leadership positions in a diverse array of post-secondary institutions. The program is driven by a commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, leadership development, and understanding of the role the academy plays in a global society for creating and distributing knowledge.

Program Overview

Individuals currently holding or interested in senior-level leadership positions in higher education will find this program flexible and accommodating to their needs. Students are prepared for advanced leadership positions in a diverse array of post-secondary institutions in academic, student, and administrative affairs.

• Faculty members are accomplished professionals with experience in the field.
• A cohort approach is offered with up to 15 students progressing together through the curriculum.  This fosters a learning community where students challenge and support one another.

  COHORT LOCATION
  
  A new cohort will start on the following semester and location:
  
  Fall 2013
  St. Cloud
  
  Fall 2014
  St. Cloud
  
  Fall 2015
  Twin Cities Graduate Center
  in Maple Grove
  
  *This is subject to change.
• A new cohort starts each fall semester on the St. Cloud campus or at the Twin Cities Graduate Center in Maple Grove. International students may attend the program in either location. 
• A weekend model (Friday evening and all day Saturday) of course delivery makes it a great choice for working professionals. 
• Coursework may be completed in eight semesters.  Completion of the dissertation proposal, research, and final defense vary depending on the student’s research timeline.
• Students usually take two courses per semester (fall, spring, and summer) and concentrate on one course at a time. Each course typically meets three weekends.
• Course learning typically takes place in the classroom allowing students to exchange ideas and build relationships with faculty members and classmates. Some online assignments and hybrid courses may be offered.
• The program infuses internationalization and globalization into the curriculum. In addition, some field excursions are included to provide firsthand observation to discover colleges and universities for academic, social, and cultural enrichment.
• THe program offers courses to discover Universities in the European context with an online course and/or an education abroad opportunity in Italy.
• The program hosts the annual Summer Leadership Institute for women in Higher Education.
• Students select their own dissertation research topic appropriate for their field and choose their advisor and committee members that best fit their research.

Doctoral Students at a Glance:

• Average doctoral class size: 12
• The doctoral program enrollment includes about 43% males and 57% females.
• Percent of students of color in the doctoral program: 36%.
• Doctoral students are 20% aged 20-29, 36% aged 30-39, 30% aged 40-49, and 14% aged 50 or more.
• Our doctoral students possess varied experiences and backgrounds which enrich the classroom.
• Doctoral students come from all around the world with many of them commuting to campus.
• A majority of doctoral students work full-time or part-time and have a career before pursing their doctorate.
• Doctoral students are engaged in research under the advice or in collaboration with faculty members.
• Students and faculty members may present together at a variety of regional, national, and international conferences.
• Doctoral students participate on committees and professional organizations on and off campus.

What is the difference between a Doctor in Education (EdD) degree and a Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) degree?
Both the EdD and PhD doctoral degrees are equal in rigor but are only slightly different in substance. The PhD is research oriented typically for careers as research scholars whereas the EdD is practitioner oriented where theory and research is applied by professionals who work in the field. More details about the differences can be found at: Differences between EdD and PhD.